1956 Ford Customline Victoria

Description

This 1956 Ford Customline Victoria has been with one family for more than half its life thus far, and there are less than 1,200 miles on it since its restoration. But the stats don't tell the full story as much as the glossy black presentation of an exceptionally authentic V8 classic.

This is a family heirloom. The consignor's father gave it to her in 1986...but first, he gave it a full restoration in 1984. Yes, that's actually the last time this was painted! But when you do it right, and it has been treated with respect ever since, the attractive black paint retains this kind of high-gloss presentation for the long term. In fact, with only 1,153 miles on the car since its restoration, you know it has only left the garage on very special occasions. And the daughter says that she has only driven it a time or two since her father gave it to her. So it has been out of the garage so few times that you can almost consider this a barn find. More than just a great history, you want this Ford because it's a stylish classic. The trim tag tells us this is a true Victoria, but the desirable pillarless hardtop profile already told you that. And the Customline's side trim was particularly attractive this year with two sporty overlapping broad strokes to cover the full length of the car. It's presented so crisply on a car with smooth panels, good gaps, and exceptionally preserved brightwork. It's truly attractive from the fender skirt on the rear to the Ford family crest leading the way.

The pillarless Victoria hardtop body means everyone gets a terrific view of the two-tone interior. The sleek white on the seats gives way to the ribbed red inserts for a look that's both correct and appears custom. The way the colors coordinate on the carpeting, door panels, headliner, and dash gives you a uniform presentation that you'll be proud to show off. So you can really tell that storage for this car meant responsible care. The view from behind the wheel is pure 1950s cool. Ford's arching instrument panel is a great-looking piece of industrial design, complete with plenty of bright trim to accentuate the dash. And the whole presentation looks period-correct right down to the heat/defrost sliders. In fact, you'll be impressed with the overall level of presentation, right down working details like the dome light and AM radio.

Under the hood you'll find a 292 cubic-inch Ford Y-block V8 motor. That was an optional powerplant borrowed from Ford's ultimate personal cruiser. So those Thunderbird valve covers are no accident. It's not only one of the largest motors Ford offered back then, but it also came standard with a Holley four-barrel carburetor to give this coupe the power to be an anywhere kind of cruiser. This was a special car when it left the factory, and so it is great to see it with the right motor looking in such a good-looking engine bay. Even the accents of the classic battery topper go with the red motor. While this one has very few miles since its restoration, it has been treated with the right care to make sure the motor fires up readily and runs strong. The dual exhaust has a terrific tune, and you control it all with the classic column-shift three-speed manual transmission. The consigner even claims the classic manual overdrive works.

The sale comes complete with the owner's manual and service manual. This is a striking classic with a great family history. That's why you know you have to act fast to take it home. Call now!