The ’56 Ford was a re-issue of the previous year’s body but with an updated grille and trim and an all-new interior. Safety took on added importance with auto manufacturers, and Ford responded with a padded dash, a sun visor, and a newly shaped steering wheel. In addition, seat belts were offered for the first time. A 12-volt electrical system and 18-millimeter anti-fouling spark plugs were also announced.

The big Ford was available in three levels of trim, the base Mainline model, the intermediate-level Customline, and the top-of-the-line Fairlane. All models came with the standard six-cylinder and optional V-8 power. Motor Trend named the entire Ford line its Car of the Year for 1956, and Ford manufactured in excess of 1.4 million units for the model year.

The Fairlane Sunliner Convertible offered here was built in Chicago on April 20, 1956, and was finished in Fiesta Red and Raven Black with red and white vinyl upholstery. It was restored in those same attractive colors by a long-time technical advisor and judge for the Crown Victoria Association, Dan Pixler, of Iowa. The restoration that Mr. Pixler completed is noteworthy as probably the best restoration ever performed on a 1956 Fairlane Sunliner. It is not only exquisite in its perfectly straight, glass-like paint and chrome trim but also in its panel fit, with doors that close perfectly, and its cleanliness. What makes this car special is that it is perfect everywhere you look, from the fit of the carpets to the crystal-clear gauges. Under the hood, even the exhaust manifolds are like-new, the battery is period-correct, and tags and stickers are where the Chicago plant workers would have put them.

Nearly every imaginable option one would look for is present, from the “usual” equipment, like power steering, power brakes, and power windows, to the four-way power seat, Town & Country radio, dual fender-mounted spotlight/mirrors, nerf bar-style bumper guards, front and rear stone guards, stainless rocker panel moldings, rear fender skirts, stainless wire wheel hubcaps, a tissue dispenser, and even factory air conditioning.

This stylish Convertible, perhaps the finest example in the world, is a highlight of the Day Collection, and it is suitable to be the centerpiece of any other gathering of rare Fords.