There’s always been something intriguing to me about one-year-only cars, regardless of the manufacturer or vehicle type. 1956 was the sole year a buyer could walk into their local Ford dealer and drive away in a Parklane, a 2-door wagon somewhat similar in concept to the Chevrolet Nomad. The vehicle shared the same body style as the Ford Ranch Wagon, but it featured some stainless steel trim down the sides and around the B-pillar to distinguish it. The seller of this Parklane has listed it as a “Parkland”, but the model is in fact known as the former, and if you like the idea of a vintage 2-door wagon this 1956 Ford Parklane is almost sure to please. It’s located in Massillon, Ohio, and can be seen here on eBay with a current bid of $21,211, which is south of the reserve price.
Barn Finds reader Larry D. sent us the tip on this one, and we’d like to thank him for spotting this beauty and letting us know about it! The seller of this Parklane says the wagon was originally an Arizona car, which I’m hoping implies that it hadn’t succumbed to rust in its former life, but in any event, it has been the recipient of a complete restoration. Ford only produced just over 15,000 Parklanes, and while it may not be fair to say that the model is rare, it’s not exactly a common sighting either. Apparently, there were only three color offerings available, and this one has been returned back to its original finish of Buckskin and white.
There’s plenty of flat cargo room in the back, and with the glass raised and the tailgate lowered, accessibility is not a problem. Those vintage brown suitcases really amplify the cool factor, as does the Route 66 badge, and it’s a sight that’s making me want to throw a few clothes in there and hit the road!
Hitting the road is no problem in this Parklane, as the original drivetrain has been replaced with a HO 302 engine out of a Mustang, which is said to have been rebuilt and has some sharp-looking dress-up pieces on the outside. Shifting duties are provided by a C4 automatic transmission, and outback there’s a 9-inch rear end. The seller says the car is comfortable and claims that it drives like new.
Inside, things are looking good from every angle we can see, and although the seats are kind of basic they definitely look sharp in there with the dual colors. Not many specifics are mentioned about the interior, other than there’s a hidden audio system in there somewhere and that the car has the largest vintage air system. What are your thoughts on this 1956 Ford Parklane Wagon? Any guesses about how much $ it will take to drive it home?
Beautiful build.Wouldn’t change a thing
Like everything, except billet bling and Edelbrock carb.
I am thinking, the “Parklane” was a Mercury wagon, the Ford was a “Del Rio” Pretty car though.
Del Rio was 57-58 Parklane was Top of the line Merc sedan in 58 or 59 and beyond.
Looks like a great build and the guy knew what he was doing. Nothing short of a turnkey classic. Great find
Very nice car. Very similar to a Chevy Nomad, except a Nomad would probably sell for twice as much.
Funny, that
Yep, twice as much money but only half the car! Personally I would take any ’55-57 Ford over any ’55-57 Chev, but to each his own.
I like the 55-56 Ford, and I have owned a few including 56 Parklane in two-tone green. There is nothing about a 57 Ford that would cause me to buy it. I would always go for a 55-57 Chevy first, but the Fords have been much less expensive for many years.
Rw, what’s wrong with an Edelbrock Carb?
They are all I use.
Here is a car that has one thing wrong with it. It’s not in my garage. I think the number for car will be north of 40 K, it just depends on how far you can go. FYI,1956 was Park Lane and 1957 was Del Rio
I agree with GT about what’s wrong with an Edelbrock. I’ve got them on 2 of my older cars and are much easier to setup or adjust than say a Holley. You nearly have to take a Holley apart to adjust them.
It may be my imagination, but the car looks like it is sitting considerably lower on the drivers side. Maybe just the way it was photographed?
The photo of the right side of the car gives me the opportunity to remind photographers NOT to take photos of restored vehicles when the bright sunlight is shining on the side of the car at a very acute angle. [Mid-day sun]
I suspect the right door fits fine, but the way the sun is hitting the door and body side, makes the bottom of the door look like it’s got too much of a curve to it.
When taking photos of a car that will be placed for sale, it’s better to display the car in the shade, or wait for a slightly overcast day. Harsh sunlight can make even the best body & paint look “off”.
Very Nice Car
I guess RJ never saw a 55 Crown Victoria.
Another Deak trying to stir things with his noodle.