My Favorite car that I am Terrified to Drive! - 1956 Ford Fairlane - Review and Drive

Just incase you are looking for a list. Here are some of the items that are not on this car.
Power Brakes - Nope
Power Steering - Nope
Side Mirrors - Nope
Seatbelts - Nope
Huge Steering Wheel with metal ring in the center - Yep, does have that!
This was my first car, restored with my Dad (my mom did the stitching) it was the first car I painted and really restored.
Hope you enjoy the video!

[@toddknox685]

Dude, I cut my teeth on a car just like this. Scared to drive it. Horse hockey! Never, never did I have any worries driving, stopping, turning or worrying about anyone next to me. In fact, I usually led the pack. I went to college in the mountains of northern Arkansas and drove those roads in the hills, curves and cutback roads. These cars were made just the way you are driving yours and were state of the art at the time. I'd have no problem driving it right down a modern Interstate at all with no power brakes, no power steering and bias ply tires all around. Thanks for the video and thanks for keeping that car alive for all of us to remember the good times we had. I can't believe people have forgotten how to shift a three on the tree. Some act like it's primitive when it was second nature to everyone prior to the early 50's. Try and drive a three pedal model T and then we will talk! By the by, I can drive one of those as well, and I say drive because in "the good old days" that's is what people did - drive the car - not just steer the car down the road. Oh, well, I'm an old dude now, what the hey?

[@CEKGarage]

Funny you say that about a model T, I got a chance to drive one in a parking lot once and loved it

[@ForeverBlueRoses]

Glad you shared your memories about you driving that beautiful piece of metal around my beautiful state of Arkansas 🇺🇸 😊👍 I bet it made our roads look better LOL

[@walterward8164]

I had the 4 door and I drove it like I stole it. Population was lower freeways were empty more often. Still a lot on the road. BUT DAM'ND. If you can't get the thrill. As we used to say. Why'd you waist your money on HER.

[@jimmyross4352]

Todd thanks for you’re information! I don’t recall having any issues driving a 56 Crown Vic that felt to me like a Caddy ( before riding in a 55 Caddy) but that was 67 years ago so I really appreciate this video because of all the features cars have accumulated since. I only weigh 160 #s soaking wet so I would have to install belly/shoulder seat belt package to hold me inside Fords special suspension seat design😅Reminds me of an early model water bed we once had. One person moved and it felt like a storm blew into the bedroom….

[@jimquigley1127]

I dropped a 390 cubic inch V8 and 4-speed manual trans into my '56 Vic (back in 1967 when I was 19). It was a hotrod. Fast. Loved the styling. Thanks for sharing. Your Fairlane is beautiful ride. Nice restoration work. Safe travels.

[@CEKGarage]

Thank you

[@WhoisJohnGalt402]

Your story is almost the same as mine, 390 with shelby running gears it was metal flake purple chrome wheels! In 1971 still in high school.

[@charlesb7019]

One thing I have found is that when people see an old car, they apparently think “slow”. I get cut off way more often in an older car than in a newer one….. so you are right to be nervous - you have to be especially vigilant because of people’s misconceptions around old cars. That being said, it’s a beauty. Take it out and enjoy it!

[@CEKGarage]

Thank you!

[@DL24StaS]

Ha, I have a somewhat different experience. People assume that if it is an old car, not only it cannot accelerate properly, but it also can't stop in time if the speed is above some 40 mph (even if it actually is equipped with disk brakes on all wheels and modern vacuum assist). It's kind of funny to watch how, standing at a stoplight, they immediately start to crawl forward as soon as they see you car coming to a stop, as if you're showing clear intent to bump into their rear end.

[@kimmorrison9169]

with mine, its so loud and powerful other drivers get out of the way! Then I blow bye.

[@SnepperStepTV]

I have the opposite experience. people in modern cars are psychotic when you're in a modern car, but when you're in a classic they give you more than enough room to do your thing.

[@b58hustler71]

You've done a great job with the upgrades. This car will only increase in value to more buyers than if you restomoded it. We didn't have the extensive nationwide expressway system then, it was purpose built for local daily travel, not expressways.

