Every model year, automotive outlets pick their respective favorites when it comes to new vehicles. But back in the 1950s, Motor Trend’s annual award sometimes went not just to a single model, but to the brand’s entire lineup. Our Pick of the Day, a 1956 Ford Fairlane Sunliner Convertible, played a role in the Ford team winning that year. The car is listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Garden City, Kansas.
The Sunliner convertible was part of the broader Fairlane series, slotted as a full-sized, a top-of-the-line model for the year. Perhaps one of the things that Motor Trend liked about Ford was the brand’s value proposition: Competitive pricing meant that some families could afford to buy two cars. “Why not own TWO?” one advertisement said. “The fine car for half the fine car price.”
This Sunliner is described by the seller as an “amazing survivor.” The listing says, “Purported to be a one-owner before I purchased it. One of the nicest I have seen.” While many cars from the 1950s had two-tone paint schemes, the monochromatic Mandarin Orange look works well on this one. Features include chrome brightwork, antenna, sweeping side spears, color-matched steel wheels, and full-size hubcaps.
Some of the main advancements for the 1956 Fairlane models had to do with safety engineering. Ford touted the car’s new “Lifeguard Design,” which referred to the revised steering wheel, door latches, and rearview mirror. For an extra cost, a buyer could opt for padded sun visors and a padded dash. This Sunliner’s cockpit complements its exterior nicely, showing two-tone orange and ivory vinyl upholstery, radio, heater, and an obligatory pair of fuzzy dice.
The seller says that the power-operated top mechanism has a broken bracket which currently prevents it from going up. Save your cruising for clear-sky days only, at least for the time being!
Under the hood is a “Thunderbird” V-8 of undisclosed displacement, but it could be a 292ci or a larger 312ci. The seller says the car runs well, and the engine and transmission are in good condition. The odometer shows 78,600 miles.
As for that “Car of the Year” award, it’s worth adding to that story. The 1955 award went to the entire Chevrolet Motor Division lineup, and in 1957, it went to the Chrysler Corporation. As it turns out, the magazine made sure just about everyone was recognized. This Sunliner has the perfect combination of iconic 1950s design, open-air freedom, and solid investment potential. The asking price is $28,000.
Click here to view this Pick of the Day on ClassicCars.com
