A heavily customized 1955 Ford Fairlane Club Sedan with magazine-feature pedigree and classic hot rod attitude is set to cross the block at the 2026 Spring Specialty Auto Auction on May 9.
Finished in deep black paint over a bright red interior, this Fairlane blends traditional 1950s styling with modern street rod engineering. According to the listing, the car was originally built by Brad Cline and later featured in Street Rodder Magazine, adding another layer of credibility to an already extensive build.
At the heart of the Ford sits a Chevrolet Performance 350 cubic-inch small-block crate engine topped with an Offenhauser four-barrel intake. Supporting upgrades include Patriot headers, PerTronix ignition components, ACCEL wires, and Flowmaster Hushpower mufflers, giving the car the kind of sound expected from a serious street machine.
Backing the V-8 is a Chevrolet 700-R4 automatic transmission with Lokar linkage and a 1968 Camaro-sourced 10-bolt rear axle carrying 3.73 gears.
The chassis setup is equally extensive. The Fairlane rides on a Camaro independent front suspension system with coilovers up front and a custom four-link rear suspension with Air Ride airbags out back. Wilwood four-wheel disc brakes and rack-and-pinion steering modernize the driving experience far beyond anything Ford offered in 1955.
Visually, the car keeps much of its classic Fairlane identity while introducing custom touches throughout. The steel four-door Club Sedan body has been modified with a tubbed rear section and custom bodywork performed by Jimmy Whitten and Brad Cline. The trim and factory V-8 emblems were removed for a cleaner appearance, while halogen headlights and restored brightwork finish off the exterior.
Inside, the cabin received a complete Cherry Red interior refresh in 2024 reportedly costing $24,000. Modern upgrades include a Hot Rod Air climate system, Dynamat insulation, an Ididit steering column, Lokar shifter, and a Panasonic audio system with Rockford Fosgate speakers.
The overall build reflects the philosophy that has long defined traditional hot rodding: combining classic American styling with modern drivability and performance.
While many 1950s customs lean heavily toward either nostalgia or contemporary pro-touring trends, this Fairlane appears to strike a middle ground—retaining its vintage personality while benefiting from decades of aftermarket evolution.
The Spring Specialty Auto Auction continues to attract a mix of classic muscle, customs, and unique builds, and this Fairlane could easily become one of the more memorable vehicles crossing the block.
Would you keep this Fairlane exactly as-built—or change anything on a custom this detailed?
Check out this consignment and over 100 others at the Specialty Auto Auction May 9th. The auction begins at 9 a.m. MT in Greeley, Colorado.
Eve Nowell