After a major restyle in 1955, Ford changed its products little going into 1956. The Victoria was nearly the top-of-line automobile and was that name given to hardtops (you could go one step further and order the Crown Victoria with the chrome bar across the roof). This ’56 Victoria looks like a nice survivor, though the interior is getting a bit tired. But pop open the hood and you’ll find a big surprise – a Mopar engine that we’re told produces 440 horses! That’s because this thing did some street racing back in the day, a true sleeper!
This hardtop was one of about 31,000 built, so it was not rare back in the day. But you seldom see one running around now as the Tri-Five Chevies have garnered more attention. The primary color on this two-tone Ford is said to be Coral Pink and the paint and body look to be okay (no mention is made of a repaint at any point). The mileage is 51,000, but that doesn’t account for the amount of use the Chrysler engine got (and we’re not told its displacement in cubic inches).
As the story goes, this car was found in an airport hangar where it had lived since 1981. Before that, it was a “Friday Night Special” with what the seller believes is a 727 automatic transmission (no Cruise-O-Matic here anymore). The seller thinks the V8 was rebuilt whenever, and it was bored out at the time. If you pour gas down the carburetor, it will start and run, but the fuel delivery system is likely gummed up from sitting.
A full set of new tires was added, but the brakes do not work (no pressure; master cylinder?). This is a sweet, original-looking car that speaks to having the Mopar engine/tranny finding a new home and period-correct Ford power put back in (but that’s just me). The asking price is $12,500 here on craigslist and the Victoria currently resides in Kennewick, Washington. Kudos to Matt H. for this unusual tip!
To me, a new buyer — who should, by all rights, get this for MUCH less — has two choices: a) rebuild Chrysler engine, fix everything else and add disc brakes, stiffer springs, etc. or b) ditch the engine, find a Y-block and CruiseO, install it and rebuild everything else.
Just guessing — and maybe some Mopar expert can comment — that this may be a Chrysler (or Dodge) 440 engine. Can’t imagine it making 440 horses with what looks like a standard carb. and stock manifolds. Don’t know the comparative weight between this and the original Ford unit, but am thinking it’s adding some poundage over the front wheels.
Nice old cruiser. At least it could be, with a lot of work. Which would be fun, but unless the seller makes the tab really friendly, it’d be Underwater Time when done.
I had one just like this but black and white with the Y-block and automatic. Loved that car.
It seems to be priced a bit high for what it is. I don’t think I would spend too much time on the 440, maybe sell it to a Mopar guy. I think a 390 and a C-6 would be right at home here, but I’m an old guy and maybe behind the times. Maybe a 5.0 Mustang and a 5 speed? The paint looks O.K. for a driver, but it needs a lot of other stuff. Are those cutouts in the rear bumper from the factory or did somebody do that back in the day? They look pretty good either way.
Factory exhaust cutouts.
Any FE motor is a bolt-in.
They made over 400hp stock, so if the engin work included performance parts, 440hp is believable
I know, lets pull the Mopar and put a Chevturd in it, golly gee that would be swell
The asking price is too much for what is, basically a rolling project. For anywhere close to the asking price the seller needs to supply a title in their name.
If the 440 runs and the transmission operates as it should, I’d leave both, fix whatever else needs to be addressed to make it safe, then drive it. Swapping the engine and transmission will be expensive so why bother. The big block Mopar will be more of a conversation piece and draw the attention of those paying attention.
Steve R
I’m sure this thing put out 440hp. Sounds like grandpa was telling junior some tall tales. “Ain’t nothin’ could touch her! A’yep! Til the heat got too hot, an’ we had to mothball her, so the fuzz wouldn’t impound her!”
Daddy ran whiskey in a big block dodge, bought it at a auction at the Mason’s lodge..
That would be different. An old Ford starting with that weird rachty sounding Chrysler starter. No one in our Detroit neighborhood growing up in the 60s owned a Chrysler. Only Ford or Gm. We laughed and made that sound as kids every time we heard one!
I’m also old car guy and even know I love the 390 engine I would put a nice 312 in it and fordomatic there was no cruise o matic in 1956 it didn’t come out till 1957 I was there was 11 years old in 1956 parents bought a new Fairlane 312 fordomatic great car
That’s s strange combination and the horsepower figure is ridiculous. No stock 440 ever made that kind of power!!!!!! I love ’56 vickys, but they ruined this one!!!
Looks like a solid rust free car especially if it spent it’s life in that region. And 100x better than any thing rusted out. I think it will go pretty fast.
Had one in ‘66 for 3 mo. Paid $50. Used it to get to work at a AM Country-Western station in upper Michigan. Dumped used oil in it to keep it well maintained. Sold it for $70. Nice noisy pipes, but cops were on foot patrol. Easy getaways.
The 440HP might mean high performance – not necessary horsepower.
WOW! Makes you wonder why? However ,I like it and I wouldn’t change it! It looks like it would clean up pretty easy. Why not a MO-PAR in a FORD? Is there some rule I am unaware of ? I bet Lee I. would get a laugh out of it, of course we will never know. I would love to have it just BECAUSE!
Ditto Joe.
Since it seems we, or I, are only issued one (1) thumbs up click per visit? I’ll give the “thumbs up” in print.
If a person can go see a vehicle in person, and drive it, and verify that it runs and how well it runs, and what works and doesn’t work, then a deal can be made or refused based on the actual inspection and experience. Anything other than that is pure hearsay and conjecture. This thing looks pretty good, but there seems to be a lot missing from the “story”.
I have been an Automotive Tech since 1975- I have NEVER seen anyone swap a Mopar engine into a Ford- just sayin-