Sometimes, it is worth digging below the surface to discover a classic project’s greatest attributes. Such is the case with this 1956 Ford Fairlane Crown Victoria. The seller claims that from the radiator to the fuel tank, this gem retains its original mechanical components. The floors and frame are solid, making it a prime candidate for a faithful restoration. It seems people see its potential, as this Ford has attracted thirty bids since the seller listed it here on eBay in Eden, Utah. The action has pushed the price to $3,122, which is below the reserve.
Ford’s First Generation Fairlane enjoyed a brief production run, gracing showroom floors in 1955 and 1956. This second-year example is a Crown Victoria, ordered by its original owner in what appears to be Berkshire Green. It has been in storage for over five decades and generally looks tired. However, if we scratch below the surface, there is plenty of positive news. The seller confirms that the floors and frame are solid, and that the only penetrating rust is confined to the rockers and a few lower extremities, such as the rear quarter panels. The seller includes replacement rockers; the remaining issues are prime candidates for patches. The car features a good replacement passenger-side door, and the tinted glass appears clear. The trim is present, and any items that have deteriorated beyond polishable condition could still respond well to a trip to the platers.
Although buyers could order a 1956 Crown Victoria with a six-cylinder engine, this car’s first owner chose a V8. The seller describes it as the vehicle’s original 272ci powerplant, which is incorrect if the VIN is accurate. It indicates that, if the car is original, it has the 292ci V8, rated at 202hp and 289 ft/lb of torque. The rest of the drivetrain includes a three-speed Ford-O-Matic transmission and power steering for easy operation. The seller emphasizes the car’s originality, from the radiator to the fuel tank. They believe this classic may not have been in service since 1968, which is a long hibernation by any standard. They bypassed the fuel tank, coaxing the engine back to life. It runs nicely, with no smoke or odd noises. The transmission appears to select gears properly, and the Fairlane rolls smoothly. The brakes require attention, and there will likely be perishable components that need replacement, but the vehicle appears mechanically sound.
This Ford’s interior is serviceable, and its needs are surprisingly minor overall. The front seatcover is worn and stained, and the door trims have deteriorated significantly. However, the back seat should respond positively to a deep clean, and the seller states that the headliner is in good condition. An aftermarket wheel is visible in some shots, but it is unclear whether there are other additions that purists would choose to reverse.
Some project candidates are more worthy than others, and the information and images supplied by the seller seem to confirm that this 1956 Ford Fairlane Crown Victoria deserves a second chance at life. The lack of significant rust is a strong selling point, as is its original drivetrain. Sadly, the seller never had the chance to demonstrate their expertise, as they sound like a devoted enthusiast who could have extracted the best from this classic. They never had that chance, but you could. Are you tempted to make it happen?
I can’t quite tell of this is all a single tone, or if there is a lighter green on the roof? Single tone Crown Vics seem to be rarer. My Dads first car was a two tone ’55 Crown Vic. And those lines on the side really made for a nice two tone paint scheme. This one definitely looks like a great restoration candidate. Thanks Adam!!!
Looks like lighter green on top, darker on the bottom to me.
My mother had a ’53 which I thought was the start of a good line of cars over the coming years. Good looking, switch to ohv engines, and a huge array of colors. Well worth restoring this one.
Don’t see these too often, thankfully it doesn’t have a continental kit on it. My uncle many years ago when I was maybe pre teenager had a white and I suppose coral. Liked then then too. This one needs to be fixed up and driven.
Lots to like about this one. My OM had a 56 4 door with the 292 in it. It would move out pretty well. Ours was a pea green and it was a bit schizophrenic as it had badges for Ford on the nose and tail, Fairlane on the flanks, 500 badge on the front fender and when you opened the hood it had “Thunderbird V8” decals on the valve covers. On thing that does look nice on this one are the rear bumpers where the exhaust goes through. Those overheat and rot out from the inside and are commonly a mess. Although Crown Vic’s are the top of the heap for 56 Fords it would still be easy to be upside down if you do a full restoration. Ones with the rare plexiglass top with a full restoration are around $60k (so this won’t bring that much even restored) while the bodywork isn’t extensive by the time you did that and painted the car that would eat up half the restoration budget. It will be easy to be upside down trying to do it right. Despite the nice bones unless you’re doing it as a labor of love it may not make sense and hence the low bids so far.
Great year and Model Ford Crown Vic. Great news that the 292 runs. But with its rockers needing replacing along with bottom rear quarters, it’s hardly rust free. Hope someone can tackle these issues and at least does a nice preservation.
Its getting to the higher side of what I think its worth for this condition. Personally I would get it running and driving safe paint it black and paint the grill and bright work a brighter shade of black tint the windows and just cruise
Just a nice old cruiser! Not a Ford guy but I like this one just the way it is.cool.
Why does it say no reserve and then the current bid is below the reserve?
Great looking lines. One of Ford’s best efforts. I hope it gets a really good restoration.
They look really good with a Hot Rod stance.
Another one Beautiful!
After seeing that carb, I would hang on to the FORD air cleaner.
I was given one of these in 1964. It needed a carburetor. My dad would not let me have it. I was 14 then. Also, he hated Fords.