Vehicle Description
Vehicle to be offered for Auction sale WITHOUT RESERVE and SOLD to
the highest bidder June 2-4th, 2017 at Russo and Steele\'s 5th
Annual Newport Beach California Auction. Please contact us for more
information. \r\n\r\nWhile Ford\'s passenger cars sold very well
and provided strong value during the early 1950s, their styling was
quite conservative and the venerable Flathead V-8 engine had
reached its development peak. A dose of innovation was clearly in
order. Following the introduction of the all-new Y-Block V-8 engine
for 1954, the 1955 Ford models were completely redesigned with
longer, lower and wider bodies and equipped with smart two-tone
finishes, distinctive brightwork, and striking interiors. Along
with a mild restyle for 1956, other welcome updates included
Ford\'s new Lifeguard Design safety features, including dished
steering wheels, improved door latches, and breakaway rear-view
mirrors. As expected, the new Fords were very successful, with the
Customline series at the core. \r\n \r\nThis 1956 Ford Customline
2-door sedan is an outstanding example of an important mid-1950s
American automobile. As such, it features rather basic equipment
for an honest presentation, with no air conditioning and neither
power steering nor power brakes. The Consignor reports that he
purchased the car during 2000 from a classic-car car dealer and at
the time of purchase, it was a solid faded blue color but when it
was repainted in 2002, it was given a two-tone finish with the top
painted white. The chrome brightwork was restored at the same time.
While the car did not come with any documentation at the time of
purchase, the Consignor was advised that the prior owner was
elderly and that the car had seen only limited use - details echoed
by the Ford\'s fine condition. At the time of writing, the
Consignor stated that at least three veteran mechanics have
examined the car, and they all felt that the indicated mileage of
some 52,000 miles is correct; however, this low mileage reading
cannot be confirmed. The Consignor has certainly enjoyed the car,
having driven it to car shows and around town on a regular basis,
describing this Ford as ...the most reliable car I\'ve ever owned
and I am 75!\r\n \r\nDuring the current owner\'s tenure, the Ford
has enjoyed attentive maintenance and care and in addition to the
two-tone repaint in 2002, most of the chrome has been restored, and
a replica radio has been installed, plus new carpeting, new door
seals, a new windshield wiper motor, new light switch, and a new
headliner. Added items include seat belts, a driver\'s side view
mirror, and new metal plates underneath the doors. For the sake of
reliability, the battery, radiator, and tires have been replaced.
The mechanicals are highly original, and the seats remain original.
Included in the sale of the Ford is the original owner\'s
manual.\r\n \r\nConfirming its wonderful condition, this 1956 Ford
Customline 2-door sedan was awarded First in Class at the 2010
Huntington Beach Concours d\'Elegance. It has also been invited and
shown several times at the Muckenthaler Concours d\'Elegance.
According to the owner, I have yet to take the car out without
somebody telling me how nice it looks. I have the car serviced
regularly by a veteran mechanic at the local Ford dealer,
McCoy-Mills, in Fullerton. If you are looking for a highly
attractive and very well-preserved and maintained 1950s American
classic, this 1956 Ford Customline 2-door sedan is a marvelous
find, especially at No Reserve!
