1955 Ford Facts: Resources

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• Ford Fairlane
• Ford Customline
• Ford Mainline
• Ford Station Wagons

1955 Ford Facts – Body Paint Color Mix Codes

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1955 Ford

1955 Ford Facts and Specifications

General Year Information – 1955 Ford Cars

The line received new styling for 1955 to keep up with Chevrolet and Plymouth, though it remained similar to the 1952 Ford underneath. The Mileage Maker I-6 was increased to 223 CID for 120 HP, and the Y-block V-8 was now available in two sizes: Standard Fords received a 272 CID version with 162 HP with a 2-barrel carburetor and single exhaust or 182 HP with 4-barrel carburetor and dual exhaust, and a larger 292 CID unit from the Thunderbird was the top dog, with a 4-barrel carburetor and dual exhausts for 193 HP.

The new Fairlane, replaced the Crestline as the top trim level, while a new “Crown Victoria” hardtop featured a stainless bar across roof called by some a “basket handle”, and at the same time, the familiar “Victoria” standard hardtop roof continued. The company now marketed three different roof lines on its two-door models; the tall two-pillar Mainline, Customline, and Fairlane sedans, pillarless hardtop Fairlane Victoria and the chrome-pillar Fairlane Crown Victoria. The Fairlane Crown Victoria was also offered with a transparent “skylight” top as an option. New 11-inch brakes were fitted. While the wheelbase and front and rear tread remained, Fords had a new frame, but still with five cross members.

The Fords introduced for 1955 also featured “wrap around” panoramic windshields that GM had introduced in the previous year. This windshield’s A-pillars had a vertical angle that gave the driver more forward 3/4 visibility. For the first time, Ford offered seat belts as a dealer option.

Also new for 1955 was the line’s first factory installed air conditioning system. This was the modern approach originally designed by Nash-Kelvinator for AMC cars. The “Select Aire” option featured an integrated heater core and evaporator coil unit within the dash and cold air discharge vents located on top of the dash on either side of the radio speaker. The condenser was mounted in front of the radiator as in today’s cars.

The 1955 Fords were marketed in three trim levels: Ford Mainline, Ford Customline and Ford Fairlane. Station wagons were offered as a separate series for the first time for 1955. The Ranch Wagon and Custom Ranch Wagon were 2 door wagons while the Country Sedan and Country Squire models were 4 door wagons, the latter featuring wooden appliqué side moldings. A sedan delivery variant was marketed as the Ford Courier.

1955 Ford Facts – Engine Options

• • 272 CID “Power Pack” V-8 for Mainline and Customline added to V-8 price, not available on I-6 line ($35).
  • 292 CID V-8 on all lines – added to V-8 price, not available on I-6 model line.

1955 Ford Facts – Power Train Options

• Transmissions
  • Three speed manual was standard equipment.
  • Three-speed with automatic overdrive was optional. Approximate drive ratio: 0.70:1. Manual control below instrument panel.
  • Ford-o-Matic automatic transmission was optional.
• Rear Axle Ratios:
  • Six-cylinder rear axle ratios:
    • Ford-o-Matic – 3.30:1; optional – 3.55:1; Station Wagons – 3.54:1.
    • Manual transmission – 3.89:1; optional – 4.11:1; Station Wagons – 4.09:1; optional – 4.27:1.
    • Overdrive – 4.11:1; optional – 3.89:1.
  • V-8 rear axle ratios:
    • Ford-o-Matic – 3.30:1; optional – 3.55:1; Station Wagons – 3.54:1.
    • Manual transmission – 3.78:1; optional – 3.89:1; Station Wagons – 4.09:1; optional – 4.27:1.
    • Overdrive 3.89:1; optional – 3.73:1.

1955 Ford Facts – Significant Options

Prices where known

• • Chrome engine dress-up kit ($25).
  • Continental tire kit.
  • Ford-O­-Matic transmission ($178).
  • Front and rear bumper guards.
  • Full wheel discs.
  • Grille guard package. Rear guard package.
  • Heater ($71).
  • Life-Guard safety equipment.
  • Overdrive transmission ($110).
  • Power brakes ($32).
  • Power seat ($64).
  • Power Steering ($91).
  • Power windows ($102).
  • Radio ($100).
  • Rear fender shields.
  • Rear mount radio antenna.
  • Tinted glass.
  • Tinted windshield.
  • Two­ tone paint finish.
  • White sidewall tires.
  • Windshield washers ($10).
  • Wire wheel covers ($35).