On July 10, 1956, Richard Mitchell drove out of the Twin County Motor Company's parking lot in this sparkling 1956 Ford Fairlane Victoria. Since then, it's covered just 42,930 believed-to-be-actual miles in the hands of three loving owners and represents something that can't be easily described; you've just got to experience it. How many 1956 Fords, or any 1956 car for that matter, have you seen that still have the original dealer sales invoice and warranty paperwork with them? Not many! Raven Black was a popular color on the 1956 Fords, and it emphasizes the wonderful sweeping trim that defined Ford's top-of-the-line models. With just a single repaint in the distant past, this car is straight and clean, with no signs of abuse, neglect, or shoddy repairs in its past. Every bit as stylish as its Chevrolet competition, the Ford offers a grace that seems more upscale and refined than the Chevy, and the single-tone finish here emphasizes that formality. Bodywork is straight and clean, the doors close with a precision that no restorer can match, and there's an honesty to the car that's hard to quantify. It's almost like you can feel the years, but somehow they haven't stuck to the car. The dramatic trim is in great shape, the chrome bumpers don't even show parking lot dings, and all the original glass is miraculously intact. The black and white interior was fitted with fresh upholstery in 2005, but otherwise it still looks like 1956 in there. According to the original invoice that accompanies the car, Mr. Mitchell sprang for such accessories as a fresh air heater, electric clock, and a padded dash, which from this end of history seems like a strange thing to be on an options list. It's all quite nice inside, from the door panels to the headliner, and very subtle and tasteful for the mid-50s. The original gauges recall those of the Thunderbird roadster, and in addition to the aforementioned options, this car also carries an AM radio in the center of the dash. The trunk, remarkably, carries what appears to be the original trunk mat that's in outstanding condition, plus a spare tire that certainly could be straight out of 1956. The 292 cubic inch Y-block V8 was the standard-bearer for Ford in the face of the small block Chevy, and it acquits itself quite nicely in this lovely hardtop. From outward appearances, it's quite likely that this engine has never been touched, still wearing its factory-applied Ford Red paint and Thunderbird V8 valve covers. The car has a tautness to the suspension, a precision in the moving parts, and a comfort level that you wouldn't otherwise notice unless you have a car like this as a benchmark. The Ford-O-Matic 3-speed automatic was another one of Mr. Mitchell's choice options, and it shifts smoothly out on the open road, making this a superb long-distance cruiser. The chassis looks exactly right for its age and mileage, and the BFGoodrich wide whites it currently wears are likely only the third or fourth set of tires this car has ever worn. If you're a fan of survivors and originality, this car offers a genuine bit of history, complete with documentation, that no restoration can touch. If that interests you, give us a call today! This vehicle is located in our Dallas/Fort Worth showroom. For more information, please call (817) 764-8000 or toll free (855) 877-2707.
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