Frame Off Restored Fairlane Victoria 292 V8 4 Speed Automatic

SUMMARY

Rotisserie restoration completed in 2011
Correct 292 cubic inch Thunderbird V8 / Bored .030 over
Ford AOD 4-speed automatic transmission
12-volt electronic ignition
Original re-plated trim
Mandarin Orange & Colonial White paint
Orange & White vinyl interior

Want a super cool cruiser that's ready to show? How about one with some of the best vintage styling ever draped over two doors and four tires? If the answer is a resounding "YES", this 1956 Ford Victoria is exactly the car you've been searching for! With its massaged Thunderbird V8, modern 4-speed transmission and stunning orange and white color combination, this Fairlane is the perfect classic for anyone who enjoys exploring the open road. If you're looking to add a little spice to your weekend routine, here's the perfect way to take Sunday drives to a whole new level!

BODYWORK/TRIM

Solid and straight, the car's picturesque fuselage reflects a rich combination of Mandarin Orange and Colonial White 2-stage that creates a clean and classy demeanor. From its glossy roof to its chip-free rockers, that paint's smooth finish is nice enough to be the star at any hometown show, and certainly nicer than Ford's original, factory-applied lacquer. Naturally, a star of that caliber requires top-notch panel fit. And it definitely appears the folks involved in this Victoria's 2011 rotisserie restoration spent a lot of time making sure the car's streamlined body maintained excellent cohesion.

Not surprisingly, this exceptional Fairlane mixes re-plated trim with a roster of cool and carefully duplicated details. At the front of the car, an exaggerated egg-crate grille hangs a small AACA Touring plaque between clean headlights, chrome-trimmed parking lamps, intricate header emblems and a mirrored bumper that bends around peaked fenders. Between those fenders, a chrome-detailed hood leads the eye to tinted glass that's framed by thick trim, cleared by bright wipers and reflected in a correct mirror. Below that mirror, classy door handles, subtle fender skirts and polished rocker guards perfectly complement elaborate side sweeps, expressive "Victoria" scripts and small "THUNDERBIRD V8" emblems. And opposite those emblems, a pivotal "Fairlane" badge rides between chrome-trimmed, jet-inspired taillights and a second wraparound bumper.

ENGINE

Hoist this Ford's lightweight hood and you'll find a correct, 292 cubic inch Thunderbird V8 that, during the car's extensive restoration, was bored .030 over, fully rebuilt and fitted with 12-volt electronic ignition. Introduced in 1955, this stout little Y-block remained an option in blue oval staples well into the mid-1970s. At the top of the bright orange mill, a familiar silver air cleaner draws wind into an updated, 390cfm Holley, which is stacked between a Lokar throttle linkage and fresh stainless fuel lines. Atomized octane passes through a stock intake manifold to correct, cast iron heads, which cap a balanced rotating assembly. At the front of those heads, a rebuilt generator and correct fan spin in unison as a restored radiator keeps things cool via pliable hoses. And spark comes courtesy of a traditional points distributor, which sequences fire through 7mm High Temperature Static Suppression cables. From its black, Thunderbird-branded valve covers to its fresh Autolite battery topper, this cruiser's glossy engine bay presents a clean, authentic appearance. And best of all, the 202 horsepower mill fires instantly and sounds surprisingly beefy through cast iron exhaust manifolds and factory-style tail pipes.

DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION

At the bottom of this Victoria, a fully sorted undercarriage houses original floors that were stripped and fully restored by the car's previous owner. Nice enough to show but still fully drivable, this is the perfect compromise for enthusiasts who like to display their classic AND enjoy occasional weekend getaways. Behind the aforementioned Y-block, the car's modern AOD 4-speed, a rebuilt unit originally sourced from a 1991 Mustang GT, sends power to a factory Ford axle. A sturdy suspension remains in its original configuration with coils up front, leafs out back and traditional manual steering. Braking is quick and adequate thanks to fresh drums at all four corners. On the outside of those drums, painted steel wheels spin 215/75R15 Eldorado whitewalls around classy chrome hubcaps. And all the chassis' parts feature an immaculate, weather-free appearance, reinforcing the idea that it's been a very long time since this hardtop's seen daily-driver duty.

INTERIOR

2-tone paint is legendary for its characteristically '50s feel. And when paired with this Fairlane's airy interior, it creates the perfect culmination of style and sophistication. Thanks to the car's high quality restoration, its gridded bench seats will be livable for years to come. Front and center, factory gauges, a correct AM radio and a quartz-movement clock look great inside a stylish, Ford-branded dash. At the sides of that dash, scuff-free door panels center chrome handles and small armrests between body-matched frames and unique, Lion-branded sills. Those sills pin tight carpet that still features bright orange loops. In front of the driver, a body-matched steering wheel spins a Mandarin rim around a chrome, Ford-branded horn ring. And behind the passengers, a fully restored trunk anchors a fresh plaid mat next to a full-size spare tire.

OUR SALE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTATION AND ACCESSORIES

A service manual
Build receipts

It doesn't matter whether you're a Ford guy, MoPar guy or Chevy guy, this impressive Victoria is one of those cars that transcends barriers and claims universal appeal. Its great looks, great performance and great color combo all add up to an exceptional classic that can be driven and enjoyed. Indulge as is, or tinker with it to make it sharper, either way you'll have a high value cruiser that has unmatched curb appeal and the muscle to back it up!