1956 Ford Fairlane Unknown

Old school customs are often an exercise in excess. Owners build outrageous machines to push the envelope of what’s possible, trying to create something that hasn’t been done before. That often results in highly individualized cars that lack mass appeal. That’s why this 1956 Ford Fairlane is special: it’s an old school custom that uses all of the traditional tricks without going overboard. This car is the perfect representation of what an average guy might have built in the late 1950s, with spectacular paint, a lot of custom trim, and a 351 Windsor under the hood. We don’t often showcase true customs like this, but when we do, they’re inevitably some of the most popular cars on the showroom floor. Customs are renowned for their use of color and special paints, and this lovely Fairlane is no exception. Its classic combination of red and white is exactly what I think of when someone says 1956 Ford Fairlane. Aside from a few barely noticeable chips here and there, the paint is beautiful. The body work is straight and clean, and with all that bright trim, there’s nowhere for misaligned panels to hide. The gaps are extremely good considering the body is nearly 60 years old. Everything is crisp and beautifully blended. A big part of this custom’s look is the trim. All Fairlanes received the dramatic sweeping side trim that stretches from the headlights to the edge of the rear quarters, and it provides the ideal break point for the two-tone color combination. The grille, and both front and rear bumpers have been recently re-chromed, and they’re near show quality. This custom is powered by a healthy 351 Windsor, which is a reliable, powerful engine that works extremely well in this custom. The engine bay is nicely detailed, from the paint on the underside of the hood, to the painted fender walls and core support. There’s chrome on the air cleaner and valve covers, which is pretty much standard equipment in any modified car these days. The list of quality components under the hood include an Edelbrock carb, chrome alternator, chrome coil, billet distributor, new wiring, and a period correct 12volt battery. Up front is the beautiful aluminum radiator, and underneath that is the trans cooler. The heater motor and components look to be in great condition, and the A/C compressor is polished. There is cruise control, power steering and power brakes. The transmission is a C6 automatic turning the Fairlane’s Ford 8” rear end. Out back you will find the springs, shocks and rear sway bar make the ride very smooth. The gas tank is in great condition, with an electric fuel pump installed. The exhaust system is new, and you will find new brake and fuel lines. The emergency brake cables are in good condition as well. Up front, a GM A-Body suspension has been grafted in, and it looks fantastic. The bushings and ball joints are newer, the steering gear is in good shape and there is a front sway bar as well. The floorboards are clean and painted, free of dirt, rust and undercoating. The frame is in beautiful condition as well, showing all of the spot welds, with no rust or pitting. The previous owner built a couple of heat shields for the Glasspack mufflers, showing how well cared for the undercarriage of this Fairlane is. Check out the clean rockers! And while you’re over there, look right behind the front wheels. Those are the electric poppers for the doors. Just hit them with your toe, and the doors open right up. The interior is nicely finished in matching red and white fabrics, and it’s very tastefully done. With power seats, a tilt/telescoping wheel, A/C, heat, tunes and VDO gauges, what more could you ask for? This is one clean and comfortable interior! Out back, the trunk is finished with matching carpet and a spare tire. The continental kit is just another bonus. With the airbrushed “At the Hop” artwork, this Fairlane is ready for a night out at th