Last weekend, I found myself in a familiar yet slightly daunting situation – outnumbered. Driving my 1955 Ford Fairlane to a local car show in Franklin, Ohio (October 16, 2021), it felt like stepping into enemy territory, albeit a very friendly one. As a subscriber to our blog knows, car shows aren’t usually my scene. I’m more at home in the garage, surrounded by the grit of swap meets and the thrill of wrenching on engines, or maybe even a drag strip. But outnumbered? That’s a feeling Ford enthusiasts like myself often experience, especially when you’re passionate about the Y Block Ford/Mercury engines and the classic charm of mid-50s Ford vehicles.
It’s not just a hunch; the classic car parts market speaks volumes. Walk into any auto parts store, or browse online, and you’ll see the sheer volume of components for the ubiquitous “350 transplant” – the go-to V8 replacement for countless projects, thanks to its affordability and readily available standard and high-performance parts. Now, try sourcing model-specific parts for a 1955 Ford. Steel fenders? Interior trim? Steering wheels? Brightwork? The contrast is stark. While you can practically build a 1955, 1956, or 1957 Chevrolet from the ground up using catalogs, the same can’t be said for Fords of the same era. Many crucial 1955 Ford Car Parts simply aren’t reproduced. It was only recently that Dennis Carpenter in North Carolina started offering a complete chrome grille assembly for the 1955 and 1956 Ford passenger cars. Attend enough car shows, and you’ll likely find yourself scanning rows of vehicles, struggling to spot another mid-50s Ford amidst the sea of other makes, a testament to the rarer nature, and sometimes, the greater challenge in maintaining these Ford classics due to parts availability.
A Friendly Show and the Underrepresentation of 1955 Fords
The car show was a laid-back affair, a friendly gathering with the added bonus of awards like “Top 20,” “People’s Choice,” and “Best of Show.” Winning wasn’t on my mind. I was there for the invitation, to meet fellow enthusiasts, support the youth group fundraiser, and, perhaps most importantly, share my faith. My father-in-law joined me, and around 3 pm, we set off in the Fairlane. The crisp fall air was perfect for a drive. The open road beckoned, and the Ford, humming comfortably at 70 mph and 2200 rpm, happily obliged. I might have even surprised a few drivers in the left lane with the old Ford’s get-up-and-go!
Exiting the interstate, we found ourselves behind a ’54 Chevy sedan, also heading to the show. Ahead, a smattering of 60s GM cars and trucks and a lone Mopar hinted at what was to come. Driving through the gates, we were met by a tidal wave of GM vehicles. Chevelles, Novas, Camaros, GMC trucks – they were everywhere. And amidst this sea of General Motors, not a single mid-50s Ford. The closest Ford in age was a beautiful 1948 ragtop, already parked and gleaming.
Later, a few 30s Ford hot rods appeared, but surprisingly, only one sported a Ford small block engine; the rest favored Chevy powerplants. Parked nearby was a barn-find 1969 Camaro in fantastic condition. Its owner, a friendly man, struck up a conversation and later remarked that he thought my Fairlane might take home a trophy. I chuckled, dismissing the idea in this GM-dominated environment, especially with so many other impressive cars present, including a stunning Superbird that unfortunately left before I could photograph it. As the afternoon progressed, a ’65 Ford Galaxie, a ’66 F100, and a few late-model Mustangs trickled in. I did manage to capture a shot of a nicely restored early Bronco.
Adding to the eclectic mix, a sharp-looking American Motors coupe pulled up later in the day.
Community, Conversations, and Unexpected Accolades
Despite the GM dominance, my father-in-law and I had a fantastic time, chatting with owners of all makes and models. The show staff entered my registration into a door prize drawing, and later, I won a gift certificate to a local pizzeria – enough to cover gas and the entry fee!
As dusk approached, the awards ceremony began. New acquaintances assured us my Ford would be recognized. I remained skeptical, but the trophy presentation was clearly a significant moment for many. While recognition is appreciated, for me, the real value lies in the people you meet and the conversations you have. Car shows are great for exchanging tips and tricks, and this one was no exception.
Then came the announcement for “Best of Show.” As you might have guessed, and as the opening photo reveals, my 1955 Ford Fairlane took home the top honor! Honored and grateful, I thanked the organizers and my new friends. When asked what made the difference, I believe it was the striking red and white two-tone paint job. The colors truly pop, and the clear coat enhances the finish, making the car stand out even in low light. The drive home, with the fog lights cutting through the darkness, the Y Block engine purring, and the heater on, was a perfect end to an unexpected day.
With the holidays approaching, it’s a great time to reflect and give thanks. Stay safe on the roads, and if you’re not already a subscriber, join our blog for email updates at https://www.hotrodreverend.com/blog-subscribe.
The Hot Rod Reverend
aka Daniel Jessup
