Barn Find/Continental Kit/312ci V8/Ford-O-Matic 3-Speed Auto

Description

1956 Ford Victoria Hardtop

"It's the New 1956 Ford..America's fine car at half the fine car price". Ford was trying to keep up with the GM tri-five onslaught and whipped up this classic design which pulls out all the stops. Two tone, plenty of chrome, and the new lifeguard design, deeper steering wheel, padded top dash, stronger door locks, and seat belts, were now standard.

For consignment all decked out in mid 1950's garb with Sunset Coral over White, a wonderful swoop spear, rear fender skirts, and a continental rear bumper. She's pretty well preserved with just a few faults in the form of some surface rust near the rockers on several body panels. Paint is overall very nice, and this long beauty is powered by a 312ci V8.

Exterior
With all its chromed glory, this car is a standout on its chrome alone, which presents in nice condition. Even on the rear through the bumper exhaust, chrome remains fairly well preserved. The side view of this car is simply killer with the belt line swoop spear delineating the White from the Coral below. The roofline is beautifully curved downward to the rear, and the rear glass even wraps around just enough to be seen from the side view. Contrasting white fender skirts allow for just a peek of the rear medium whites wrapping the Coral painted metal wheel with chromed dishes. On the front, we see those same wheels, but these are covered with chromed spoked wheel covers. All glass is slightly tinted and all clear, as well as having the benefit of being surrounded by nice trim in stainless steel. The front of the car sports a single headlight with a coral metal brim atop, and the beginning of the swoop spear. A horizontal egg crate design chromed grille is flanked on either side by large chrome bezeled turn signal/parking lights, and a hefty bumper below. The hood sports a jet age ornament nicely shined, and a faded cloisonn Ford front badge. On the rear is the continental bumper which houses the metal tire surround, and all is looking good back here. Lest it would not be the mid-1950s unless there are dual angled rearward antenna topping each rear quarter. A great presentation of midcentury modernism.

Interior
Inside the hits just keep on coming with coral and black door panels which has the dueling colors of vinyl playing with each other vying for door panel space. Where they meet there is chrome trimming. The bottom coral panel has nicely stitched horizontal block pattern. Moving to the "cool" inside more 50s styling with faded broadcloth inserts, and white bolsters. We can assume the broadcloth was at one time the coral but is now stained and faded. An all metal dash in black, has a nicely arched instrument cluster in front of the original wheel, and wonderfully clean shiny bezels for the gauges in their white background. Black carpet covers the floors and is presenting clean and nice, as is the headliner of perforated vinyl with just a few wrinkles at the edges of some of the panels. In back a rear bench, also faded broadcloth in floral pattern has no rips or tears and nice armrests containing an ashtray for both sides.

Drivetrain
Looking mostly original, with the oil bath air cleaner atop, a 312ci V8 sits within the original engine bay. Some grease and dirt cover various surfaces; however, it looks like a recent water pump was installed due to the fresh paint in front of the block. A 3-speed Ford-O-Matic transmission on back along with a 3.30 rear axle.

Undercarriage
Underneath there is a smattering of surface rust, along with plenty of road dirt on the frame and suspension. Body hangers are good and solid, and floorpans are very well preserved with no rust and little road dirt. The exhaust system is showing plenty of rust through and will need to be replaced. Otherwise there is independent coil springs up front for the suspension, and leaf springs for the rear. Drum brakes are all around.

Drive-Ability
With our test battery installed and properly connected, fluids checked we were ready to see if we could bring the icon to life. A twist of the key and the engine turned over. Some assistance from starting fluid and the 312ci V8 roared to life. A test drive was not in order due to a brake pedal that went flat to the floor.

Driving up in this car automatically puts you in the cool category, with all the chrome, nifty 50's color scheme, and continental rear with fender skirts. Overall nice with just a little bit to go on the interior seats to make it really special. Runs swell, and smoothly, and that Ford swoop spear is to die for. Eat your heart out Elvis.

NO TITLE-SOLD ON A BILL OF SALE ONLY

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.