[@bobhickman4976]

My Dad had a brand new 1956 Ford Fairlane but with an Automatic transmission and the Police Interceptor engine. Great Car. Family Vacations began on Saturday about 2 AM so that we could cross the Desert in the cool of the night and morning as we drove from Garden Grove California to Payson/Benjamin Utah. The open windwing was our source of fresh air. Dad, Mom, and my little brother in the front seat, me, my younger and older sister and older bother in the back. Quite often we would lay just below the rear window and enjoy the starry nights and cloudy day.... Love this video.

[@cheyennedogsoldiers]

Very cool ride and one of my favourite cars of the period. Though one of my buddies here in England has a 46 Chevy Stylemaster, and he was having similar issues. Then finally, wanting to use the car more asked if I could do a disc brake conversion on it. I found a kit while I was in the US and honestly it transformed the car. It still has all of it character but just works better in a modern world. Plus he retained all of the old front brake system components so that if he ever wanted to, it could be easily returned to stock.

[@WJKPhD]

Very well done video. A real piece of history. At 16 I drove my mom's 56 Ford. I remember the T-bird valve covers. I think it was a 312. It was pretty fast. So, thanks for the ride and story!

[@opera93]

Great me, too.. I do not have documentations at the Moment , of the engines.. BELIEVE My 4DOOR ,WAS the 292 TBIRD ENGINE, ETC.. ..heard that the 312 and FUEL INJECTIONS WERE IN some, and prepping for the 1957 MODEL S........

[@MostlyBuicks]

When O/D circuit is engaged you lose that downshift engine braking feature as the car would be in freewheeling mode.

[@toddknox685]

Yes, that's right, but you shift to second if needed for braking. In third gear and using OD you press the accelerator to the floor and the automatic downshift is a great passing gear. Used it a lot on two lane roads and extra umph going up hills.

[@martentrudeau6948]

What a great old Ford, classy. Thanks for sharing.

[@doncyr3332]

I used to have a 55 two door. Mine had several changes, including disc brakes from a Granada, and a 1 1/8 inch sway bar from Thunderbirds Southwest. My car was driven all over the western half of the US. The better brakes helped a lot. Your car is a fantastic example of a great car. Mine had the same wheels, but mine were not polished.

[@mikewalton7615]

I found you while looking to see how to install Speeduino. I subscribed and then I saw this video. In my amazement this was my first car too the only difference mine was the Victoria but same color I tuck and roll the seats very similar to yours the only difference mine was red. I put the shifter in the floor. My engine was a 292 but other than that everything was the same. I got the car when I was sixteen, now I'm seventy-two. Man that brings back memories.

[@CEKGarage]

I have been tempted a few times to move the shifter to the floor. I love the Victorias, they had been ahead of their time. Thanks for watching!

[@opera93]

Me too, see story,above..my 56 was a special Florida car etc.....unfortunately no pictures..as totalled so,quick...

[@jakecastle6281]

I actually saw a 1955 Ford 4 door country squire with a factory’s floor shift. It was pretty neat.

[@GriffinCorpOne]

Excellent video. I just got my grandfathers 1956 Ford Victoria. It’s been parked for 36 years in a garage but she will run again.

[@SnepperStepTV]

This is a great car, thanks for taking care of it.

[@anooseholay]

The front quarter windows were one of the best things to ever happen on a car.

[@CEKGarage]

Yes, they are amazing!

[@Britspence381]

Enjoyed the heck out of this video. I'm an older guy, my first car was a '54 Ford, second was a '57 Ford; saw a lot of familiar things in your '56. Very well narrated.

[@MostlyBuicks]

I had a 1956 and a 1957 T-bird with the 312 and overdrive. I LOVED these overdrive transmissions back in the day.

[@robertstapleton3598]

Just watched it again. Still love it!

[@robertstapleton3598]

Great video and love this car! The video gives great insight into what it's like to own and drive one of these, something I hope to do one day. I had a '53 Chevy long ago so I'm familiar with some of the "thrills" of driving an old car. You've covered that very well here.

[@billkerstein1637]

My Dad had one of these from new with the 292 Thunderbird Special engine and a 3 speed manual. He did his own maintenance and never stated the oil filter was a problem for clearance. He did say that the full true dual exhaust system that exited through the rear bumpers was going to be expensive to replace so he traded it in on a 59 Fairlane with an automatic transmission. He loved that option so much he never went back to a manual.

