1956 Ford Fairlane Six Series Sunliner Convertible

Ford 1956, Ford emphasized passenger safety and all their cars had deep-dish steering wheels, and seat belts and padded dashboards were optional equipment.

Ford's most powerful factory engine was the 215 horsepower, 312-cubic-inch 'Thunderbird Special' fitted with Holley four-barrel carburetor. Ford also had a performance kit for both the 312 and smaller 292 Y-Block engines, comprising of an aluminum twin-four-barrel manifold and carburetors and Purolator dry-type air filters. The carburetors were specially prepared and calibrated Holley 'teapot' units that came with linkage, brackets, hardware and gaskets. Also included with the kit were special ECZ-C cylinder heads, valve lifters and springs, a performance camshaft and recalibration for the distributor.

In 1957, the twin-four-barrel setup was a factory-installed option as the 'E-Code' 312, offering 270 or 285 bhp, depending on compression. The heads and manifold were redesigned to allow more air to circulate through and to the engine. In this form, it was nearly as powerful as the top-of-the-line 'F-Code' supercharged 312.

This 1956 Sunliner was purchased by the current owner in 1982 and given a complete restoration in 1993. It is painted black and white and has an accessory Continental kit and white and black interior. There are 85,000 miles. The car is equipped with a push-button radio, heater and fender skirts. There is a Purolator air cleaner, a 292 cubic-inch OHV V-8, and a three-speed Fordomatic transmission.

In 2011, this vehicle was offered for sale at the St John's Auction presented by RM Auctions. It was estimated to sell for $35,000 - $45,000 and offered without reserve. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $42,900, including buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2011