Description
The Ford Fairlane Sunliner was introduced in 1955 as part of Ford’s new Fairlane series, which replaced the Crestline as the top trim level in the lineup. The Sunliner was the convertible version of the Fairlane range, embodying the optimistic and stylish character of mid-1950s American motoring. Positioned as one of Ford’s most glamorous offerings, it combined the flair of open-air driving with the comfort and prestige of the Fairlane name.
The 1955 Fairlane Sunliner featured Ford’s all-new styling, which was longer, lower, and sleeker than the outgoing Crestline. Its design was defined by a wide “egg-crate” grille, bold side trim that created a distinctive two-tone paint division, and wraparound windshields that reflected the jet-age influence sweeping through American car design. The convertible top folded neatly behind the rear seat, giving the Sunliner an elegant profile with the roof lowered. Chrome accents and optional fender skirts added further sophistication, making it a car that projected success and modernity.
Inside, the Sunliner carried upscale appointments designed to match its glamorous exterior. The cabin offered vinyl and cloth upholstery in bright two-tone color schemes, with chrome trim adorning the dashboard, doors, and steering wheel. Full instrumentation was standard, while options such as a radio, heater, clock, and power accessories catered to the growing demand for luxury in mid-priced American cars. With seating for up to six passengers, the Sunliner was both stylish and practical.
Under the hood, the Fairlane Sunliner could be equipped with Ford’s reliable inline-six or a range of V8 engines. By the mid-1950s, the most desirable powerplants were the new overhead-valve Y-block V8s, which offered improved performance and efficiency over the earlier flatheads. In 1955, options ranged from a 162-horsepower 272 cubic inch V8 to higher-output versions available in later years, paired with either a three-speed manual gearbox, optional overdrive, or the Ford-O-Matic automatic transmission. This gave the Sunliner the ability to deliver smooth, confident performance whether used for relaxed cruising or long-distance touring.
Mechanically, the Sunliner rode on Ford’s solid ladder frame with coil-spring independent front suspension and leaf springs at the rear. Hydraulic drum brakes provided stopping power, while the overall ride emphasized comfort, making it an ideal car for open-top highway cruising.
Priced above sedans and coupes, the Fairlane Sunliner was marketed as a lifestyle car, appealing to buyers who wanted both prestige and enjoyment. It competed directly with Chevrolet’s Bel Air Convertible and Plymouth’s Belvedere Convertible, and it became especially popular in warm-weather states and coastal regions where open motoring could be enjoyed year-round.
Today, the Ford Fairlane Sunliner is highly prized among collectors as one of the quintessential American convertibles of the 1950s. Restored examples highlight the sweeping chrome trim, two-tone paint schemes, and bright interiors that defined the decade’s style. With its combination of glamour, practicality, and V8 performance, the Sunliner remains a symbol of mid-century optimism and the golden age of the American automobile.