The 1956 Ford was a face-lifted version of the ’55, but to most people it looked much fresher and up to the minute. The interchangeability of parts meant that updating a 1955 was feasible, if not simple. Such was the case with this car, a 1955 Memphis-built Sunliner that had been rebuilt to 1956 appearance by replacing the grille, side trim, and dashboard. Additionally, the car wears modified taillights from a 1955 Mercury Station Wagon, and the cast-alloy turbine wheels carry Goodyear Regatta medium-width whitewall tires. The dashboard has been outfitted with VDO gauges, and a Blaupunkt stereo has been installed.

A 1968 Mercury contributed to the front suspension and steering column. The engine is a Ford 428 with a Weber four-barrel carburetor, and the transmission is Ford’s sturdy C-6 automatic. Nine-inch Granada disc brakes are fitted at the rear.

The tan leather interior features a power front seat from a 1986 Ford Crown Victoria, tan carpets, and power windows. In addition to power steering and brakes, it has Vintage Air air conditioning, a remote mirror, door, top, and trunk operation, electric wipers, and dual power antennas.

The deep maroon paint exhibits a superb shine, and its brightwork is very good. The power convertible top is of a tan canvas and comes with a matching boot, both of which are in very good condition. Since the work was completed in 1996, the car has been driven some 20,000 miles, although the engine and transmission were rebuilt about 5,000 miles ago.