I think that almost every enthusiast dreams of the day when they might open the door to a shed or barn to discover a long-forgotten classic lurking in a corner under a layer of dust. Such is the case with this 1956 Ford Fairlane Victoria. It is a solid and virtually complete classic, and it appears its time in hibernation could be measured in decades. The seller raises the possibility of it serving as a parts car, but its overall condition might make that path an automotive injustice. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder T.J. for spotting a 1950s classic that deserves a second chance to shine.

The first thing that I noticed about this Ford is its relatively complete nature. The driver’s window and front bumper are gone, but items like the fender skirts are present. One cool original feature is the “through-bumper” exhaust. Someone bypassed that system, but reinstating it shouldn’t present too many obstacles. The existing Nocturne Blue paint isn’t original, with plenty of evidence suggesting the original owner ordered this Victoria in Colonial White. That is probably irrelevant because any restoration would require stripping the panels to bare metal to achieve a first-rate result. That brings us to the crucial question of whether this classic is a viable project candidate. The seller describes its overall condition as solid, and the only visible rust is in the lower extremities and the battery tray. The problems appear patchable, meaning wholesale steel replacement might not be required. However, with no underside shots, the state of the floors and frame is unclear. An in-person inspection will reveal the truth, although replacement parts are readily available if the new owner intends to return the Ford to active service. The exterior trim looks exceptional for its age, and the tinted glass is crystal clear.

I’m going out on a limb to state that this Ford’s first owner wasn’t afraid to wield their pen freely on the Order Form because this classic has some cool and desirable features. I’ve already mentioned the fender skirts, while the interior features the quite expensive factory pushbutton radio. There are other items that I will cover in due course, but the indications are that this was one fairly special piece of rolling iron when it emerged from the factory. The interior is complete, but it begs for a retrim. The upholstered surfaces exhibit major faults, there is significant wheel wear, and what is visible of the carpet looks pretty ugly. However, the paint looks crisp and clean, and there are no apparent missing items. LeBaron Bonney was one of the premier suppliers of complete trim kits that would have brought this interior back from the edge. However, the company collapsed in 2019, meaning it might take some dedicated searching by the new owner to unearth an alternative.

Lifting this Ford’s hood reveals the last piece of the puzzle suggesting the first owner splashed some cash on this classic. While buyers could order a ’56 with the 223ci Mileage Maker six that provided competent performance, this car offers far more to potential buyers. It features the range-topping 312ci V8, teamed with a three-speed Ford-O-Matic transmission. This Y-block delivered 225hp and 324 ft/lbs of torque, representing a potent package in its day. It wasn’t muscle-car-fast, but performance was considered pretty impressive for a vehicle that could comfortably seat six people. The seller confirms this Victoria doesn’t run, and probably hasn’t for years. They don’t indicate whether the engine turns, but those considering it as a project candidate should probably factor a mechanical refresh into their budget.

I do not doubt that this 1956 Ford Fairlane Victoria will divide opinions between those who view it as a viable project candidate, and others who feel that it is a parts car. Whichever camp you occupy, there are two factors worth considering. The first is that it probably requires nothing less than a nut-and-bolt approach to recapture its youthful good looks. The second is that the price of $4,000 makes it a very affordable option, regardless of which path you might follow. The seller listed the Ford here on Craigslist in Austintown, Ohio. It has been on the market for less than a day, and I won’t be surprised if someone snaps it up fairly quickly. Are you tempted to beat them to the punch?