1956 Ford Fairlane Sunliner

Description

OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE

Though the 1956 Fords were mostly carried over from the previous year, they were good enough for Motor Trend to name the line its “Car of the Year.” Updates included a new grille and trim, and an all-new interior was created. Safety took on added importance with Ford responded with their “Lifeguard” safety package consisting of seat belts, a padded dashboard, safety door locks, a deep-dish steering wheel, and a breakaway rearview. A 12-volt electrical system was also a welcome addition.

Ford’s top-of-the-line 1956 model was again the Fairlane, named after Henry Ford’s estate, and the second most expensive of the line was the Sunliner convertible starting at $2,459.00. This one, now refinished in period yellow and black two-tone, came from the factory with the optional “Thunderbird” 292 cu-in V8 with four-barrel carburetor generating 202 hp (a $123 option), backed by an automatic transmission. Many period accessories have been added, including Kelsey-Hayes 40-spoke wheels with wide whitewall tires, and a Continental kit with custom airbrushed artwork, a striking representative of Motor Trend’s “Car of the Year.”

Highlights

• Ford’s top-of-the-line model for 1956

• “Thunderbird” 292 cu-in V8 with four-barrel carburetor

• “Ford-O-Matic” automatic transmission

• Two-tone yellow and black paint with matching vinyl interior

• Kelsey-Hayes 40-spoke wheels with wide whitewall tires

• Air conditioning

• The chassis number (M6LC133606) decodes as:

  • M - Ford 292 cu-in “Thunderbird” V8

  • 6 – 1956 Model Year

  • L – Long Beach, California, final assembly plant

  • C - Convertible

  • 133606 – Plant Consecutive Unit Number starting at 100001

• The Patent Plate decodes as:

  • Body 76B - Fairlane Sunliner

  • Color E – Colonial White (now black and yellow)

  • Trim BG – White and Orange vinyl (now black and yellow)

  • Production Code 6A (produced January 6) 269 Body Sequence

Features

• Continental kit with custom airbrushing

• Chrome rear fender shields

• Chrome front and rear bumper guards

• Rear-mounted antenna

• Town and Country Radio

• Tinted Glass

• Amber fog lamps

• Tinted windshield

• Dual exhaust with thru-bumper exit

• Split bench seat

• Tissue dispenser

Known Imperfections

• Paint has various nicks and scratches

• Oil Seepage 

• Wipers do not work

Ownership History

This brightly colored Fairlane Sunliner joined the MacMillian Collection in 2019 as an eye-catching piece of rolling 1950s Americana.

Additional Notes

Title in Transit.

What does Title in Transit mean?

Hagerty Marketplace has confirmed a clean title status, the owner maintains the title in hand and will send it to the Hagerty Marketplace team to be reassigned to the new owner after the auction is complete.

A Broad Arrow Group Consignment Specialist is working as an agent on behalf of the owner of this vehicle.

Contact: Marvin Waters Phone: 910.315.2918 email: mwaters@hagerty.com