During the 1980s and 1990s, Ford made frequent use of its slogan, “Have you driven a Ford lately?” as a way to highlight new models and invite people to rediscover the brand. But that phrase went back to the 1950s, and maybe even beyond. The Pick of the Day was marketed using similar language. It’s a 1955 Ford Fairlane Crown Victoria listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Novato, California.
The Crown Victoria served the flagship trim for the full-sized Fairlane lineup, and advertisements gave the high-class car plenty of recognition. One said, “Every inch a queen. With Ford’s Luxury-Lounge interiors for your throne-room, you’ll rule the road.” At the bottom of the page, it said, “Have you driven one … lately?” Of course, Ford’s primary competition at the time was coming from Chevrolet and, for 1955, Chevrolet did end up beating Ford in sales by moving 1.7 million cars compared to Ford’s 1.4 million. So, even clever marketing strategies weren’t quite enough to put Ford out in front.
This striking two-tone “Crown Vic” is said to be in top-notch condition, according to the seller. The listing says, “This vehicle was purchased by the current owner on August 26, 1976. The odometer read 50,070 miles at that time,” the listing says. “The current odometer reads 58,757. This means that the current owner has driven the car 8,687 miles in the last 49 years.”
One of the unique – and easy to spot – exterior features of the Crown Victoria was its “basket handle” chrome trim on the roof, a visual element that split the roof into front and rear sections. Other features for this car include chrome brightwork, a spotlight, a driver side mirror, an antenna, rear wheel skirts, and wide whitewall tires. It’s no wonder the car has been an award-winner, since it has such a nicely presented exterior. “During the time of ownership, the car won third place in Silverado Concours d’ Elegance in 1989, 1992, and in 1998, but displayed since. Those ribbons are available,” the seller says.
For 1955, there were two available Y-block V8 engines (at 272ci and 292ci) available in addition to the standard 223ci-inline-six. The listing says, “This vehicle has been maintained by the same mechanic in Novato, California since February 1995.” The car was converted to a 12-volt electrical system, and the engine has been rebuilt. The listing includes a video that demonstrates operation of some of the electrical functions.
Are you ready to drive around feeling like royalty? The asking price is $34,900 or best offer, which includes a shop manual, an owner’s manual, and a car cover.
Click here to view this Pick of the Day on ClassicCars.com
