UPDATE – We just heard from Mike and his Ford Fairlane has Sold to a fellow Barn Finds Reader!
As great as the Tri-Five Chevys are, I think I’d actually rather have this ’56 Ford over a ’56 Chevy that’s in similar condition. Don’t get me wrong, I’d love to have a Chevy, but this Ford just looks fantastic! It appears to be in fairly original condition on the outside, with paint that has some flaws but still looks great. Power comes from Ford’s 292 cui V8, which won’t blow the doors off, but will get you up moving without any problems. Reader Mike M pulled it from the barn, serviced, detailed and has it running nicely, but has decided it’s time to part ways with it. If you’ve been looking for a nice alternative to the ’56 Chevy, you can contact Mike about this Ford via the form below. It’s located in Denton, Texas and he’s asking $13,500 or best offer.
What Makes It Special? This 1956 Ford Fairlane V8 292 Club Cadet 2-door is very clean! It was sitting in a barn for several years but runs great now. I recently detailed it and replaced the hoses, belts, battery etc.
Body Condition: The body is in very good condition, no outstanding dents/dings. One small primer spot on the rear deck near trunk lid, otherwise in fine shape. The interior is excellent and has already been restored. Please look at the attached pictures. There’s no apparent rust.
Mechanical Condition: The engine is the stock 292 V8 with dual exhaust and an automatic transmission. It runs now and starts right up every time. The tires have plenty of thread but have been sitting for several years. The transmission seal leaks, probably from sitting too long.
There’s still a little work to be done to make this car an exceptional driver, but you could definitely start enjoying it as is. The transmission oil seal leak is likely the biggest issue, as that may involve removing the engine to fix. As long as it isn’t a serious leak, I would just leave it alone and get an oil pan to leave under the car when it’s parked. The sand area of the trunk is a bit odd, but wouldn’t be impossible to fix. So, what do you think of Mike’s Ford? Would you take this two-tone beauty over a base model ’56 Chevy?
- Asking Price: $13,500
- Location: Denton, Texas
- Mileage: 99K+
- Title Status: Clean
- VIN: M6RT115793
Do you have a barn find parked in your garage that needs a new home? Please consider listing it for sale here on Barn Finds!
Isn’t a Club Cadet something you mow the lawn with? I mean, seriously, I’ve been a Ford guy since the early 70’s and once owned a ’57 Retractable. Can’t believe there is a model I’ve never heard of!
You’re right, it’s not a “Club Cadet”, it’s a “Club SEDAN”.
My error; I listed it incorrectly.
Club Coupe or Club Sedan for 1956.
I had one back in the day with a 3 speed on the column. The 292 cu was no slouch once you got it rolling.
I love it! The 1956 Ford is one of my favorite cars to come out of the 1950’s. From the bottom level Fordor to a top rung Sunliner, I’d love to own any example from that year. This pretty Fairlane would definitely have the best space in the garage if I could take it home.
Looks like a regular 2 door sedan to me. I too never heard of a Club Cadet. I know at one point they called them Town Sedans.
Another car from when I grew up – I like it. Don’t have space for it but still like it.
One thing I don’t care for is shaving the emblems off the hood, looks naked this way. The other thing I don’t remember is the lower body color wrapping around the back under the trunk lid. Not sure if I care for that or not, but likely wouldn’t mess with it.
I’m sure when the right person sees it, it will sell quickly.
Nice looking car and the colors go good together. I think I would tape a line under the center of the tail light and paint the center all white, that wouldn’t take much. Price seems o.k.
Couple things- do check the front crossmember where the lower control arms mount–prone to rust out. Also- its not my luck but sometimes those tranny seals will swell and stop leaking when the car is used often. Worth a try. Beautiful 56, good luck to the new owner!
Cheers
GPC
While I like the ’56 Chevy, it couldn’t hold a candle to the ’56 Ford. Such a popular car, used and junked by the thousands. So nice to see one like this again.
Not sure if it looks better than a similar Chevy,but don’t think it looks worse either.It’s indeed a sweet Ford with attractive lines, far better looking than the coming 58-59 Fords. And in such a condition and at that asking price I’d much rather take this over an over-priced 56 Chevy post.
Drop its suspension and add rumbling exhausts and you’ll have a classic 50s ride that’s no less cooler than the regular Tri-Five cruisers out there
My very first was a 1956 Ford that my Uncle sold to me for $20.00. Rebuilt the 292 and absolutely loved that car. I would love to have this one.
Looks like a 2 barrel carb on this one most likely a 272 not a 292. Very slow but they run ok just like the 292.
Very slow??? do a search on Karol Miller and the 56 he brought to Bonneville !!! averaged 153mph and blew the doors off many classes above. my 55 with a .060 over 292 lifted the front tires at the drags. they are mini 427 side oilers, smoked Nascar in 57. Read excerpt reviews from the salesman of the day, said they would drive across Midwest for 1000 miles straight averaging over 100mph with no problems. Search Ted Eatons Big Bend road rally race a few years ago, smoked brand new corvettes with a 55 with 272.
The 4 door ones are Town sedan, the 2 door ones are club sedan.
I know that Bill but out of the box they were’t worth a hoot. All the other stuff you write about is correct as I must have read about Karol Miller and his accomplshments many times as he was my hero back then. I know Ted also and his roadster is probably the only Y block in the US with a delay box.
I was almost born in my parent’s 1956 Ford Customline Fordor sedan (diamond blue with a white top) as I was born an hour and 20 minutes from contraction #1. Dad had that car floorboarded doing 80 all the way to the hospital. My older sister came in 2 hours and 15 minutes so that car made good mad dashes to the hospital! I came along in ’68 and the car remained in our family until 1992. Loved our “Old Sherman” (tank) and I still miss that car. So of course I have a real soft spot for these cars. It looks like the original hood was swapped out for one off a 1955 as you can see the mounting holes for the hood ornament that laid across the top of the hood like an airplane. The ’56 had a half circle dish cut into the hood and the chrome dish and spear pointing out was a great handle to lift the hood. I remember it well as I open and closed it often enough as a teenager working on that car. I also loved to wash it and feel all the contours and curves of the design and admired all the artistry that went into designing that car. I loved the fox ear fender tips and the eyebrows over the headlights. I spent a lot of time polishing the chrome and stainless steel. The vertical bumper guards were also works of art. I hope whoever winds up with this car treats it well.