1955 Ford Sunliner Convertible
For consignment, a 1955 Ford Sunliner convertible with a 351ci V8, a continental kit, and familiar looks. In a print ad from the time, the Sunliner was promoted as a four passenger Thunderbird. "First it warms your heart, (that Thunderbird styling!), then it reads your mind, (that Trigger-Torque power!)", referring to the engine that "replies to your driving demands with split second agility.".
Exterior
A restored body includes extensive stainless work including the distinctive V-shaped midline trim piece which reaches up and hugs the top of the front fenders. Hooded headlights and the long, flat rear deck do conjure up Thunderbird styling though the body, dressed in Aquatone Blue two stage paint, is taller and wider than a Thunderbird. Slab sided rear quarter panels are a mile long and the blue is broken by the midline trim and a piece that rides the top of the fender, then dips forward to allow for a panel of Snowshoe White paint which creates a defined cabin area. Fender skirts and the extended bumper for the Continental kit create a rear section that trails the standard Fairlane front half. The metal looks fantastic from the chrome bumpers to the hard case of the spare to the bright work and window frames. A newer canvas top has a plastic window that is crystal clear and the hubcaps on the 15-inch wheels are in great shape as well. The paint is very nice and the only imperfection we could find were a couple of small bubbles in the paint.
Interior
Meridian Turquoise and white are patterned on the door panels with a painted header and vinyl inserts in smooth and tuck and roll pattern with some discoloration and usage stains on both. The metal trim piece is not as good inside and they are outside, but they're all there, fully intact, and the patterns flow through to the back seats where it lines the walls. A split bench seat up front in white vinyl with turquoise inserts and while not pristine, present very nicely. The rear bench mirrors the condition and retains the unique styling cue of a V-shaped center trim piece which the seats contour around. A white rimmed billet steering wheel shares a column with the shifter and fronts the classic two tone dash where some custom billet knobs have been added below the arching speedometer. There is also a chrome rimmed tachometer where vent controls would have been in a round bezel but the radio tuner and clock in the adjoining circles are original, and the radio masks the new FM capability. A pod of four white faced gauges is mounted under the dash to monitor engine functions while the Ford emblazoned glove box in front of the passenger looks great. A textured rubber mat covers the floor and the underside of the convertible top, and its rails are in good condition. The trunk is lined with a plaid mat and houses a spare on steel wheel.
Drivetrain
A very clean engine greets us as we open the hood, decked out with chrome Ford Motorsport valve covers and air filter cover. This is a 351ci Windsor V8 with a 4-barrel carburetor and a C6 3-speed automatic transmission sending power to the Ford 9" rear. The Sunliner is now equipped with power brakes, disc in front and drums in the rear. The car now runs a 12 volt electrical system.
Undercarriage
Overall, the underside is in nice condition and clean with typical surface rust and some residual oil on the rear differential, oil pan, and a crossmember. Dual exhaust flows into bright red Cherrybomb mufflers and then find their way to chrome tips out the back. The front/back configuration of coil springs and leaf springs holds true with this old Ford, and an X-frame covers a good portion of the undercarriage.
Drive-Ability
The trusty 351 fired up and bellowed from the Cherrybombs with a healthy rumble far behind us with exhaust tips that stretch beyond the extended bumper. Smooth sailing as we tackled the test loop with decent acceleration, straight tracking, and typical body roll on sharper turns. Operationally, the A/C is not working, nor is the clock and power top. All other functions, including the myriad of gauges, work as intended. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at the time of your purchase.
Two toned class on wheels with spectacular metal work and paint, and an interior that is complete, attractive, and a combination of old school goodness and modern technology. This long car is a stunning piece of American ingenuity and a classic 1950's piece of rolling art. If you're in the market for a Fairlane or Crown Vic from the era, consider this fine Sunliner.
M5RC147498
M-272ci 4bbl 162hp V8
5-1955
R-San Jose, CA Assy Plant
C-Sunliner
147498-Sequential Unit Number
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy listening. You can also watch on YouTube!
