1956 Ford Victoria

2dr. Hrdtp Coupe

8 - Cyl.

Automatic

M6RV175889

Gasoline

Cruisin' American Graffiti Style: 1956 Ford Victoria Hardtop One of the most popular body styles among the almost 1.5 million vehicles the Ford Motor Co. made in 1956, 177,735 Fairlane Club Victoria 2-door hardtop Coupes found eager buyers. Today, the enthusiasm for the model continues among Ford lovers; for a diehard Ford person, a '56 Vicky is the equivalent to the equally beloved Tri-Chevy 2-door hardtops. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Here's the problem, though: the numbers of restorable Fairlanes have been decimated by normal attrition, accelerated by the dreaded rust devil. Finding a straight, non-rusty '56 today is almost a small miracle, especially when your wallet is not bursting with a wad of big bills! Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) The 1956 Ford Victoria 2-door hardtop presented here, VIN *M6RV175889*, is one of the few worthy survivors. Having undergone a recent exterior refurbishment and mechanical upgrade, it awaits a few finishing touches. Lots of money has been spent and the car can be driven "as is," while the remaining items are sorted at the new owner's pace. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Engine compartment features a rebuilt 302 cu.in. V-8. According to the car's former owner, the engine received all new internals, including a new set of hi-po pistons. A modern cross-flow radiator has been installed. Steering and brakes are stock. Note absence of heater. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Engine looks clean, starts right up, runs great, doesn't smoke or emit any unusual noises. Being much lighter than the original "Thunderbird" V-8, this 302 could be called a genuine improvement over the old Y-block! Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) The car's flowing design was a natural for the hugely popular two-tone paint schemes; this fine example was finished in the 1956 factory colors of Fiesta Red over Raven Black. Body is in superb condition, there are no ripples, dents, dings, bubbles or any other annoying imperfections. The finish was professionally applied, color sanded, and buffed. Most of the exterior brightwork was refinished, too, at considerable expense. Exterior looks 100% complete, with the exception of the clip between the front upper grille bars and the "Fairlane" insert on the trunk lid. Note tinted glass front and rear. Flat side window glass should be replaced, as it shows its age. Side window frames have nto been rechromed yet. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Turning our attention to the car's interior, we are impressed by Ford's clean and simple lines and large, factory steering wheel with 270-degree chrome horn ring. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Here's a view of the factory gauges; they are not hooked up yet; instead, there is a trio of modern instruments mounted underneath the dash to relay important information. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Black interior looks passable but has not seen the restorer's touch yet. The door panels are included, but need to be installed. Black headliner has a tear. Carpeting is old, very old. Seat upholstery could stand replacement. It's o.k. for a driver, but a few dollars spent here could lead to a big improvement! Luckily, all the original trim materials are still available. Right now, the car's a 1970s Hot Rod, complete with floor-mounted Hurst shifter for the automatic transmission. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Front bench seat, comfortable, with black tape-enhanced finish. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Rear bench seat offers plenty of space for juvenile delinquents to ride along. A '56 Vicky is American Graffiti at its best! Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Ready for a test drive? So are we, but let's first have a look at trunk and undercarriage. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Trunk floor looks fabulously intact, without any of the usual rust. Click on any of the above images for a full-size view Various parts, some used, some to aid finishing of the car, are stored in the trunk. WYSIWYG. Dry undercarriage on this California '56. Not perfect, but way better than average! Check out the dual exhaust with Flowmaster mufflers. Click on any of the above images for a full-size view Closeups of undercarriage and drivetrain reveal no hidden skeletons in the closet. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Saturday, August 21, was another fine summer day in San Buenaventura and we were looking forward to a test drive in the Vicky. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) The car starts easily, runs good, and drives like . . . well, like a '56 Ford with a late-model engine. Good news: it does not overheat, the engine literally purrs, and the transmission shifts fine. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Pride of ownership: the '56 gets many admiring looks; actually, the stunning color combo stops people in their tracks. When was the last time you saw a '56 Ford Hardtop cruising down Main Street? Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Returning home, we are quite happy with "The Beast" (which is the nickname we gave the '56). Having owned another '56 back in the day (circa 1976), we could not help but smile at the flood of memories elicited by chauffeuring this black-and-red beauty. That's what it's all about, after all, the nostalgic feelings, bringing back the good ol' times! Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Here she is, a rare fifty-six Vicky, looking resplendent with gleaming chrome, excellent paint, and a Hot Rod heart, ready to be enjoyed, just waiting for her new, caring owner. You are most welcome and encouraged to view this fine automobile in Ventura, by appointment, during the auction, or have someone inspect it for you. Please, direct all inquiries to bill@californiaclassix.com or call us at (805) 653-5551. TERMS OF THIS SALE By bidding in this auction, you declare that you have read and accept the Terms of this Sale as outlined below. If you have any questions, please ask them before you bid. After the auction has ended, the sale is final. Please, only bid on this car if you are serious about owning it and have the necessary funds readily available! We require payment of the full amount within 7 days of the end of the auction. The car comes with a clear California Certificate of Title. It is smog exempt and sold "as is, where is" with no warranty stated or implied. Mileage stated above is the current odometer reading. License plates shown for photographic purposes only. You fully understand that you are not bidding on an "option to buy" this vehicle. You bid to own! There are no contingencies. We ship worldwide. 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