I’m always fishing around for a good car story. That’s why I like striking up conversations with owners of classic cars because there’s usually an interesting story behind their “pride and joy.” Some, like the owner of this stunning ’56 Ford Fairlane Sunliner, admired a particular car as a teenager and bought one later on in life. The seller says he purchased the Sunliner “before Covid” from a classic car broker and has taken it on short drives about 15 times, but his age and other priorities are making it necessary to sell it. Located outside of Greensboro, NC in the town of Kernersville, this beautiful mid-50’s dreamy drop top is for sale here on craigslist for an asking price of $36,000.
If you’re looking for a quintessential mid-50’s American-made automobile, this one checks a lot of boxes. It’s very colorful (two-tone Mandarine Orange and Colonial White inside and out), has a V8 under the hood, a continental kit, wire wheel covers and wide whitewalls, fender skirts, just the right amount of chrome and shiny stuff, plus it’s a convertible. The seller states, “The top is new, the white side wall tires are excellent-to-new radials and I consider the exterior & interior excellent with some minor nicks.” I’m not seeing anything on this ’56 that raises a mandarine orange or red flag, it presents itself well inside and out.
1956 was a very colorful year for the American auto industry and Ford was no exception. They advertised that their new Sunliners offered “a choice of 25 harmonized body-color-upholstery ensembles with new all-vinyl two-tone interiors.” Ever seen a Mandarine Orange and Colonia White ’56 Ford in person? I have and it’s an attractive color combination, but you better like orange. This two-tone interior appears to be in very good condition and includes a working radio and clock and color-coordinated safety belts.
Under that orange hood, you’ll find a clean and tidy engine bay with a 292-cubic-inch V8 paired with a Fordomatic automatic transmission. The seller shares that “it has been completely reliable on start-up with smooth driving with each outing.” The odometer currently reads a little short of 13,000 and the seller states that it was rebuilt 20,000 miles ago. The Sunliner has power steering, factory restored brakes, and has had all the springs and shocks replaced (although there is a 1/2″-1″ lifter in the front driver side spring). The seller also confesses that there is a “blow back vent” for the 292 Thunderbird Y-Block engine that may sometimes drip oil and there is a transmission leak near the engine.” The 1956 model year is my favorite Ford from the 50’s and this is a great-looking Sunliner convertible, one of 58,147 produced that year. It just oozes cool, colorful, 50’s style.
I love everything about this car except the continental kit. The fenderskirts are ok, but l really don’t care for them either. Beautiful vehicle, my Father gave me my first car ride that I can remember in a 55 Ford, I was 3 years old.The seller has a right to be proud, it’s a good looking machine.
I agree ;so many people think this was the thing everyone did in the 50s, but look at any photo from the time , and the spares are in the trunk ,were they belong
Yes, that unsightly growth on its rear end!
The skirts and the conti kit look just fine to me, embrace the 50’s!
Perfect the way she is….love the color combo.Great for weekend cruising.
I have wanted one of these since I was a kid. This one is priced right… but my garage is full. Just bad timing for me or I would buy this today.
Personal opinion is that no manufacturer made better looking “everyman” cars in that decade than 56 Fords. I’ve owned a convertible and a Fairlane Victoria HT, as well as a 55 Crown Victoria. My dad’s first car was a 55 Ranch Wagon, so I guess I come by my affinity for these cars from him. Doesn’t it blow your mind that an average family could walk into a showroom and buy something this gorgeous? I’ve always dug 2-tones, tolerated fender skirts, and hated continental kits. I never thought Dolly Parton needed wigs, either.
I’ve had the same thought how amazing it was that a normal person could go to the dealer and leave with something this good looking
Imagine getting home, head in the house, then peek back in the garage for one last admiring glance.
Today you get home and then realize you don’t want to look at what you just paid a fortune for. Some ugly bulbous, creased transformer looking contraption. Man how things have changed, not always for the better
If I could afford it I’d buy this one so fast my wallet would smoke. The only problem I can see with this one is the transmission leak. I’d offer slightly less than the asking price
because of the leak. Tranny leaks can drain the wallet fast.
There is no “E” in Mandarin. If there were, it would be pronounced “Manda-reen”.
Right, Chuck.
We had our ’56 Ford for 32 years. I still miss that car and want another one!
“odometer reads short of 13,000 miles & I was told if had been restored some 20,000 miles ago”
Ummm, what am I missing here? It’s being advertised as only having 13k miles, yet was restored 20k ago?
My Dad worked at Ford in Louisville from 1954 thru 62 and was on the assembly line adding fuel pumps to these and Edsel. He told of being able to get overtime on weekends as they would line up the Edsels and you had to drive it around the lot to see if the pushbutton transmission selector on the horn button did what it was supposed to. Many of them did not. Also the Skyliners with retractable tops had multiple issues with those motors.