One of the features that has become common on modern-day luxury vehicles is a panoramic sunroof. Sometimes the glass roof panels are fixed, and in other cases, they slide open for an airy driving experience. But Ford was way ahead of the pano-roof game with some of its mid-1950s models.
The Pick of the Day is a 1955 Ford Fairlane Crown Victoria listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Austin, Texas. (Click the link to view the listing)
The most unique feature of this Fairlane is its “Sky View” transparent roof which serves as a sort of precursor today’s modern panoramic roofs. It covers everything forward of the B-pillar and was made of a green-tinted, quarter-inch thick acrylic. Contrary to popular misconception, it is not glass (nor Plexiglas). Along with the roof came a nylon curtain with zipper fasteners and adjustable fitment.
“Fantastic inside and out,” the seller says about the car’s condition. The aesthetic screams 1950s style, thanks to the two-tone turquoise paint scheme and wide-whitewall tires. On top of that, there is generous brightwork from nose to tail including rocker moldings, swooping bodyside trim, dual sideview mirrors, and a prominent hood ornament.
Included in the listing is a photo of the trim tag. It classifies this Ford as a 64B (“transparent top”), which lines up with the car’s current form. However, the color says code AE (Raven Black and Snowshoe White) along with an interior trim code of AT (White vinyl and Black bodycloth). This could mean that the car received a color-change during restoration. Regardless, based on the photos it looks like high-quality work.
The color theme continues to the cabin where the upholstery has been redone in turquoise vinyl with patterned cloth inserts. I am particularly intrigued by the control panel for the Ford “Magic Aire” climate control system. There are levers for temperature and blower speed, but I might need a tutorial on whatever else is going on there.
“Starts and runs great,” the listing says regarding the powertrain. Torque comes from a 272cid Y-block V8 mated to a Fordomatic transmission, and the engine breathes through an oil bath air cleaner which is shown in the photo gallery.
If you are eager to feel a little sunshine on your head but don’t want to spring for a full-blown convertible, perhaps a Crown Victoria with a Sky View transparent roof is just the ticket!
The asking price is $64,000.
To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.
I had a ’55 Victoria, same car without the crown. My 2nd car in 1963. Same 272 V8 with a three speed replacing the Ford-O-Matic, plus a Carter AFB carburetor. Raven Black & Snowshoe white. Pretty much an 8 YO hot rod at that point. A good strong runner though – plus mine had power windows LOL! 1960 Dodge tail lights were a bolt on customizing trick.
Very nice but $64,000 is pretty steep IMO.
Try to restore another one for that cost.
Beautiful car worked on many. own one in a day… Price may be a little high