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1955 Ford Fairlane: The Crown Jewel of Mid-Fifties Americana

The 1955 Ford Fairlane emerged as a beacon of post-war optimism, capturing the hearts of the American public with its gleaming chrome and jet-age styling. Born from the assembly lines of the venerable Ford Motor Company, this vehicle represented more than just transportation; it was a symbol of prosperity and technological progress. The Fairlane arrived at a time when America was transitioning from the austerity of wartime to an era of unprecedented consumerism, and its design reflected this cultural shift. Among its many claims to fame, the Fairlane was the car that introduced Ford's iconic 'Thunderbird' V8 engine, setting a new standard for power and performance in the industry.

Design and Innovation: A Reflection of the Era

The exterior of the 1955 Ford Fairlane was a masterpiece of mid-century design, with sweeping lines and a bold front grille that exuded confidence. The car's long, low silhouette was punctuated by distinctive chrome side trim that traced its flanks, ending in a pair of sleek tailfins. Inside, passengers were treated to an interior that showcased Ford's commitment to quality and comfort. Upholstery options ranged from practical cloth to luxurious vinyl and leather, with color-coordinated dashboards and door panels completing the look. Technologically, the Fairlane was ahead of its time, featuring innovations like power steering and Fordomatic automatic transmission. Buyers could choose from a palette of eye-catching colors, including two-tones that accentuated the car's dynamic shape. The Fairlane came in several body styles, but it was the Crown Victoria coupe—with its distinctive glass roof—that remains the most iconic.

Historical Significance: Setting Industry Benchmarks

The 1955 Ford Fairlane didn't just follow trends—it set them. Its introduction of the Thunderbird V8 engine not only gave it a performance edge over many competitors but also signaled a new direction for American carmakers, where power became as important as style. The Fairlane's success on showroom floors helped solidify Ford's position in an increasingly competitive market and influenced automotive design for years to come.

Performance and Handling: A Smooth Operator

Underneath its stylish exterior, the 1955 Fairlane packed a punch. With a top speed approaching 100 mph and capable acceleration figures for its time, it balanced performance with everyday usability. The ride was smooth and composed thanks to thoughtful engineering and suspension design. Drivers often remarked on the quiet purr of its engine and how it provided a sense of control without sacrificing comfort—even when navigating less-than-perfect road conditions.

Ownership Experience: More Than Just A Pretty Face

The Fairlane found favor not only as a family car but also as a status symbol that could turn heads at local drive-ins or dazzle spectators at auto shows. Its reliability made it an excellent daily driver while enthusiasts appreciated its potential for customization and racing. Maintenance was straightforward by today's standards, making it an accessible piece of automotive history for collectors and hobbyists alike.

Fun Facts: From Hollywood to Main Street

The 1955 Ford Fairlane has graced both the silver screen and celebrity garages, adding to its storied legacy. While some critics may have bemoaned its fuel consumption or sheer size by modern standards, these aspects were part of what made it so emblematic of its time. It held records in sales for Ford and became an indelible part of 1950s Americana.

Collector's Information: A Coveted Classic

Today, the 1955 Ford Fairlane is a sought-after classic car with values ranging widely based on condition, originality, and specific model variant. Estimates suggest that hundreds of thousands were produced across all body styles; however, survivors in pristine condition are considerably rarer. Values have generally appreciated over time, with prime examples fetching anywhere from $20,000 to well over $50,000 depending on their provenance and rarity.

Conclusion: An Enduring Legacy

The 1955 Ford Fairlane stands as a testament to an era when cars were more than just machines—they were statements about who we were and where we were going as a society. Its blend of style, innovation, and performance has cemented its place in automotive history as one of the most significant vehicles to roll out of Detroit's golden age.

1955 Ford Fairlane Spring and Shackle Bushing. 7/8" bottom O.D-BN 19Spring and Shackle Bushing. 7/8" bottom O.D. X 1-1/4" high, with 1/2" I.D. Each

1955 Ford Fairlane Stabilizer Bar Bushing. 1-1/2" high, 3/4" I.D. Pair-BN 27Stabilizer Bar Bushing. 1-1/2" high, 3/4" I.D. Pair

1955 Ford Fairlane Shock Absorber Grommet. 1" bottom O.D-BN 6Shock Absorber Grommet. 1" bottom O.D. X 1/2" high, with 3/8" I.D. Each

1955 Ford Fairlane Clutch and Brake Pedal Pads-CB 90-BClutch and Brake Pedal Pads. For models with standard transmission. 2-1/4" wide X 3-1/4" long. Pair

1955 Ford Fairlane Brake Pedal Pad. Correct reproduction of a difficult part-CB 90-CBrake Pedal Pad. Correct reproduction of a difficult part. 2-1/2" wide X 4-1/2" long. Each

1955 Ford Fairlane Hood Bumper. Each-HF 8Hood Bumper. Each

1955 Ford Fairlane Trunk Lock Pad. 1-3/8" wide X 2-1/4" long. Each-MP 693-BTrunk Lock Pad. 1-3/8" wide X 2-1/4" long. Each

1955 Ford Fairlane Door Handle Pads. 2-1/2" long & 1-1/2" long. Set R&L-MP 716Door Handle Pads. 2-1/2" long & 1-1/2" long. Set R&L

1955 Ford Fairlane Tail-light Pads. 8" O.D. Pair-MP 717-ATail-light Pads. 8" O.D. Pair

1955 Ford Fairlane Trunk Antenna Base Pad. 1-1/2" wide X 8" long. Each-MP 730-FTrunk Antenna Base Pad. 1-1/2" wide X 8" long. Each

1955 Ford Fairlane Mirror Pad. 1-1/2" wide X 7-5/8" long. Each-MP 996-EMirror Pad. 1-1/2" wide X 7-5/8" long. Each

1955 Ford Fairlane Mirror-on-door mounting pad. Fits models with 6-3/8 in-MP 996-RMirror-on-door mounting pad. Fits models with 6-3/8 in. long mirror base. 1-1/2 in. W x 6-5/8 in. L. Each.

1955 Ford Fairlane Clutch and Brake Arm Bumpers. Top quality reproduction-RP 31-KClutch and Brake Arm Bumpers. Top quality reproduction. Pair

1955 Ford Fairlane Spark Plug Wire Retainer Grommet. Each-SM 30-BSpark Plug Wire Retainer Grommet. Each

1955 Ford Fairlane Trunk Drain Grommets. Set of four-SMK 64-ITrunk Drain Grommets. Set of four

1955 Ford Fairlane Trunk Seal. Each-TK 42-18Trunk Seal. Each

1955 Ford Fairlane Rear roll-up Seal. Two 18" sections sliced into metal track-VS 4Rear roll-up Seal. Two 18" sections sliced into metal track. this foot with no steel insert. Pair

1955 Ford Fairlane Vertical Seals for Vent Window. Each piece is 17" long-VS 6Vertical Seals for Vent Window. Each piece is 17" long. Pair

1955 Ford Fairlane Vertical Seal for Vent Window. Sold by the foot.-VS 6/FTVertical Seal for Vent Window. Sold by the foot.

1955 Ford Fairlane Flexible window sweeper. Made with stainless steel bead-WC 7-96Flexible window sweeper. Made with stainless steel bead. 96 in. long. Each. NOTE: $20 special shipping charge applies for domestic orders. Call or email for overseas shipping costs. Part can be sectioned in two or three equal lengths to reduce overseas shipping costs.