Odds are that if Ford had decided to introduce its car-based pickup truck, the Ranchero, a year earlier, in 1956, this automobile is what would have resulted. It was professionally built using a 1956 Customline Ranch Wagon as its base, and it is the vision of a Fairlane Crown Victoria that was built for hauling.

The Customline’s roof was completely removed and a 1955 Crown Victoria roof was added in its place. Doors were taken off the same Crown Victoria, while the back window stainless moldings were borrowed from a 1971 Chevrolet El Camino. All of the rear sheet moldings and panels were hand-formed, as they would have been on a factory prototype produced “in-period.” The body panels were well prepared and received a show-quality finish in Raven Black and Fiesta Red.

Underneath is a 312-cubic inch Ford V-8, which was bored over by 30 thousands and balanced, as well as a specially ground camshaft supplied by Blue Oval performance guru Jim Weatherly and an electrical conversion to an alternator with an internal voltage regulator. Power is sent through a three-speed manual transmission with overdrive, which was taken from a heavy-duty 1964 Ford big block station wagon, to a 4.11-ratio rear axle. The extra heavy-duty radiator was specially manufactured, as were the 35-gallon fuel tank and Roadster Wheel Company wheels.

This “Crown Chero” is equipped with power steering, power brakes, front bumper guards, front and rear stone guards, stainless rocker panel moldings, amber fog lights, an AM radio, aftermarket oil pressure and water temperature gauges, and a later air-conditioning unit. It was built to drive and has recorded 1,713 miles since restoration. It remains very nicely finished, with quality paint and interior, and only light signs of wear and use can be found throughout.

Undoubtedly, this would be the classiest way to haul parts home from Hershey!