1956 Ford Fairlane

1956 Ford Fairlane Crown Victoria 2 Door Hardtop

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

Read More

Read Less