I think that almost every enthusiast dreams of the day when they might open the door to a shed or barn to discover a long-forgotten classic lurking in a corner under a layer of dust. Such is the case with this 1956 Ford Fairlane Victoria. It is a solid and virtually complete classic, and it appears its time in hibernation could be measured in decades. The seller raises the possibility of it serving as a parts car, but its overall condition might make that path an automotive injustice. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder T.J. for spotting a 1950s classic that deserves a second chance to shine.
The first thing that I noticed about this Ford is its relatively complete nature. The driver’s window and front bumper are gone, but items like the fender skirts are present. One cool original feature is the “through-bumper” exhaust. Someone bypassed that system, but reinstating it shouldn’t present too many obstacles. The existing Nocturne Blue paint isn’t original, with plenty of evidence suggesting the original owner ordered this Victoria in Colonial White. That is probably irrelevant because any restoration would require stripping the panels to bare metal to achieve a first-rate result. That brings us to the crucial question of whether this classic is a viable project candidate. The seller describes its overall condition as solid, and the only visible rust is in the lower extremities and the battery tray. The problems appear patchable, meaning wholesale steel replacement might not be required. However, with no underside shots, the state of the floors and frame is unclear. An in-person inspection will reveal the truth, although replacement parts are readily available if the new owner intends to return the Ford to active service. The exterior trim looks exceptional for its age, and the tinted glass is crystal clear.
I’m going out on a limb to state that this Ford’s first owner wasn’t afraid to wield their pen freely on the Order Form because this classic has some cool and desirable features. I’ve already mentioned the fender skirts, while the interior features the quite expensive factory pushbutton radio. There are other items that I will cover in due course, but the indications are that this was one fairly special piece of rolling iron when it emerged from the factory. The interior is complete, but it begs for a retrim. The upholstered surfaces exhibit major faults, there is significant wheel wear, and what is visible of the carpet looks pretty ugly. However, the paint looks crisp and clean, and there are no apparent missing items. LeBaron Bonney was one of the premier suppliers of complete trim kits that would have brought this interior back from the edge. However, the company collapsed in 2019, meaning it might take some dedicated searching by the new owner to unearth an alternative.
Lifting this Ford’s hood reveals the last piece of the puzzle suggesting the first owner splashed some cash on this classic. While buyers could order a ’56 with the 223ci Mileage Maker six that provided competent performance, this car offers far more to potential buyers. It features the range-topping 312ci V8, teamed with a three-speed Ford-O-Matic transmission. This Y-block delivered 225hp and 324 ft/lbs of torque, representing a potent package in its day. It wasn’t muscle-car-fast, but performance was considered pretty impressive for a vehicle that could comfortably seat six people. The seller confirms this Victoria doesn’t run, and probably hasn’t for years. They don’t indicate whether the engine turns, but those considering it as a project candidate should probably factor a mechanical refresh into their budget.
I do not doubt that this 1956 Ford Fairlane Victoria will divide opinions between those who view it as a viable project candidate, and others who feel that it is a parts car. Whichever camp you occupy, there are two factors worth considering. The first is that it probably requires nothing less than a nut-and-bolt approach to recapture its youthful good looks. The second is that the price of $4,000 makes it a very affordable option, regardless of which path you might follow. The seller listed the Ford here on Craigslist in Austintown, Ohio. It has been on the market for less than a day, and I won’t be surprised if someone snaps it up fairly quickly. Are you tempted to beat them to the punch?
The ’56 Ford Victoria was a nice car, even with the ’65 FTD wheel covers, and about middle of the lineup. This car is mediumly optioned, but as mentioned, the original buyer was no cheap skate. Options on this car include, the base price was about $2551 for the 6cyl., and $150 more for the V8. The automatic was a biggie, and almost $200 alone, and the radio, was almost $100, and the real big one, not here, was the A/C at almost $500!! WW tires, another $50, and that windshield washer,,,$18. Did not get the “safety” package, seat belts, padded dash and visors, $27 bucks. They did get the heater, $88, and trim, probably cost this buyer right around $3grand. Considering it cost almost a grand more than the Mainline, that didn’t seem to deter buyers much. Mid 50s was a smokin’ time for America, and cars like this proved it. Tunes from artists like Chuck Barry, Fats Domino, Elvis, Pat Boone, coming out of the box, your gal, perhaps wifey, by your side, a ’56 Vicky, times were good.
Dang, “LTD” wheel covers, my big chance and blew it,,,
Good catch on the homely wheel covers. (I was wondering what FTD Florists had to do with Ford wheelcovers before the correction. 😏
One small difference of opinion; Victoria 2dr. hardtop is pretty high up the food chain. Top of the heap, other than a Crown or a Sunliner. Neat car. Definitely a keeper in my book.
Actually they look good….the 1965 blue center should match that paing….should be gone in that part of the country for that price – not running.
These Ford’s don’t get the attention that the trip-five Chevies did but this one is nice. A two tone paint job and interior would really make it pop. I have an uncle who lives out that way who’s a gearhead. Maybe I’ll tell him about it.
It will be gone soon at this price. Love this year Ford Victoria and she’s a 2 door as well. I wouldn’t go the nut and bolt restoration route, but bringing the engine and brakes back would be a priority.
Parts, NO! NO! NO! I understand the possibility of under structure problems, but this car needs to be brought back to healthy life. The new owner doesn’t need to be a professional restorer but someone who would be capable of doing much himself over a period, for the love of it. Do the mechanical’s, thoroughly thru, road worthy, drive and enjoy. Then interior, then cosmetic’s. Finally, if he’s in the rust belt, put it away before the first Sand n Salt hits the road!
I was 14 when this car hit the road. A few years later some in our area where Hot Rodded, 0ne Crown had Packard Tail lights and a purple paint job. Another, a black stock looker, but under the hood lived a Caddy engine. As mentioned before, the Music, the Times, makes me smile remembering it ALL.
Later on my Wife’s first car was a 56, 4 door hardtop (no center post).
These were nice cars. In 1965 I had a 56 Sunliner. Just fun to drive.
THROUGH the bumper exhaust was very common in lots of 50s cars and did cause problems, eventually it rotted the bumper,
back in 1969 I bought one of these with a Dodge 413 cross ram engine and a torque flight trans, scary fast
Ford 1956 2 door Dr Hardtop Vics are every bit as nice to me, as any Chevy tri 5s. Nearly bought one a few years back, but had problems with driving and shipping.
Although these sold in similar numbers to the 55.56.57 Chevys, the survival rate of 55-56 Ford Hardtops is much, much less than the Chevys. Many were consumed by years of stock car racing where they proved to be popular.
This one should definitely be restored.
The trim sweep from the outside to the inside of the front fender represents a replacement, by a “double”.
This is not a parts car! Yes it’s in need but worthy of a restoration.