Frame Up Restored Sunliner Convertible 289 V8 C6 3 Speed Automatic

1955 was a banner year for American automobile manufacturers as over 7-million American vehicles left the factory. For Ford motor company, 1955 would bring a familiar statistic that saw them once again finish 2nd behind the Chevy juggernaut, being outsold by nearly 250,000 units. However in one key demographic they did claim a huge victory – Convertibles. In 1955, Ford outsold Chevrolet convertibles by over 8,000 units, selling over 49,000 convertibles to Chevrolet's 41,000. This 1955 Ford Fairlane Sunliner is a pristine example why these were the go-to choice for car enthusiasts in the late 50's.

The Fairlane, which received its name from the Henry Ford estate near Dearborn, Michigan, replaced the aging Crestline as Ford's premier full size offering in 1955. This 1955 Ford Fairlane Sunliner has received a frame up restoration to sit in the current condition that you see today and is the perfect vehicle to take out on a nice warm summer day with the top down. It has received all the upgrades you would want to create a durable cruiser, while keeping the historic look of the vehicle intact. Before we get too far lets decode the VIN and body tag information.

VIN/Serial number: U5LC-179017
• U: 272ci 2-barrel V8.
• 5: 1955
• L: Assembled in Long Beach, CA
• C: Convertible, Sunliner
• 179017: Production sequence
• Body: 76B – Fairlane Sunliner convertible
• Color: A – Raven Black
• Trim: L – White/Red vinyl interior
• Production Code: 5h-215 – Assembled on August 5th and 215 in the production sequence

This first year Fairlane Sunliner is covered in a correct coat of Raven Black and a light shade of red. The combination that is separated by chrome trim looks fantastic under our showroom lights. At the front of the body you have the iconic look of the checkered grille that is flanked by stacked headlights resting on the front of the fender. Below the grille is a body width chrome front bumper that wraps around the front fenders. Above the grille is the Ford crest which hangs in-between a brand new hood ornament and Fairlane text. The hood leads your eyes to a wraparound front windshield. Down the sides of the body feature the signature 'check' chrome trim that separates the red and black. At the back of the car you'll notice fender skirts on the rear tire openings and the jet-tube rear taillights. Finishing off the look, the rear chrome bumper protrudes just far enough to make room for a spare tire.

While this Fairlane did leave the factory with a 272 cubic inch V8, somewhere along the line someone opted to add 17 cubic inches of engine inside the Sunliner by equipping it with a 289ci small block Ford V8. The block, painted in red, accents the black engine bay quite nicely. At the top of the block, an air filter sits on top of an Edelbrock 4-barrel carburetor and below that is an Edelbrock intake. The valve covers have been dressed up with Ford Racing valve covers. The air filter box has been painted to match the red on the car. And there's an old school, 6-volt electrical system to keep step with authenticity.

Put this Fairlane on a lift and you'll see that bolted to the durable little 289 is a 3-speed automatic transmission. As far as suspension goes, the Fairlane uses a double a-arm style front suspension and a rear leaf spring suspension. Under the car you will also notice how spent gasses travel out the cast iron headers through dual exhausts that exit out the chrome tips at the back of the car. 4-wheel drum brakes are responsible for slowing the convertible. While in front of those brakes are the steel rims that have full chrome inserts wrapped in wide white wall tires.

This Sunliner is impressive regardless of where you look, but the interior might just be the true winner of this ride. Open the door to this '55 Ford and you will reveal a completely restored two-tone white and black vinyl interior. The interior features two bench seats capable of comfortably hauling six people to your local car show. Up front is the new for 1955 dash design that retained the see-through “astra-dial” speedometer that made an appearance in 1954. To the right of the steering wheel are the controls for the Ford Magic Aire system and the AM radio. Luckily the previous owner upgraded the sound system with a Kenwood audio system that is somewhat hidden under the dash. The interior is comfortable and is a perfect place to log miles from with the top down.

Included in the sale of this gorgeous '55 convertible is the owner's manual, spare set of keys, and manual for the upgraded stereo.

The summer months are quickly approaching, so if you are looking for a gorgeous cruiser to take on the open roads with the top down to your local car show, then this is the Sunliner you have been looking for. The '55 Ford is a near perfect example why they were able to outsell Chevrolets by over 8,000 units. It features unique styling, a durable proven power plant, and a gorgeous interior. Don't miss your opportunity to own this Fairlane.