Panoramic front windshield, "egg crate" grille, body side spears, a lower sleeker roofline with switchback chrome "B" pillars, and Thunderbird inspired tail fins all combined to make the 1956 Crown Victoria a Ford fan favorite.
Initially restored in the late 1990's, this example began with a 1956 Crown Victoria. The restorer retained the 1956 Crown Victoria frame and elected to use a clean 1955 Ford Fairlane donor body, rather than aggressively patch and bodywork the original. The drivetrain is comprised of a date code correct '56-'57 Ford 292CI Y-Block V8, mated to a correct 3-speed manual w/ overdrive transmission. The original Crown Victoria frame VIN and the Ford "A" pillar VIN remain intact. California Highway Patrol inspected the vehicle, determined that this is indeed a 1956 Ford Crown Victoria and issued it a CHP VIN tag on the door to satisfy state DMV regulations. This vehicle is titled as a 1956 Ford Crown Victoria.
She rightly wears all the correct 1956 Crown Victoria trim and badges. The sheen and condition of the nearly 20-year-old paint give testament to both the quality of the original Ford sheet metal and master workmanship. The current owner recently brought the car through a restoration refresh, installing a Lebaron Bonney reproduction upholstery kit and a new Classic Auto Air air conditioning.
She runs and drives out strong. Everything functions as it should. If you are looking for a turn-key touchstone to the fabulous fifties that you can actualy drive and enjoy, this will be your "crowning" achievement.