Vehicle Description
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!
