1956 Ford
Fairlane Victoria

DESCRIPTION

While this striking Fairlane Victoria still shows its original colors of Bermuda Blue & White, it's benefitted from more than $35k worth of recent improvements. It was originally fitted with a 3-speed manual but now has a more modern 4-speed automatic with its own trans cooler sending power to the rear wheels. Additional improvements over the past three years include air shocks, new carburetor, Borgenson Box steering, new front sway bar end links, front disc brake conversion w/new master cylinder, spindles & rotors and a rebuilt and recalibrated speedometer. i

All body panels appear straight with no evidence of major crash damage. Shut lines are consistent and trunk, doors and hood all shut and latch as designed. A repaint in original colors was done at some point prior to the current owner's stewardship and is holding up very nicely with only minor imperfections noted. Glass is in excellent condition w/only light scratching and no delamination evident. All windows roll up and down as intended w/minimal effort required. The bumpers appear to have been rechromed at some point and show beautifully. Stainless trim surrounding the windows exhibits some pitting and other trim have moderate scratches but are largely free of any dents or other irregularities.

It is unknown if the engine is original, but it is a period-correct 312ci V8 Thunderbird w/a new 4-barrel carb estimated to generate 225HP. It fires readily and quickly settles to a nice idle exhibiting no irregular tendencies. The rebuilt 4-speed automatic is a good choice for the engine, providing an additional gear to the Ford-O-Matic 3-speed that was optional when new.

The popular-in period 2-tone paint scheme carries through to great effect in the interior. Blue & white vinyl is in excellent condition showing minimal signs of wear and no rips, tears or stains. The tilt steering column functions as designed adding a welcome degree of comfort and the radio has been upgraded to include an iPod jack and plays through both front & rear speakers. All gauges function and all dash lights operate properly.

VIN P6GV174523 decodes as follows: P-312ci 4V Carb 225HP V8; 6-1956; G-Chicago, IL; V-Tudor Victoria; 174523-Production Sequence. The data plate indicates a Fairlane Victoria body type in Bahama Blue.

All in all, this is a nicely preserved, but not over-restored, example of 50's Americana...harkening back to a much simpler time when everything happened a little slower and we were all a little less distracted. Time to add this to your collection before they're all gone.