Any guess as to what year distributor is? Install Pertronix II or III?

That looks just like my '57 original unit. It has the ball-bearing breaker plate that rotates instead of the pivot-type on later units. That straight-armed vacuum advance can is a bit scarcer and more expensive than the later style. I don't know for sure about pertonix but I would expect any of the Ford-intended ignitors would work as there is no distinction at the parts counter between points for the BB-type or pivot-type.

1954 Crestline Victoria 312 4-bbl, 3-speed overdrive

I put the pertronic II in mine and all is good.

there are pertronix units designed for either of the y block distributors. So there are pertronix I,II&III for up to 56 and pertronix I,II&III for 57 and later. the ignitor I can be used for a trigger for ignition units like the MSD 6AL. The II is a little more advanced and offers burnout protection (which the I hasn't) and the III is the top of the range.

I use the II as it offers burnout protection and a few other things over the ignitor without the expense of the III. My engine is basically stock. If I were to buy a unit for a modified motor I would be comparing the III agaist other aftermarket ignitions.

cheers

Warren

Grizzly (Aussie Mainline)