I always find it interesting to study the specifications of classic cars to discover whether the original owner was willing to spend money to create something genuinely special. This 1956 Ford Fairlane Crown Victoria is a perfect example. Not only did the first owner order it with optional two-tone paint, but they also equipped it with the range-topping 312ci V8. It presents exceptionally well as a survivor-grade vehicle, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Mitchell G. for spotting this gem. The seller has listed the Crown Victoria here on Craigslist in Aliquippa, Pennsylvania. They set their price at $30,000 but might consider trades up or down for the right candidate.
Ford introduced a new model range in 1955 as it continued its fight for market share against Chevrolet and Plymouth. The latest offering featured a stylish new body, although the underpinnings were largely shared with its predecessor. Topping the range was the Fairlane, with our feature car, a Fairlane Crown Victoria that rolled off the line in 1956. This gem is sure to turn heads, courtesy of its excellent presentation, the stainless “basket handle” trim running across the roof, and the Continental Kit. The first owner ordered the vehicle in distinctive Raven Black and Colonial White, and the overall presentation is hard to fault in the supplied photos. The paint shines nicely, and the panels are as straight as an arrow. Rust can be a concern with older classics, but that isn’t the case here. The seller describes it as rust-free, which is encouraging. The bright trim offers a classy look, with this car featuring the correct exhaust exits through the back bumper. The glass is clear, and the wide whitewalls provide the perfect finishing touch to a classic that would have been a top-of-the-line model in 1956.
Ford offered ’56 Fairlane buyers a reasonable assortment of engines to power their new purchase, and this car’s first owner went straight for the top draw. They selected the 312ci Y-Block V8, teaming it with a three-speed automatic transmission and power steering. American manufacturers were finding their feet in the 1950s following a complete lack of passenger vehicle production during World War II. Engine design was more modern, with OHV powerplants replacing the venerable flathead at an impressive rate. Ford dropped the Y-Block into its range in 1954, with its new offering serving faithfully for a decade. This engine should generate 225hp, according to Ford’s Sales Brochure. It would have been a capable performer by the standards of the day, and it should still lope along effortlessly on the open road almost seven decades after it left the factory. The seller states that the tires and dual exhaust are new and that the Crown Victoria runs and drives extremely well. It appears that flying in and driving home is a realistic option for the new owner.
The positive vibes continue when we examine this Ford’s interior. There are no aftermarket additions, simply Black and White trim that perfectly compliments the exterior color combination. The front seat exhibits slight stretching on the driver’s side that I consider acceptable, while the back seat appears to have seen little use. The painted surfaces are crisp and clean, and there is no visible wheel wear. If the new owner elects to fly in and drive this beauty home, the factory radio should relieve boredom as they embark on that journey.
This 1956 Ford Fairlane Crown Victoria seems to tick most of the right boxes for enthusiasts seeking a 1950s classic. It presents extremely well, there is no rust to cause concerns, and its mechanical specifications promise quite impressive performance for a six-seater from this era. However, it has been on the market for over three weeks, suggesting that the seller may not have been inundated with genuine inquiries. If you have the cash or something to trade, would you consider pursuing this beautiful Crown Victoria further?
Providing the pics as posted in the original ad are valid and the vehicle has never been modified this is a 292, not a 312. Decals on 292 rocker covers say “Thunderbird V-8” while those on 312 say “Thunderbird Special” with the wording on a silver background.
Additionally while no pic of the data plate is shown the first letter of the serial number identifies the engine.
U = 272
M = 292
P = 312
Finally, the transmission is not a true 3 speed as we think of them today. When you select drive it starts out in 2nd gear. True 1st gear can only be obtained by
1. Holding the accelerator to the floor when starting out in Drive or
2. Selecting Low.
Then you shift to Drive manually. To hold 2nd gear you then move the selector back to Low. Weird, but that’s the way it works.
