Is this the finest 1956 Ford Sunliner on the planet? Look closely at the photos and decide, because it drives every bit as great as it looks. Someone spent a sizeable fortune on the restoration of Ford’s iconic ‘50s ragtop, and it is refinished to stock specs throughout, including the fantastic Mandarin Orange over Colonial White paint job. If the Thunderbird was a ground-breaker, this is its big brother. Wearing its distinctive sweeping trim, the Sunliner has a dramatic look that is neither plain nor excessive. Combined with the torquey Y-block V8, the Fords were fast, comfortable, and capable, and it would be a mistake to judge them inferior to the all-too-familiar Chevys. If you’re a Ford fan, this is one of the most desirable cars of the ‘50s, and you will not find a finer example anywhere.

This stunning car comes from the estate of a collector who insisted on the very best, and the Sunliner certainly measures up. The striking color combination is authentic to the car, with the door tag showing code EN, which is Mandarin Orange over Colonial White. It’s just right for the ‘50s and don’t worry, the Mandarin Orange part isn’t too orange and it isn’t too pastel. It looks fantastic! Paint and bodywork are exceptional, with excellent gaps and panel alignment, befitting a car of this quality. The restoration was finished a few years ago but it shows few signs of use—just enough that we can’t quite call it perfect. The optional continental kit out back makes it look especially long and sleek and the many little details make it delightful to examine up close. The fluted side trim ends in painted “exhaust ports”, the delicate ‘Sunliner’ script on the doors makes it look official, and the awesome recessed hood ornament epitomizes the jet age in which it was born. All the bright stuff is fully restored to show condition and you’ll note that even the rear bumpers, through which the exhaust is routed, aren’t discolored. This car has been superbly maintained since it was completed.

The code BF White and Orange vinyl interior is to original spec as well, and if you’re going to drive a high-profile ‘50s cruiser, there’s no point in going subtle inside. The seat covers replicate the original patterns exactly and the foam underneath remains firm and comfortable. Black carpets prevent it from being overwhelming, and the embroidered floor mats are a nice touch. The color-matched steering wheel is beautifully cast and the paint on the dashboard is every bit as nice as the exterior of the car—someone invested a lot of time color sanding and buffing all the little areas. The big, round gauges are crisply rendered with clear lenses and they’re all fully operational. Bright chrome accents around the heater controls and radio add some interest and the stylized Ford V8 emblem on the glove box door tells you that Ford was serious about taking the Fairlane upscale. The black power convertible top works properly and fits extremely well and stows under a color-matched orange boot. The trunk is likewise fully finished with a correct plaid mat, correct jack assembly, and a full-sized spare, just in case (the one in the continental kit is just too difficult to remove if you need it in an emergency).

There were a myriad of engines available in the ’56 Fords, with this Sunliner carrying the top 312 cubic inch “Thunderbird Special” V8. With 225 horsepower on tap, it provides energetic performance and a fantastic swell of torque at just about any speed. Correct Ford Red paint, simple stamped valve covers, and that giant air cleaner all define Ford performance in the ‘50s. Detailing is excellent, with Ford script hoses, proper clamps, new wiring, and even a correct “12 VOLT” ink stamp on the blower motor (1956 was the first year Ford used a 12-volt electrical system). It starts easily, idles well, and makes great V8 sounds. The big radiator seems to have no trouble keeping things cool and it’s equipped with power steering, so it’s effortless to handle. This is a car that likes to be driven and it shows.

Underneath there’s a highly detailed chassis that is quite likely better than new. The Ford-O-Matic automatic transmission shifts crisply and there are 3.00 gears out back, so it’s an easy cruiser for long-distance trips. Body-colored floors provide a great backdrop for the semi-gloss black frame and suspension and we can find no evidence of floor patches or serious rust damage in the car’s past. There’s a new gas tank out back, a reproduction exhaust system with the right sound, and yes, those coil-over helper springs on the shocks are OEM, not an aftermarket addition. Even the spare tire well is in excellent condition with no signs of rot. It stops straight, rides smoothly, and generally acts like a top-of-the-line automobile. Painted steel wheels with familiar Ford wire wheel covers carry 215/75/15 BFGoodrich Silvertown radials, one of the few deviations from stock but a good choice for driving.

A multiple show winner, including a class win at the Boca Raton Concours d’Elegance, this Sunliner is just about as good as cars can get. It surely cost considerably more than the asking price to get it into this condition, and it includes a lot of supplementary books and magazines, including a copy of “Hemmings Classic Car” where it is featured on the cover. Still a bargain compared to its Chevrolet competition, this Ford is rarer and just as wonderful to drive. If you like the high-profile look, you’ll be delighted by the quality of the workmanship. Call today!