For Sale: 1956 Meteor Rideau in Caledonia, Wisconsin

Gateway Classic Cars is proud to offer this stunning 1956 METEOR RIDEAU CROWN VICTORIA, One of 206 Produced
A remarkably rare example of Canada's distinctive 1950s interpretation of the Crown Victoria.

The factory specifications are particularly interesting: the 1956 Rideau Crown Victoria was catalogued with the 292-cubic-inch Meteor V8, rated at 200 horsepower with manual transmission and approximately 202 horsepower when equipped with the automatic. The model carried distinctive Meteor trim and the characteristic chrome treatment across the roof.

The 1956 Meteor Rideau Crown Victoria is one of those automobiles that can easily be mistaken at first glance for an American-market Ford product-until the details begin to reveal themselves.

Meteor was Ford Motor Company of Canada's own marque, using Ford architecture while giving Canadian buyers distinctive grilles, trim and model identities. The 1956 range represented an especially flamboyant period for the marque, with extensive chrome, dramatic two- and three-tone finishes and the bold "meteor-bolt" side treatment. At the top of this particular body-style story sits the Rideau Crown Victoria.

Its defining feature is the broad chrome treatment sweeping over the steel roof, combined with the elaborate side moldings and Meteor-specific detailing. With only 206 produced, the model is considerably rarer than the familiar American Ford Crown Victoria of the same era.

THIS EXAMPLE

This particular car presents in Turquoise and White, complemented by a matching turquoise and white interior, a color combination particularly well suited to the extravagant styling of the period.

The car received a comprehensive restoration in 2020, including attention to the body, chassis, brightwork, interior and mechanical systems.

Among the work carried out were:

Complete body-off restoration
Detailed and refinished chassis/undercarriage
Restored engine compartment
New interior
Extensive chrome restoration
Polished stainless-steel trim
New windshield
New headliner
New master cylinder and brake lines
New shocks
New stainless-steel fuel tank
New fuel sender
New exhaust system
New control-arm and idler-arm bushings

The result is a car that combines genuine production rarity with the visual impact of a fully equipped 1950s flagship.

PERIOD PRESENTATION

The car is equipped with an appealing collection of period features, including:

Power steering
Town & Country radio
Wire-style wheel covers
Continental kit
Fender skirts
Rear deck antenna
Backup lights

These details aren't merely accessories, they contribute substantially to the character of the car and create the complete mid-century presentation.