Looking for 55 Commander or President Hardtop...but what trim?

[Foscop]

I am shopping for a 55 Commander... or President Hardtop. I have seen several with the two-toning that has the roof and trunk painted the second color with a dividing strip behind the door. I would prefer the two-toning with the roof and lower body one color and the hood/trunk and upper body the other... or the roof one color and the entire body the other. I used to think that the President had one style and the Commander the other... but I guess I'm mistaken (or owners have modified their cars). Is there a technical way to refer to one two-tone treatment verses the other? I am also discouraged with what I am finding available on-line as the prices seem to be quite a bit higher than what the price guides say they should be. Anyone know of a nice rust free condition 2 or 3 Hardtop that needs a good home?

[Johnnywiffer]

I may be mistaken but I think this is the early 2-tone version (before the Vista View windshield)



and this is the later type.



I think it had nothing to do with model, only date of manufacture. Altho the Speedster, because of the roof "halo" had a slightly different 2-tone style.



John

[Foscop]

Yes. What a beauty.

The early style is exactly what I am looking for. The lines flow so nice when painted that way. So if I understand correctly, it's not a matter of trim level but a mid year change over. I also once had a 55 Hardtop that had only the roof in a second color... but it been repainted so I don't know how it was supposed to look. Thank You.

[StudeRich]

I thought on the President Speedster, it was the South Bend vs Los Angeles difference, I wonder if it followed through to the Commander/Presidents?

Back to Fred Fox's 1955 or Speedster Issue Turning Wheels I guess! Who's got a copy of the Index?

For cars like 1955's that I have never owned, my memory is a bit foggy!

[warrlaw1]

If you want factory original you have some searching to do. If you want to put your own paint scheme on a car, I have a spare set of paint divider stainless. They come up on eBay pretty often, too. Hope you find the car you want!