Cruisin'
By GREG ZYLA

Q: Hi, Greg. We have an opportunity to buy a mostly restored 1955 Ford Fairlane. It's a fourdoor, with a Fordomatic transmission. It has a 289 cubic-inch V-8 aftermarket engine that runs very well. It also has a new two-tone paint job (turquoise and white) and a very nice new interior to match. The chrome is great, and there's no rust anywhere. It needs some small things such as a steering wheel, horn repair, door handle, etc., to be complete. Do you feel $7,900 would be a good price? -Ann, via e-mail

A: Ann, $7,900 for a car like this is a good deal, especially if you like Fords from the mid1950s. Had this car been a two-door model, it would be worth more, but don't fret about the popularity or price structure of the four-door collector cars. Lately, four-door models are starting to increase in price, while station wagons are already "hot commodities" in collector circles.

The fact that this Ford has new paint, new interior and a Ford 289 aftermarket motor makes that $7,900 look like a real buy. The hard work is already done, so have fun with your '55 Ford!

Greg Zyla welcomes questions on collector cars. Write to him in care of King Features Weekly Service, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL32853-6475, or send an e-mail to letters.kfws@hearstsc.com.

(c) 2006 King Features Synd., Inc.