Vehicle Description
1956 Ford Crown Victoria Skyliner
As with most automotive design elements, common and uncommon, they
often first appear on a test car, a prototype, or a dedicated
manufacturer showcase or concept car. In 1953, Ford published a
book entitled "Ford at Fifty - An American Story" and featured wild
concept cars with acrylic roofs. The roofs found a place in
production for the next three years, becoming a top of the line
model in 1956.
For consignment, a 1956 Ford Crown Victoria Skyliner showing 81,119
miles, but the true miles are unknown. What is known is that this
is 1 of 603 Crown Victoria Skyliners built in 1956 and estimates on
how many remain in existence range from the unknown, to about 400.
In the world of collectible Fords from the fifties, this one, now
gracing our Hallowed Halls, is top of the food chain in
desirability.
Exterior
The classic two tone design, here in two stage Fiesta Red over
Colonial White, is augmented by bold polished trim that will have
your eyes dancing from front to back, top to bottom. Surely, they
will eventually settle on one of those iconic design elements
fondly known as the "basket handle" or "tiara" - a wide band of
stainless that cants forward just before it crosses the roofline,
wearing faux vents and cascading down to become fender trim that
drifts all the way to the tail lights. Your eyes might then be
drawn to the chevron shaped trim on the side, a wide band that dips
at the door, then bounces to become a wide side accent. Then you
might notice that roof, tinted acrylic that meets the tiara and
hovers over the windshield with a slight dome shape. Walk behind
the car, and a robust bumper protrudes beyond the Continental kit
along with bedrail bumper guards and unlike those that would come
later, this actually houses a spare. Thunderbird inspiration is all
over the car including the noteworthy exhaust exit on that rear
bumper beyond the round tail lights. We circle the car several
times, mesmerized by its detail, and find no exterior imperfections
on this rare Vic with the exception of two bubbles on a lower panel
and a few stone chips.
Interior
The designers at Ford didn't stop on the outside as there's obvious
artistic thought that went into the interior, beginning on door
panels with geometric patterns, square stitched lower panels, and
alternating red and white vinyl. The split bench is based in clean
white vinyl with red and black cloth inserts in a pattern
reminiscent of paisley, and this configuration is mirrored on the
back bench where armrests are provided to guests. Beyond the red
steering wheel is what Ford called the "new Thunderbird type
control panel, which 'clusters' instruments for easy reading," and
indeed, all gauges tightly group front and center under a pavilion
like dash cover, and the red and white palette presents cleanly
here as well. Further right, we find the AM radio and air
conditioning controls while spotlight handles pierce the dash to
control the exterior units. Beautiful low pile red carpet is below
our feet and a white headliner covers the ceiling beyond the basket
handle which is also part of the interior trim. The trunk retains
its stock appearance with a plaid vinyl mat to cover the metal
floor.
Drivetrain
Also appearing in stock configuration is the clean 312ci V8, rated
at 225 horsepower and fueled by a 4-barrel carburetor. A
Ford-O-Matic 3-speed automatic transmission is on board, routing
power to the Ford 9" in back with 3.23 gears. Power drum brakes are
equipped on this luxury ride and are found on all four wheels.
Undercarriage
Impressively clean underneath with uniform black paint on the frame
and floorboards. Clean and dry conditions prevail here where power
steering is accompanied by dual exhaust that flows through Smithy
mufflers before finding their terminus in the bumper cut outs. Coil
sprung suspension is found in front and leaf springs are in back
with 2" lowering blocks.
Drive-Ability
A fedora hat and fat cigar seems appropriate here, but we lack
both, so our Classic Auto Mall cap will have to do as we glide this
beautiful Crown Victoria onto the test loop for the unique
experience of a classic car with what we would call today a full
panoramic sunroof. The car runs well, tracks straight, and with the
exception of the air conditioning all functions work as intended.
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.
For the discerning collector, we're thrilled to represent this rare
Skyliner, one of just 603 produced in 1956 and presenting in
immaculate condition. If you desire the spotlight and the sun at
the same time, there's no better way to attain both than by
becoming the proud new owner of this 1956 Skyliner.
P6UW169822
P-312ci 4bbl 225hp V8
6-1956
U-Louisville, KY Assy Plant
W-Crown Victoria 2 Door Hardtop
169822-Sequential Unit Number
WARRANTY PLATE
BODY 64B-Crown Victoria Skyliner 2 Door Hardtop
COLOR KE-Fiesta Red, Colonial White
TRIM BL-White Vinyl & Red Bodycloth
PRODUCTION CODE 19K72-October 19th
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
listening. You can also watch on YouTube!
