While the 1960s Fairlane is known for its high-performance credentials (especially when fitted with the R-code 427-cubic-inch V8), the original full-size version is perhaps more famous for introducing the Crown Victoria and 500 nameplates. But that’s not to say that it wasn’t involved in racing.
The 1950s Fairlane was a common sight in NASCAR, and some of them were also modified for drag racing. The 1955 two-door sedan you see here is one of those cars. Reportedly parked for decades, it still sports a racing livery, while the hood still hides the powerplant that made it run fast across the quarter-mile.
The Fairlane surfaced in Fayetteville, Arkansas, with the seller describing it as a barn find. It’s unclear how long it’s been in storage, but he says he “was told” that the engine has not run since 1972. Additionally, some paperwork suggests that it may have been titled for the last time in 1967. Well, I guess it’s safe to say that it may have been sitting for at least 50 years.
Unsurprisingly, the livery is weathered, and the body shows some rust in places. But it’s still in solid condition overall, especially for a vehicle that hasn’t been maintained in decades. The interior has seen better days, but it’s still complete. Being an old-school drag racer, the Fairlane doesn’t have the type of gear you’d expect in a more modern race car (like a roll cage).
The livery states that the engine was built by a guy named John Mahoney, and, indeed, the powerplant is not your average 1955 Fairlane V8. It’s a Y-block, which was indeed available in 1955, but its 312-cubic-inch (5.1-liter) displacement makes it incorrect for 1955. This version was introduced a year later.
Moreover, the engine is loaded with performance parts, including an Iskenderian cam, custom headers, and a triple carburetor setup. The latter wasn’t available on the Fairlane from the factory. The intake appears to be an Offenhauser unit, which was a common choice for drag racers at the time.
The powerplant mates with a Muncie four-speed manual transmission and a Dana 44 rear end. The Mickey Thompson rear wheels are reportedly original. Unfortunately, the engine doesn’t run, and the seller hasn’t attempted to revive it. But the V8 turns over, which could mean that it’s salvageable without a full rebuild.
The car’s odometer reads only 7,854 miles, but there’s no confirmation whether it’s original or not. The odometer may have turned over once if the car was driven on public roads. On the flip side, it may be one of those vehicles that moved only one quarter-mile at the time. A trophy that comes with the car suggests that the Fairlane remained active at least until 1964.
Although it may not be the most desirable classic dragster out there, this 1955 Fairlane is a cool piece of racing history. If it’s something you’d restore or revive as a survivor, the seller wants $10,000 to let it go. What’s your take on the price?
