BF Classified: 1956 Ford Fairlane Sunliner

• Seller: David B rill (Contact)
• Location: Stamford, Connecticut
• Mileage: 3,000 Shown
• Chassis #: M6KC135023
• Title Status: Clean
• Engine: 292 cui Thunderbird V8
• Transmission: 3-Speed Manual Column Shift

There are many reasons why an owner chooses to part with a beloved classic. It is particularly sad when deteriorating health forces that decision, especially if the owner is as passionate about the vehicle as they were the day it first took up residence in their garage. That is the story behind this 1956 Ford Fairlane Sunliner. It presents superbly following a meticulous restoration, but it isn’t a one-trick pony. The interior is spotless, and its rumbling V8 sounds beautiful. This turnkey classic needs a new home with someone who will appreciate all that it offers. Therefore, the owner has listed the Fairlane exclusively with us at Barn Finds with an asking price of $63,000.

Ford unveiled the Fairlane in 1956, replacing the Crestline as its range-topping model. The First Generation remained on sale until the end of 1956, which is when this Sunliner variant emerged from the factory. Ordered by its first owner in Raven Black, the car was subsequently restored approximately fifteen years ago, with the builder adopting a nut-and-bolt approach. They seized the opportunity to perform a color change to its current Fiesta Red, giving the Sunliner a vibrant look and a significant cosmetic lift. The current owner purchased the Ford approximately twelve years ago and has enjoyed all that it offers. He hasn’t let the dust gather, but this gem has only clocked around 3,000 miles since the restoration. Therefore, its exceptional presentation is unsurprising. The paint has a mirror shine, covering laser-straight panels. Close inspection will reveal the occasional minor chip on the panel edges where the owner has rubbed his cane while climbing in and out of this beauty. However, if viewed as a high-end driver, the condition is comfortably acceptable. The underside shots are equally impressive, revealing floors and a frame that you could eat off. The Continental Kit is a classy touch, and the power top in contrasting White works perfectly. It has one minor seam separation and a zipper issue, but the owner will address the latter shortcoming before the car heads to its new home. The trim and glass are spotless, and the wide whitewalls perfectly suit this classic’s character.

One addition to the Fairlane range for 1956 was the 292ci “Thunderbird” V8. This car retains its original 292, paired with a manual transmission. The first owner ticked the box on their Order Form beside the Overdrive and power steering options, further accentuating the car’s open-road cruising ability and luxury leanings. This motor provided pretty impressive performance in a 1956 context, with Ford quoting power and torque figures of 200hp and 285 ft/lbs. The former owner took the opportunity provided by the restoration to treat the V8 to a rebuild. Since it has covered so few miles in the intervening years, the motor is barely broken in. The owner’s decision to part with this classic was forced by deteriorating health, which has made driving a car equipped with a manual transmission impossible. The buyer can slip behind the wheel, tap the pedal a couple of times, and the 292 springs to life at a twist of the key. It settles into a smooth idle with a nice bass rumble from the dual exhaust. The Sunliner drives beautifully and is a turnkey classic, allowing the buyer to fly in and drive it home.

This Sunliner has no genuine weaknesses. The restoration included an interior retrim, with the builder selecting Red and White vinyl mimicking the exterior paint and power top combination. The Ford’s history over the past fifteen years makes the condition unsurprising. There is no visible wear on the upholstered surfaces or the carpet, and the paint shines beautifully. The bright trim is quite subtle and restrained by the standards of the day, and it shines like a new penny. The Fairlane features a factory clock and pushbutton radio, and as with every other interior feature, these work perfectly.

The American economy was bubbling along merrily in 1956, and consumer confidence was high. Ford sold an impressive 58,147 Fairlane Sunliners during that model year, representing the badge’s second most successful sales result. However, with buyers clamoring for the latest and greatest from Detroit, many of these classics made their final trip to the scrapyard decades ago. That this Sunliner has survived and presents so beautifully is a testament to the care and devotion of its current owner. You have the chance to continue that trend, and once you’ve scrolled through the image gallery, you will discover how much it offers. There are still plenty of sunny days remaining before winter arrives, and hitting the road in this 1956 Fairlane Sunliner would be the ideal way to exploit all that Mother Nature offers. That is why this classic deserves a close look.