Some classics possess the ability to turn more heads today than they did when new. Such is the case with this 1956 Ford Fairlane Victoria. Every aspect of this car will draw almost universal praise, from its sparkling paint to the V8 under the hood. It is the type of vehicle where the new owner need do nothing but slip behind the wheel and enjoy the classic motoring experience. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder NW Iowa Kevin, for spotting the Fairlane listed here on Facebook in Onawa, Iowa. The seller set their price at $27,950, and it appears they might entertain trades.
Ford introduced the Fairlane range in 1955 as its replacement for the Crestline as its top-of-the-line full-sized model. The First Generation remained in production for only two years, with this stunning Fairlane Victoria emerging in 1956. The seller states that it underwent restoration in around 1990, and its appearance suggests it has led a sheltered life over the past thirty-five years. Its two-tone combination of Green and White looks stunning, with its visual impact heightened by the rear fender skirts and the Continental Kit. Finding anything deserving criticism is seemingly impossible, with the paint shining richly, and the panels as straight as an arrow. I can’t spot any evidence of rust, although it would require an in-person inspection to confirm this. The trim looks exceptional for a vehicle of this vintage, suggesting that some pieces may have found their way to the platers during the restoration. The glass is clear, and the narrow whitewalls add the perfect finishing touch.
Ford offered 1956 Fairlane buyers a choice of engines to power their new purchase, with this Victoria’s first owner selecting the 292ci “Thunderbird” V8. It sends a very healthy 202hp and 289 ft/lbs of torque to the road via a three-speed Ford-O-Matic transmission. Those wishing to throw caution to the wind could opt for the more powerful 312ci V8, which would have added $100 to this car’s sticker price of $2,763.52. The seller states that this Fairlane has clocked around 10,000 miles since receiving a transmission rebuild. They supply no specific information regarding how this classic runs and drives, but I see nothing suggesting that the news should be anything but positive.
Scanning the interior images reveals some of the few faults with this Fairlane. The color-matched wheel has some chips and one obvious crack, and perfectionists might consider splashing around $50 on a wheel restoration kit to address that shortcoming. The carpet is also looking dirty and worn under the driver’s feet, and I am unsure whether it would respond to a deep clean. Spending around $250 on a carpet set might prove to be the best bet, because with those flaws addressed, this interior would really “pop.” The Blue and White cloth and vinyl upholstered surfaces are free from significant wear, and the paint looks nice. The gauges feature clear lenses and crisp markings, and there is an aftermarket cluster mounted under the dash to monitor the car’s mechanical health.
There is so much to like about this 1956 Ford Fairlane Victoria that it is seemingly impossible to identify a single strong feature. Its presentation, both internally and externally, is exceptional. The V8 engine will provide performance that would have been considered impressive in 1956, while the fender skirts and the Continental Kit add a touch of class. Its most pressing need is a new home, but could you provide it?
Pop bought my brother a 56 Ford Fairlane 2 door for his first car. He was a sophomore in high school. It had the 292 with a 4 barrel carb, duals and an automatic tranny. Ran very well. The car was debadged, bull nosed in the front, no bumper over riders. Also had 3 spoke spinner hubcaps. Solid white with green interior. Was quite an impressive looking car. Brother eventually got a new 64 Galaxie 500 upon entering college. Mom ended up with the 56, she drove it for several years. During this time, Pop bought me a 64 Galaxie 500 with a 390 engine, 3 speed for my first car in 1966. He bought me a car for college, a 1969 Mustang. Mom eventually got a low mileage 66 Fairlane. Pop loved his Fords.
You and you brother were certainly lucky to have a dad like that!
And not only giving us the cars, he always fixed everything on them for us. And as long as we were in school/college, he bought our gas. We were just middle income, Pop just wanted us to have what he didn’t have growing up.
I’ve always thought that the ’55-’56 Fords looked better that their Chevrolet counterparts, although I might be a little biased, as my dad purchased his yellow/white ’55 from the showroom floor. This one’s a real beauty, but, I would have to remove the continental kit. I know that they were the style then, (an uncle had a red/white ’56 w/one) but now they look awkward to me.
GLWTS!! :-)
Nice writeup, Adam. It’s good to see a Fairlane for a change since Crown Victoria’s get the spotlight and attention. Yeah, I’m not a fan of the Continental Kits with the extended rear bumper, but to each his/her own. On the plus side, you can seat two additional people atop that bumper extension, but it really interrupts the clean styling of the ’56 Ford hardtop coupe.
Ron, the only continental kits that I thought looked fine were on the 52 thru 54 Fords.
My Dads first car was a ’55 Crown Victoria. He always said he didn’t understand the big deal back then because hardtops were all the rage at that time and technically the Crown Vic was not a hardtop. This is one of my favorite color combinations on the ’55 and ’56 Fords. My Dads was Pink and White. It had a Continental kit too like this one. I actually don’t mind them. At least on cars from the fiftys.
I must be about your dad’s age and I agree that’s why in 1955 crown vic was not popular it was a 2dr sedan not a Vicky Vicky’s had no center post or as they say b pillar
A Crown Victoria is indeed a “Vickie”. It is not a 2 door sedan, as the door glasses have no frame. You don’t have to like them personally, but a Crown Victoria is worth considerably more in today’s market, and that has been the case for decades. This Victoria is a nice ride, but second best to a Crown in my book.
bunky it has nothing to do with frame around widows don’t know where you where in 1955 but I was a car crazy 10 year old in 55 Vicky or 2 door hardtop had no center piece it was known as a hardtop convertible no center piece
Ron, the only continental kits that I thought looked fine were on the 52 thru 54 Fords.
Barney Fifes’car..
Phil Silvers had the convertible in “It’s a Mad,Mad,Mad…World.?