This 1956 Ford Fairlane Crown Victoria Skyliner is one of just 603 produced in 1956 and is a true glass-top Skyliner, which the data plate body code “64B” validates. The current family has owned the car since 2006, when the car was purchased with only 500 miles on a fresh restoration, according to the seller. The Crown Victoria Skyliner is being offered as part of an estate sale.
POWERTRAIN
The VIN number prefix “M” indicates that the car came from the factory with a 292-cu.in. V8, but a previous owner upgraded to a 312 V8 when the car was restored, according to the seller, who adds that he has no way of confirming this information. The seller says the engine was rebuilt during the car’s restoration and has had approximately 20,000 miles of use with easy starts, no smoke, a good exhaust note, and smooth running characteristics. All the belts and hoses are in good condition, per the seller. Regarding leaks and weeps, he reports some evidence of wetness on the back of the engine and on the transmission pan, along with a possible leaking axle seal. The car did fine on a 400-mile tour in September 2022, per the seller. The Ford-O-Matic three-speed automatic transmission “shifts as it should,” in the seller’s opinion. The original generator has been replaced with an alternator and an electric fan aids cooling.
EXTERIOR
The seller states that there is no evidence of current rust or any previous rust repairs. The condition of the red and white paint is rated as “overall excellent” by the seller, who adds that the shine is “excellent” and the car is “virtually blemish-free,” with no gravel rash on the hood and only one touchup dab on the left headlamp door. The body panels are said to be “very straight,” with no dents or other damage, per the seller. The data plate paint code “LE” indicates the car was originally Peacock Blue and Colonial White. The unique glass roof section is in good condition with no breaks, chips, cracks, or notable scratches, according to the seller, who adds that the seal is good and doesn’t leak. All the seals, whiskers, and channels are in good, pliable condition in the seller’s opinion, although portions of the trunk seal need to be re-glued. The windshield has one epoxy repair on the driver’s side, about 3 inches from the bottom. Mercury stainless trim was added at the beltline and painted red like the roof and lower body. The car has the optional “hockey stick” rocker moldings and fender skirts along with a continental kit. The The two crests on the trunk lid, on either side of the continental kit can be removed with a heat gun, per the seller. The car has bumper exit exhaust tips.
INTERIOR
The data plate interior code “AN” signifies that the upholstery was originally White vinyl and Dark Peacock Blue cloth to match the blue and white exterior, but since the exterior color was changed a new red and white vinyl interior was necessary. The seller states that there are no rips or tears in the upholstery and only very slight soiling from use. The left rear seatback has two small white “spots” down low, per the seller. The fitted loop carpet kit exhibits slight tear by the gas pedal. Ford crest floormats are soiled from use and the trunk mat is new, per the seller. The steering wheel and headliner are both rated as being in very nice condition by the seller, but the door stops don’t hold the doors in their open position. The wiring and gauges are all functional, but the dash lights and clock aren’t currently working, per the seller. An aftermarket R12 air conditioner was installed, as was an updated AM/FM radio and Sony 10-disc CD changer (in the trunk) with a hand-held remote.
CHASSIS
This Crown Vic received all new front-end components when the car was restored approximately 20,000 miles ago, according to the seller, who reports no excessive play or steering issues. He did note some wetness around the fluid lines of the factory power steering. Some of the rubber stabilizer mounts show minor cracking but the shocks appear to be relatively new in the seller’s opinion. The power brakes are firm with no noted issues, per the seller. The wheels are a new set of 56-spoke wire wheels in “excellent” condition with spinner caps and nice emblems, according to the seller. The wheels are wrapped in a matched set of five Dayton Quadra SE P215/75R15 radial tires with “excellent” remaining tread, per the seller. DOT date codes are not visible in the images provided to determine tire age.
