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Although the 1955 Ford appeared totally new when it debuted, it actually was a completely reworked 1954 platform. The top-of-the-line Fairlane Crown Victoria is really a 2-door sedan. The rakish chrome roof band cleverly concealed the B-posts. Only 1,999 Crown Vicky's were built with the Plexiglas see-through roof panel.
The Franklin Mint has done an admirable job of replicating this car. Introduced in 1993, it lacks today's technology but is still a respectable model. All the chrome trim is carefully put on and the gaps are minimal, even by present standards. The badging is correct and neatly applied. Exterior faults are the painted head, tail and parking light lenses. The plastic-like seats don't have folding seat backs and the pattern is not 100% true to the original but the door panels and headlining detail are decent. The dash gauges are individual pieces with legible faces but a flaw is the missing "window" in the speedometer shroud. Chassis detail is quite complete and the engine bay is well done with a 272 ci engine, hoses, See-Clear washer bag and an 8-volt(!) battery.
With the Connie-Kit , skirts and flashy rose and white paint scheme, this well-proportioned replica still holds up well in any worthy collection. ($120.00 + S&H )
(10/21/1999)
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