Vehicle Description
1956 Ford Fairlane Sunliner
"Named for Henry Ford's Dearborn estate, Ford's premium Fairlane
line debuted alongside the original Thunderbird for 1955. These new
top of the line cars helped Ford record its best sales year since
1923. The big Ford was available in three levels of trim, the base
Mainline models, the intermediate level Customline, and the top of
the line Fairlane. All models came with the standard six cylinder
and optional V8 power. Motor Trend named the entire Ford line its
"Car of the Year" for 1956. Ford manufactured in excess of 1.4
million units for the model year." Thx to Hagerty and RM
Sotheby's
For consignment, a multiple time AACA award winning 1956 Ford
Fairlane Sunliner with a title verified 74,848 actual miles in
classic two stage 2 tone goodness, striking red and white with a
red and white interior and white soft top. This quintessential 50's
piece of rolling art graces our Hallowed Halls in very good
condition and ready to join your collection, even if that's a
collection of one.
Exterior
It's almost like having two cars in one. The Fiesta Red paint
neatly covers the horizontal surfaces, spilling to the sides and
being held by the epic, sweeping side metal trim that sends an ever
widening band from the tops of the front fenders, down to the door
where it then bounces to trail straight back to the tail. Subtle
fins top a Thunderbird like rear fascia with a bold, chrome bumper
and bumperettes. Thunderbird influences are up front too, where the
single head lights begin the reign of Colonial White paint which
rings the lights and then covers the side panels below the trim and
encircles the back latch panel. A hood ornament is not just perched
on the nose, it's embedded into it, and entering the jet age with a
bold futuristic design. 15-inch wheels share the red and white
motif with red painted steel, white wall tires, and red crested
Ford hubcaps. The white canvas top and plastic window are in great
shape, bearing typical discoloration areas, minor, as is relatively
common with white. Imperfections include some oxidation on the
header of the front window trim, bubbling on white paint, cracking
paint on both doors in the lower corner, a scratch in the red, and
various smaller cracks around the red.
Interior
Mixed patterns of red and white vinyl adorn the door panels and
represent a piece of the decorative puzzle that continues on the
back side walls and red dashboard. The split bench up front has
white inserts on red surrounding coverage, along with glossy red
shells below. Same configuration in the back bench with bows in the
middle to make room for the ever important polished trim piece that
forms a bold V. There's patina on the armrests, but the seats are
spotless. The classic dash looks original with a red rimmed
steering wheel with metal horn ring and a slim shifter on the right
side of the column. The gauge cluster sits under an arched dash
pad, symmetrically perfect and the Ford factory Select Air control
panel and AM radio reside in the low dash with textured metal
framing. The soft dash pad is a darker red up top and is loose
fitting in some areas. The loop style carpet below is also a darker
red and protected by carpeted mats, all in decent shape. A plaid
mat covers the clean trunk which also houses a spare white wall on
white painted steel wheel.
Drivetrain
The rebuilt Thunderbird 292ci V8 is under the hood in clean
condition. It's rated at 176 horsepower and fueled by a 4-barrel
carburetor, per the consignor. A rebuilt Ford-O-Matic 3-speed
automatic transmission sets the car in motion and sends power to
the Ford 9" in back with 3.22 gears. Power brakes are on tap and
are drums front and rear, rebuilt per our consignor.
Undercarriage
Clean, dry, and black as night is how we would describe the
undercarriage. Only the exhaust carries surface rust and there are
no errant fluids anywhere. That exhaust is dual, and wears a pair
of Cherrybomb mufflers before exiting Thunderbird style through
holds in the bumper. Coil springs in front and leaf springs in back
make up the suspension.
Drive-Ability
It's 1956 all over again. A young hillbilly cat is playing on the
radio but your parents change the channel to replace the devilish
music with some classic big band stuff. At any rate, the big Ford
eagerly starts and rolls onto our test loop with big, paneled
authority and some decent acceleration potential the V8. Power
steering is a big help to turn this boat, and good visibility helps
us see where we're turning. And just like 1956, all of the
functional items work as they should. And it's back to the mall
showroom for this red and white beauty. While Classic Auto Mall
represents that these functions were working at the time of our
test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at
the time of your purchase.
Here's a well sorted remnant of the 50's in a bold color scheme and
show ready condition. And bonus, the power top goes down for some
fun in the sun driving. Take a close look at the trim details on
this car and you'll instantly gain an appreciation for the
wonderful 50's flair!
M6DC213487
M-292ci 2bbl V8
6-1956
D-Dallas, TX Assy Plant
C-Fairlane Sunliner
213487-Sequential Unit Number
WARRANTY PLATE
BODY 76B-Fairlane Sunliner
COLOR E-Colonial White
TRIM V-Red & White Vinyl
PRODUCTION CODE 26F6561A-June 26th
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.
There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee
is not included in the advertised price.
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
in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy
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