The Fairlane, which was unveiled alongside the Thunderbird in 1955, sought to bring upmarket style to Ford’s lineup. The top-of-the-line trim level was the Crown Victoria, a pillarless hardtop coupe with distinctive chrome “tiara” roof trim. The 1955 year proved to be highly successful for Ford, actually the second best in the company’s history, and the success continued into 1956, when the entire Ford line was named Motor Trend magazine’s Car of the Year.

This 1956 Crown Victoria was fully restored in 2007 and refinished in the period-correct colors of Golden Glow Yellow and Raven Black, a combination that helps to set off the car’s chrome. This car was restored with driving in mind and features power steering, a Continental kit with a spare tire, chrome wire wheel covers on whitewall tires, fender skirts, an AM pushbutton radio, and Thunderbird valve covers. In preparation for the auction, the car’s stainless steel trim was removed and refinished where needed and new weather-stripping was installed.

The Crown Victoria is a beautiful alternative to the Chevy Bel Air, and this eye-catching example will certainly attract only the most favorable comments when out and about.