292 cu. in. OHV V-8 engine, three-speed Fordomatic transmission, coil spring independent front suspension, live rear axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs, and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes. Wheelbase: 115.5"

- Offered from the Estate of Don Kizziar

- Factory performance enhancement kit

- Twin four-barrel carburetors and NASCAR heads

- Rare Y-Block equipment

Ford emphasized passenger safety for 1956. All cars had deep-dish steering wheels, and seat belts and padded dashboards were optionally available. Less familiar, though, is the fact that Ford was concurrently pursuing NASCAR competition and had a number of performance options, some of which were dealer- or owner-installed.

The most powerful factory engine was a 215-bhp, 312-cubic inch “Thunderbird Special” engine with Holley four-barrel carburetion. However, Ford had a performance kit for both the 312 and smaller 292 Y-Block engines, comprising an aluminum twin-four-barrel manifold and carburetors, topped off with a round Purolator dry-type air filter.

The carburetors were specially-calibrated Holley “teapot” units and came with linkage, brackets, hardware and gaskets. The kit also included special ECZ-C cylinder heads, valve lifters and springs, a performance camshaft and recalibration for the distributor.

The twin-four-barrel setup, of course, became a factory-installed option in 1957 as the “E-Code” 312, making 270 or 285 bhp, depending on compression, with heads and manifold redesigned for better breathing. This was nearly as powerful as the top-line “F-Code” supercharged 312 and had the advantage of better street manners.

Purchased by Mr. Kizziar in 1982, this 1956 Ford Sunliner was given a complete restoration in 1993. Painted in black and white, it has an accessory Continental kit and white and black interior. The older restoration shows some age but still presents well. The seats are nice, showing very little wear. The odometer shows 85,000 miles, believed to be correct, and the car is equipped with a push-button radio, heater and fender skirts. The engine compartment is clean, and the car has the very hard-to-find Purolator air cleaner. This authentic up-rated version of the 1956 292 engine is undoubtedly far more rare than even the E- and F-Code cars that succeeded it. It is sure to generate tremendous interest from Ford enthusiasts.