For 1956, Ford went all out to promote safety. They called it their “Lifeguard Design.” “Double grip” door latches were extra strong, and a “deep-center Lifeguard” steering wheel helped ensure that the horn button didn’t cause injury in a crash. “Lifeguard padding” was optional for the dashboard and sunvisors and “Lifeguard seat belts provide protection against all these sources of injury.”

With a low and flattering roof line giving the Fairlane Victoria a distinguished silhouette and a luxury interior that harmonizes handsomely with beautiful trim detail; this Fiesta Red and Raven Black Ford received a total rotisserie restoration to factory specifications in 2006, costing in excess of $140,000.

Every component of this outstanding Ford has been rebuilt or is new. This includes the brake, cooling and fuel systems, the entire drivetrain, glass and weather stripping. All chrome and stainless elements have been refinished, and the gorgeous red and black interior is new by ABC in Philadelphia. The Fairlane Victoria is driven by a factory optional 312-cid, 225-hp V-8 engine that is matched to a manual transmission with overdrive. Among the features are a Continental kit, fender skirts, radio, whitewall tires, factory wheel covers; power steering and brakes.

The 1956 Victoria adopted a new, more gently contoured roofline, inherited from 1955s Crown Victoria. This car lacks the tiara of the Crown Vic, but gains certain airiness in its absence. The new roofline was very popular—the ’56 Victoria outsold its 1955 counterpart by 56 percent. The reason is quite apparent in this car.