If anyone wants more detail on the 1956 Crown Vic, you can go here – including the brochures in downloadable PDF https://over-drive-magazine.com/2022/09/20/1956-ford-cars-fact-sheet/ BTW, I owned a 56 Crown with a Lincoln Mercury 368 CID V-8 BITD that story is HERE https://over-drive-magazine.com/2022/09/01/the-crown-the-story-of-a-hot-rodded-1956-ford/
“the factory radio should cause boredom as they embark on that journey,” There fixed it for you. Stunning example but while you can’t swing a dead cat without hitting a tri five Chevy these seem to be underappreciated. I think Black and Coral looks better on these but I wouldn’t change a thing. Except the radio, and AC, and does it have power steering? Just checked the CL ad. Yes it does. Not bad.
Always thought the ’55 – ’57 Fords were better looking than the tri-five Chevs. Just my opinion.
I’d eliminate the skirts on this one but otherwise perfect esp. with the 312.
Nice find!
Notably, Ford outsold Chevy in ‘57.
Nice car, but I feel the looks of the car are ruined by the useless continental kit on the back. Never really liked the Crown chrome on the roof either. My older brother had a 56 Fairlane. 292, auto, 2 door hardtop. It had been bull nosed in the front, hood ornament and emblem removed, rear trunk emblems removed as well. With the stock semi frenched headlights, it was a looker.
My brother had the 56 Crown Victoria with the plexiglass panel over the front seats. Loved that car
My older brother also had one, exactly like this. He mashed it BAD in a rear-ender back in ’61. Off to the junkyard!
Not quite top of the line, but really close. Top of the line in 1956 would have been the Crown Top with the glass front roof panel.
Please do not change the radio! So many people DO that! — and these were especially fine A.M. receivers! I wish I had the money — I’d be tempted for that reason alone. I mean, for a man my age, what’s on F.M. these days? A few markets do have a classical music station (if you can keep them off that 12-tonal and atonal noise from the 20th century, that is) — but everything else passing for music is horrible noise! Even on A.M. now, the music is awful — but at least you have talk radio and news stations there. For music, I like the late 1920s through about 1962 or so: my prime era runs from 1946 through 1958 — a little later for Country or Race (R&B). But you can FORGET most everything from 1965 and forward, for my ears. There ARE a few exceptions to that, but those are the very ones they never play! It’s all this raucous and frantic stuff that simply rankles my nerves! So, I am just FINE with an A.M. radio: put on a station you like, and carry it for a couple of hundred miles, before it finally fades to where you need to tune into another one. I also don’t like it when people put modern quartz movements into mechanical car clocks: I can repair the original and have it running fine; thank you! Don’t care for the continental kit, but if it came with the car originally, I would keep it. Perhaps this is too much to ask — but I hope that it hasn’t been smoked in. CHEERS, Everybody!
Please do not change the radio! So many people DO that! — and these were especially fine A.M. receivers! I wish I had the money — I’d be tempted for that reason alone. I mean, for a man my age, what’s on F.M. these days? A few markets do have a classical music station (if you can keep them off that 12-tonal and atonal noise from the 20th century, that is) — but everything else passing for music is horrible noise! Even on A.M. now, the music is awful — but at least you have talk radio and news stations there. For music, I like the late 1920s through about 1962 or so: my prime era runs from 1946 through 1958 — a little later for Country or Race (R&B). But you can FORGET most everything from 1965 and forward, for my ears. There ARE a few exceptions to that, but those are the very ones they never play! It’s all this raucous and frantic stuff that simply rankles my nerves! So, I am just FINE with an A.M. radio: put on a station you like, and carry it for a couple of hundred miles, before it finally fades to where you need to tune into another one. I also don’t like it when people put modern quartz movements into mechanical car clocks: I can repair the original and have it running fine; thank you! Don’t care for the continental kit, but if it came with the car originally, I would keep it. Perhaps this is too much to ask — but I hope that it hasn’t been smoked in. CHEERS, Everybody!