Old Cars Reader Wheels: 1955 Ford Fairlane Sunliner convertible

"The 1955 Ford Sunliner has always been my favorite 1950’s Ford model, and at the ripe old age of 64 I was finally able to find one I loved. It also has some sentimental value to me because it was the car that my big brother drove me to my first drive-in restaurant back in 1964 at Bob’s Big Boy in Burbank California. It’s finished in that two-tone “Bumble-Bee” combination of Goldenrod Yellow and Raven Black, which are the colors it had when it came from the factory in 1955.

No “Ford-O-Matic” transmission here. Under the hood is a 272 c.i.d. V8 that’s paired with a 3-speed manual on the column with overdrive… old school, just like I wanted, and my intention is to keep her as close to original as possible. Since I purchased the car last year, I’ve made a number of mechanical repairs, such as replacing the clutch, repairing the overdrive, upgrading the ignition system, and some minor re-wiring. I’ve also replaced some of the basics like the battery (6V), voltage regulator and a few wiring harnesses. I just put in some new shocks and motor mounts too. She rides real smooth and she’s running like a charm. Cheers!

Now, with Covid putting a damper on shows and gatherings, it’s been hard to get out there and show the car the way I’d like to but I look forward to a great 2021 where I can finally get out and enjoy the fruits of my labor."