1956 Ford Fairlane Crown Victoria

Description

Ford fans, here's your antidote for all the Tri-Five Chevys running around with small block V8s. Finished in totally '50s colors, this 1956 Ford Fairlane Crown Victoria packs a great-running 302, a superbly done interior, and enough nostalgia to fuel an Elvis impersonator convention.

For reasons that nobody can adequately explain, the Fords are lagging behind their Chevy competition, despite each team selling roughly the same number of cars. But that's great news for Ford guys, because it puts us in some seriously cool hardware for a fraction of the cost. Someone spent big on this Fairlane, giving it a luscious two-tone paint in Fiesta Red and Colonial White that's very high-visibility and definitely ideal for this car. Build quality is extremely impressive, and all the panels line up beautifully, not to mention that glittering Fairlane trim, particularly the "basket handle" that's unique to the Crown Vic and wraps around the roof. The shine is deep thanks to a professional cut and buff, and there's just no mistaking one of the most iconic designs of the '50s. A sizable fortune was surely invested in all that chrome, because all of it is in excellent shape and freshly polished, but nothing has been shaved or deleted in the restoration. Nice!

The interior will surely impress you just as much, taking traditional patterns and remaking them using a pair of bucket seats. Door panels that look like art are a colorful compliment, and the dark red carpets add a sense of balance to the interior, just so it isn't red overload. The original gauges are still in the dash, framed by a modern 3-spoke steering wheel with a red leather wrapper and hanging on the original steering column, and there is a trio of auxiliary gauges under the dash. The original AM radio remains in the dash but it's disabled and probably due for an upgrade, and thanks to the modern engine up front, adding A/C was a snap and lives in a low-profile under-dash unit that looks right for 1956. Correct plaid mats in the trunk make it look right and there's a band new full-sized spare tire assembly for emergencies.

The builder gets big kudos for keeping his Ford with Ford power, and there are few better choices for the modern builder than the bulletproof 302. It is an ATK roller motor and thanks to a Holley 4-barrel carburetor, MSD ignition system, and Weiand intake manifold, the engine starts and runs like it was factory-installed. The 302's torque output is legendary, so it moves the Fairlane effortlessly, and offers a happy V8 burble from the twin tailpipes that use long-tube headers and stock-style mufflers for a very mellow sound. It's nicely detailed with a few chrome dress up parts, plenty of Ford blue, and a serpentine belt drive system for the accessories. An AOD 4-speed automatic transmission rebuilt by Phoenix makes for effortless driving on and off the highway and it powers the stock rear end, so it's a fantastic cruiser. Clean floors, power front disc brakes, power steering, rear air shocks, and a fresh gas tank all add to this Crown Vic's fantastic road manners. Vintage-looking Cragar mags are a great choice and carry 215/75/15 Michelin radials.

A neat, flashy, proven '50s cruiser with modern reliability and power, plus a ton of build receipts. Isn't this how it's supposed to be done? Call today!