1955 Ford Fairlane Town Sedan

Description

The full-size Fairlane model made its debut in 1955, coinciding with the original Thunderbird's introduction. These luxurious vehicles played a significant role in Ford achieving its highest sales figures since 1923. The Fairlanes were available in various body styles, all six of which had a chrome "Fairlane stripe" along the length of the car. They were powered by either a 223 cu-in straight-six, 272 cu-in V8, or the top-of-the-line 292 cu-in "Thunderbird V8." Beloved for their unique 1950s styling and captivating color schemes, Fairlanes are highly sought after today for weekend cruises and attention at local car shows. 

Highlights 

• The first model year of the Ford Fairlane featuring iconic first-generation styling (1955-1956), complete with rear fender skirts 

• Powered by a 272 cu-in V8 with a two-barrel carburetor and a three-speed manual transmission with factory overdrive 

• Reported to retain its original engine, transmission, glass, and interior 

• Repainted in Pinetree Green and Neptune Green in 2005 

• The points were replaced, and an engine oil and filter change was performed in December 2023 

• 15 inch wheels with full stainless-steel wheel covers and wide white wall tires 

• The chassis number, U5PT174689, decodes as:  

  • U – 272 cu-in V8 with a two barrel carb 

  • 5 – 1955 model year 

  • P - St. Paul, Minnesota assembly plant 

  • T - Fairlane 

  • 174689 

• The trim codes decode as the following: 

  • 73C – Fordor sedan 

  • F – Pinetree Green 

  • AR - Dark Turquoise cloth and medium Turquoise bodycloth 

  • 14F – 14 June production date 

  • 438C – Scheduled item number from production 

• Please note that while the five-digit odometer shows just under 56,000 miles at the time of listing, the true mileage is unknown 

Features 

• Magic Aire heating and ventilation system 

• Chrome bumpers 

• Body-colored dashboard 

• Dash mounted clock 

• Column mounted shifter 

• Locking glove box 

• Pivoting vent windows 

• Crank windows 

• Dual sun visors 

• Four-wheel drum brakes 

• Dual chrome side view mirrors 

• Aluminum door sill trim 

• Door-activated dome light 

Known Imperfections 

• A highly original and honest example worthy of continued preservation 

• Wear on the front seats with an aftermarket cover on the bottom cushion 

• Staining of the headliner 

• Paint chips 

• The current owner reports that suspension bushings and the bias ply tires would benefit from replacement 

Included 

• Full sized spare 

Ownership History 

The current owner of this 1955 Ford Fairlane Town Sedan acquired the car in 1978 from their relative, the original owner. Shortly after the previous owner bought the car, they took it on a road trip to California for their 25th wedding anniversary and used it sparingly as part of their collection of about 20 Ford and Lincolns.