Vehicle Description
1956 Ford Fairlane Crown Victoria 2 Door Hardtop
Walk into a Ford dealership in 1956, and this is what you would
read about the Crown Victoria: "This proud beauty with its
distinctive 'crown of chrome' adds even more 'lustre' to the
distinguished Fairlane Series for '56. Its unusually low roof line,
its chrome trimmed hull, ts smart wrap-around parking lights, its
first-class 'living quarters', (with folding armrest in rear), are
the last words in modern decor.". Among the Fairlane models
available in 1956, the Crown Victoria is the most ornately
decorated of the models which may be why here at Classic Auto Mall
we see them come and go and quickly find new owners.
For consignment, a 1956 Crown Vic with a laundry list of new items.
Essentially a partial restoration with extensive mechanical and
cosmetic replacements. This one is known as the basket handle model
for the absolutely epic chrome trim that wrapped the B-pillar over
the top of the car. It's unmistakable, iconic, and along with the
purely 50's design of this car, highly desirable.
Exterior
Many Crown Victorias of this vintage were two toned, often with a
white upper half. So we're thrilled to see a solid colored car in
its warranty plate matching Raven Black color. There's something
quite stately about a black car with big chrome trim, and this one
has presence. The grille goes side to side like a wide grin flanked
by the marker lights, which are beautifully cut into the sculpted
grille that has been chrome plated as part of the restoration. The
whole front looks a bit like a baby bird Thunderbird on steroids,
with wide set headlights in body colored bezels. The windshield and
back window are curved to wrap around the car and the entire
profile has a swept back flow highlighted by the sloping roofline,
forward leaning B-pillar, and shorter rear fenders. The side trim
work is from a time when careful consideration and effort was taken
to accentuate the lines of a car and more artistic than virtually
anything you'll find on a modern car. The tail lights also mirror
the Thunderbird and appear like two jet afterburners. The 15-inch
wheels support white wall tires and classic hubcaps. The red lens
is at the base of the antenna and is such a cool Easter egg! Paint
flaws include some scuffs, bubbling in various spots, chips, and
scratches.
Interior
Sweeping lines, mixed textures, and various materials compose the
door panels which are immediately indicative of the era. The new
front split bench seat covers are white vinyl with black cloth
inserts in an abstract organic, plant like design. The rear seats
show a contrast in more soft tones, not pure white like the fronts,
but more of an ivory beige, and have that fold down armrest much
touted by Ford. There are also wide armrests on the sides making it
feel like a booth at a 50's style diner. The way the interior
chrome trim follows the lines of the rear seats is a beautiful
design feature. The dash has a whitish background and shows some
age, but is entirely presentable. The black painted dash top has
some blemishes and scratches. The speedometer is going to need a
new needle and the chrome bezels on the gauges could also benefit
from some restoration. A rebuilt Town & Country AM radio is fitted
into the factory location. The black loop style carpet is new per
the consignor and the perforated headliner is in good condition and
perhaps a little discolored from age. Did you know the basket
handle trim is on the inside too? Incredible! The trunk has a plaid
mat and new spare tire, all looking clean.
Drivetrain
The correctand rebuilt 292ci V8 is in place fed by a rebuilt
4-barrel carburetor. This is tied to a rebuilt Ford-O-Matic 3-speed
automatic transmission served by the column shifter. Power heads to
the rear wheels through a 9 inch Ford differential sporting 3.22
gears. The engine bay is very clean with a bright red painted block
and intake, Thunderbird valve covers, and aluminum air box. Drum
brakes occupy each corner.
Undercarriage
A new gas tank and complete exhaust system glow under the car which
otherwise is coated in surface rust. The underside of the engine
and transmissions are spotless which makes the gunk covered
components around them more evident. The rear differential is caked
in thick gunk also. Nothing a good pressure washer couldn't remedy.
Some rust through on the inner front fender is tied into the
underside with a strap and there are other areas underneath that
have notable invasive rust with some that have repair attempts that
serve as quick fixes for something that might need a bit more
attention. Coil springs are located on the independent suspension
up front while leaf springs suspend the back. Tires are 205/75/15
with a date code of mid 2023.
Drive-Ability
These big cruisers that were common pedestrian cars in the 50's are
like vintage boats today. Great visibility from the windows despite
the massive B-pillar, a long hood leading like the hull of a yacht,
and a smooth cloud like ride with this good running car. A few
squeaks along the way but over a nice car that presents well and
stops good too!
The consignor provided us with a long list of new items in this car
including brake parts, fuel lines, brake hoses as well as some
items that have been rebuilt including engine and transmission. For
a complete list, call the mall and talk to a car specialist and
they'll be happy to read you the list which is too long for this
description. It's well on its way to a full restoration and with
some underside TLC and some other touches, this could be a
competitive show car. Or leave as is and enjoy the ride!
M6GW139778
M-292ci 4bbl 202hp V8
6-1956
G-Chicago, IL Assy Plant
W-Fairlane Crown Victoria 2 Door Hardtop Solid Roof
139778-Sequential Unit Number
WARRANTY PLATE
BODY 64A-Fairlane Crown Victoria 2 Door Hardtop Solid Roof
COLOR A-Raven Black
TRIM AD-White Vinyl & Black Cloth
PRODUCTION CODE 9A-January 9th
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and
collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate
controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8
acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic
and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the
I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit
www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us
anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in
person.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and
we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host
Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends
in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and
automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune
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