Vehicle Description
Attractive older restoration in attractive original colors. Updated
interior with cloth upholstery and AM/FM/cassette radio. 292 cubic
inch V8. Unusual 3-speed manual transmission. Continental kit.
Clean, solid, drives well, ready to enjoy!Drawing on the same
stylists that made the Thunderbird a runaway hit, Ford freshened
their 1956 models and created what are arguably the most attractive
Blue Ovals of the 1950s. This 1956 Ford Fairlane Victoria (which
was Ford's name for the hardtop) showcases everything Ford was
doing right-clean lines, plenty of chrome, powerful V8 engines, and
spacious interiors. Restored perhaps 20 years ago in its original
Goldenglow Yellow and Colonial White combination, this handsome
Victoria showcases 1950s style that anyone could afford. There's a
bit of pearl in the white so it looks a little deeper than the
original plain white, but otherwise the bodywork is stock and in
very good condition. There's no evidence that this was a rusty car
and the sheetmetal is in good condition with no major issues beyond
the usual signs of age and use that you'd get enjoying the car as
intended. The doors close securely, the hood fits well, and once
you figure out how to swing the continental kit out of the way,
trunk access is pretty good. The sweeping chrome stripe that
divides the two colors and defines Ford's styling is in excellent
condition, as is the rest of the brightwork, which was all restored
with the rest of the car. There's no angle from which this isn't a
great-looking machine. The interior isn't quite stock but it's
still quite comfortable and stylish. The seats have pleated cloth
inserts that are surely a bit more comfortable than the original
'50s materials, and the door panels were created to match the
original design with a bit of a custom twist. But to a non-expert,
it'll look great and there's nothing wrong with the way things look
from the driver's seat. The dash and gauges are probably original
and in very good condition, and as far as we can tell they're all
working properly. The horn ring isn't broken like so many of its
siblings and there's a modern AM/FM/cassette stereo head unit in
the dash that fits like it was born there. Sadly, the clock isn't
working, but that's hardly a surprise. There's also a well-fitted
white headliner overhead that makes the interior feel bright
despite the black upholstery and carpets. It also comes with a
massive trunk with a correct liner and zero rust issues, including
in the spare tire well, which is always where problems start. The
292 cubic inch Y-block V8 was rated at 200 horsepower, which is
plenty to make the Victoria feel energetic on the road. It wears an
intake manifold from a later model as well as an updated
carburetor, replacing the trouble-prone 'teapot' Holley that came
there originally. That means it starts easily, idles nicely, and
just goes about is business without any fuss. It's neatly detailed
with Ford Red engine enamel, beautiful Thunderbird valve covers,
and a chrome air cleaner assembly that adds a bit of flash. You'll
note details like correct hose clamps, factory exhaust manifolds,
and a big radiator up front to help keep it cool. There's a recent
fuel pump, battery, and tune-up, so all the major stuff has been
covered, making this car ready to cruise. The 3-speed manual
transmission makes the most of the Y-block's power and is fun to
drive. 3.78 gears out back make it punchy, and there's a dual
exhaust system with glasspack-style mufflers that give it a perfect
'50s sound. Check out the clean floors and rockers, which remain in
very good condition with nothing to hide, and the original brakes
are still effective. It has manual steering, but don't let that
scare you, as effort is reasonable and the car is easy to handle on
the road. There's also a recent gas tank hanging out back. Factory
steel wheels and hubcaps look right and carry fresh 215/75/15
whitewall radials that ride and handle great. For Ford fans in the
1950s, these are always popular cars. They drive well, they're
gorgeous to look at, and if you have a family, they're easy to live
with. Add in great parts availability and a reasonable price, and
you get a fun hobby car that doesn't break the bank. Call today!
Harwood Motors always recommends and welcomes personal or
professional inspections of any vehicle in our inventory prior to
purchase.
