Ford was hitting on all eight cylinders in 1955, having just introduced the wonderful Thunderbird and rolling out the brilliant Crown Victoria. The Crown Vic was Ford's top-of-the-line, easily identified by its bright strip of trim spanning the roof and dramatic side spears that divided the popular two-tone color schemes.
Don't be fooled by the shiny aftermarket wheels, this lovely first-year Crown Vic is just a rolling stock change away from stock. Nicely rendered in Colonial White and Torch Red, is a wonderful example of the breed. The 1955 Fords are widely admired as the perfect blend of early '50s restraint and the flamboyance that was to end the decade. The restoration is a few years old, but the car will still stop people in their tracks, and is like a one-car parade anywhere you go. The paint work was obviously well done at the time, and has been well maintained ever since it was completed, with a great shine and few minor signs of use. The stainless steel "tiara" that identifies a Crown Vic has been restored to a nice shine along with the rest of the trim, which was most likely a very expensive process, and panel fit is about what you could have received on the showroom floor in 1955. If you want to get noticed, this is a great way to do it.
The handsome two-tone interior is classic 1950s design. Red and white vinyl on the seats is a traditional look, of course, but the accents on the front seat and dashboard give this Crown Vic the same bright flavor as the exterior. Beautifully finished and showing almost no wear, the front bench is comfortable enough for long-distance cruises, and the back seat will carry three in comfort, or preferably two with a center armrest. Dark red carpets use the correct weave, and are protected by matching mats so it'll stay fresh-looking for years to come. The gauges are in good condition, including the cool speedometer with the plexiglass window, and the three round pods housing HVAC controls, the factory AM radio, and the clock are a cool exercise in design. The trunk looks authentic, too, carrying a reproduction mat and a full-sized spare and a new radial tire. While not quite as slick as the all-new Thunderbird was in 1955, this Crown Vic is an undeniably cool way to cruise if you're a Ford fan.
Speaking of the Thunderbird, this Crown Vic also carries the optional 292 cubic inch "Thunderbird Special" V8, which has been fully rebuilt and runs well. From the open element air cleaner to the unique cast iron exhaust manifolds, it has been nicely finished to look authentic. There's Ford Red paint on the block, a 4-barrel carburetor, painted valve covers, and a thick radiator up front keeping it all cool. It spins a Ford-O-Matic automatic transmission that clicks through the gears easily. The undercarriage shows off a dual exhaust system with glasspack-style mufflers for that '50s sound, and modern shocks mean you can cruise without worries. The big, flashy 18-inch Rev wheels aren't exactly subtle, but with all the built '55 Chevys running around, you can't blame a Ford guy for wanting a little attention.
With dramatic styling and superb road manners, this 1955 Crown Vic may just be the best Ford of the '50s. Call today!