Ford’s two-door Ranch Wagon had been very successful in its first few years on the market. Chevrolet had only four-door wagons and the Ranch Wagon held its own against Plymouth’s two-door Suburban and Savoy. Chevy’s upscale 1955 Nomad, however, posed a threat. Ford had no prestige two-door wagon to contest that part of the market.

For 1956, Ford had a competitor ready. Not able to bring out a truly unique model like the Nomad, the Blue Oval folks reached into the parts bin and put Fairlane side trim on a Ranch Wagon. A designer interior was installed, including carpets from front to rear, even on the load deck, though it was protected by bright metal slide strips. The folding rear seat had a bold chrome accent, adapted from the Sunliner convertible. Finally, a snap-on vinyl cover was provided for the load area, to keep luggage and valuables out of sight.

Impeccably presented in period-popular Sunset Coral and Colonial White, this 1956 Ford Parklane received a body-off restoration before joining a prominent collection. Body and paint are excellent, the latter exhibiting deep gloss. The only visible flaw is a small area of chipping at the left scuff plate. All the brightwork is excellent, and windows are all fine FoMoCo script glass.

The interior is newly upholstered in correct coral and white vinyl, and the mauve carpet, front to rear, is all new, as is the white waffle headliner. The vinyl cover for the load area is snapped in place. The metal dashboard is precisely detailed.

The engine is very sanitary in correct red paint, and the chassis and underbody are all but perfect. The car is fitted with 6.70-15 Firestone blackwall tires, installed in 2006.

It is equipped with a 292-cid, 202-hp V-8 engine, Fordomatic transmission, Master Guide power steering, power brakes, signal-seeking radio, Magic-Aire heater, windshield washers and dual exhausts. It was purchased from William Cook of Camarillo, California, in 2004. Registered with California year-of-manufacture plates LZR-869, which go with the car, it is a wonderful example of an often forgotten model in Ford’s station wagon catalog.