Howdy there, folks! My name is Rich, and I'm new to this forum.  I was referred here by a person at aaca.org.  I've posted a similar post there looking for info.

I'll start by saying that I'm very far from an expert on classic cars. My father recently passed away at age 91, and I guess you can say that I've been in a bit of a nostalgic mood as of late. Growing up, we loved our '55 Ford Country Squire. We never considered it a classic then, but we got plenty of miles out of it traveling between Bedford, OH, and the Indianapolis-area (where we eventually moved in 1961). We used it for just about everything, including towing our old storage trailer. Dad got rid of it eventually--probably in the mid to late 60s when my brother and I were in high school. I don't know much about the vehicle, but I'd love to track it down, in the rare chance that it still exists. I'm retired now, and I wouldn't mind having it or maybe one just like it--seems like it'd be good weekend vehicle to toot around town in with the grandkids.

I've learned that it is very difficult to track down these vehicles, but I figured that turning to experts, hobbyists, an enthusiasts might help.
Here's what I know:

-The vehicle was white with the classic Woodie-trim (which I don't think was real wood).
-It had a V8 272-4v OHV 182hp AT engine (from what my brother wrote down)
-From the records, there were several different serial numbers, but it looks like the "main" one (novice here) is M5RY167500
-My father sold it to a man who lived in CA (which, if it stayed in CA, is the reason that I think it may still exist). We do not have the bill of sale unfortunately.



Where's what I'd like to know:
--If this vehicle was "hot rodded," would it maintain its original serial number?
--What's a typical price for a vehicle like this in reasonable condition?
--Long shot: Do any of you guys have this vehicle? I'm willing to pay top dollar!

Any advice or info is greatly appreciated. Glad to be a part of your forum!

Rich