Vehicle Description
Beautiful restoration, great colors, spectacular interior.
Strong-running P-code 312 cubic inch V8 with automatic
transmission. Continental kit, power convertible top, twin
spotlights. Upgraded radio, radial tires, ready to cruise!Despite
the fanfare surrounding Chevy's new V8, Ford wasn't sitting back
doing nothing. The Y-block got more powerful and styling-which was
all-new in 1955-was refined and allowed Ford to continue
out-selling Chevrolet in 1956. The top-of-the-line Fairlane
Sunliner convertible was by far their best effort, a great
combination of style, flash, and performance. Ties to the dramatic
new Thunderbird were obvious and with that sweeping chrome along
the flanks, the Fairlane wouldn't be confused with anything else on
the road. Thanks to a comprehensive frame-off restoration a few
years ago, this stunning black and white ragtop offers one of the
'50s best designs in fantastic colors that will always be in style.
Of course, Colonial White and Raven Black were on the color charts
in 1956, so although it isn't this car's original combination, it's
still stop-you-in-your-tracks beautiful. Finish quality is
excellent and thanks to restoration photos, we know it was taken
down to bare metal and rebuilt from there. Gaps are better than
most Fords of the era and the car feels robust going down the road,
which is hard to achieve. There's a deep shine to the finish that's
probably better than Ford could offer in 1956 and all the chrome
was refinished to add the perfect finishing touch. Add in a
continental kit and you get what is arguably Ford's best cruiser of
the 1950s. The two-tone black and white interior was likewise fully
restored, and that is the factory-correct choice. New seat covers,
door panels, carpets, and more give it a crisp, fresh look and with
new foam in the seats, they're all-day comfortable. The gauges
should look familiar to anyone who has driven a vintage
Thunderbird, with crisp needles and bright markings, suggesting
they've all been restored. The factory radio has been replaced by a
digital AM/FM/cassette head unit, and for some reason, there's also
an AM/FM/CD stereo with remote hidden in the glove box. Either way,
you've got entertainment to go. Other accessories include a remote
trunk release, dual spotlights, and a deck-mounted antenna. Rubber
floor mats protect the carpets and given the condition of the
seating surfaces, this car doesn't have many miles since the
restoration was finished. Overhead, there's a crisp white power top
that lowers itself behind the seats and stows under a fitted black
boot. The trunk is correctly outfitted with a plaid mat as well as
a full-sized spare tire assembly with jack, so there's no reason to
wrestle with the continental kit in an emergency. Ford's top engine
was the 312 cubic inch 'Thunderbird Special' V8, which in the 1956
Fairlane was rated at 225 horsepower when paired with the automatic
transmission. Rebuilt to stock specs and detailed for show, the V8
and surrounding engine bay are just spectacular. Correct details
abound, including the optional Thunderbird finned valve covers,
correct air cleaner, and even proper hose clamps and a reproduction
battery. It starts easily, idles nicely, and once it's fully warmed
up, pulls the flashy ragtop around with real authority. It does run
nice and cool, which is a plus for a summertime toy, and power
steering makes it easy to handle. It offers a nice V8 bark from the
dual exhaust, which uses glasspack-style mufflers for a true
period-correct soundtrack. A 3-speed Ford-O-Matic automatic
transmission sends power back to a set of 3.22 gears in a 9-inch
rear end, so it's a relaxed cruiser on the highway. The front
suspension, brakes, and other supporting systems have all been
rebuilt and there's a new gas tank out back. There are two floor
patches in the usual spot, which have been professionally
installed, and we don't consider those a demerit-almost every
mid-50s Ford we've ever seen has been patched there, including
California cars. You'll note the rockers are excellent and the
spare tire well is unmarked, so this was clearly not a rusty car.
Factory steel wheels carry optional wire hubcaps and a set of
215/75/15 whitewall radials for a vintage look but updated road
manners. Documentation includes digital photos of the restoration,
shop manuals, receipts, catalogs, and more. Handsome, fun to drive,
and still more unique than the ubiquitous Chevys at shows, this
stunning Ford delivers everything you want from a hobby car. The
restoration is extremely well done and it's more than pretty-it
drives great! If you're a Blue Oval fan looking for a great '50s
cruiser, you won't be able to do much better than this. Call today!
Harwood Motors always recommends and welcomes personal or
professional inspections of any vehicle in our inventory prior to
purchase.