[@stevedolyniuk3358]

The 292 was not the Thunderbird Special. The 312 wasn't the Thunderbird Special.

[@billkerstein1637]

@@stevedolyniuk3358 Ford attached the name "Thunderbird Special to everything from a 292 to a 429 over the years including Thunder Jet. It may have said it in the sales brochure, on the air cleaner lid or a valve cover. No big deal.

[@ronaldharris2439]

@@stevedolyniuk3358 Yep, 55 had the T-bird 292, the standard V8 was a 272. In 56 they had a 272, 292, and the T-bird 312 Cu. In. The 312 had 3 hp. ratings, 210 hp., 225 hp., & 230 hp. In 57 they added a Paxton Blower option for the Fairlane 500 that was rated at 290 hp.

[@jeffreysheridan5205]

I had a Fairlane Club Sedan like that when I was 14. A great car. Had the T bird engine.

[@jeffreysteplowski1778]

Loved your video. My first car was the same but it had the 312 ci with auto transmission. I kept it until I bought a new Mopar in 1969. Wish I still had the Ford. Loved it!!

[@ronaldolweiler7745]

I have a 55 with a 406 and 4 spd in it . I put the power disc brakes kit on it . Best money spent ! Then electric wiper kit . Now I'm putting power steering and ac kits in it . I love the car and owned it for 26 years .

[@johnhoward7298]

What did that 406 come out of , is it the three two barrels, or two four barrels version ?

[@ronaldolweiler7745]

@johnhoward7298 3 two's . Came out of a galaxy. Found it in a private junk yard . Timing chain , valve seals and carb kits .

[@johnhoward7298]

@@ronaldolweiler7745 Do You know that Ford made two versions of the 406 ? ( different is push rod length & intake ) I don't remember which one was first .. short push rods or the long push rods ... and I don't know why .

[@markwagener8118]

What a beautiful car and that noise awesome

[@shaneteacman]

It's always good to know that any of these vintage cars can be upgraded to power steering/brakes, disc brakes, A/C, radial tires, front and rear sway bars, seat belts. If I was restoring a gem like this I would definitely add these accessories. By the way most of these power options were available when these cars were new. You just had to pay more for them of course.

[@288gto7]

I would never add power steering and brakes. They are disgusting. Driving a car is way more fun when you have to put much more effort in it. I took off the power brakes on my 1975 ford taunus tc1 turnier and it has been a much better experience since then. It never had power steering even as an option anyway so i didnt need to bother with that

[@genereck7418]

Next time that I`m visiting my son in Alpine UT. I'd like to see your Ford up close. I'm in Cache Valley.

[@christopheryoung3516]

Learned to drive on a 56 Ford. Since then Ive had a few and now looking for another one. Preferably a tudor sedan Customline but would think about a Fairlane. Great car.

[@dumpsterchicken6287]

Why not put front disc brakes on? Save your transmission.

[@walterward8164]

My first car in high school was the 4 door and latter I bought a fifty-six VIC. no Crown. I did buy a 56 Business man Coup like yours. but it was top to bottom RUST OUT. now my wife and I have his and hers 67 Mercury Cougars. 3 inches longer wheel base than the Mustang for better handling. we have had both as every day drivers over 20 years and still rolling down the road to this day.

[@rickpalluck5398]

WOW!,does this bring back memories. I had a 56 Victoria 312.I put 61 Econoline truck mufflers on her.She also had a double low.It had a two speed trans but if you stared out in low,wind it out then bring the shifter up past drive and stam it down back into low it shifted into second gear.Not all the transmissions had that capability to do that. I paid fifty bucks for it and it really was pretty fast. I wish I had it now.

[@clydepodvin5026]

What a beautiful car

[@JohnSmith-cf4gn]

I had a real nice 56 Ford that I totaled out in 1969. Then I got a 57 Ford.

[@CoachAndrewV]

I have a 1953 plymouth and I feel the exact same way driving it. When these cars were originally built, the people driving understood more what the car's abilities and limitations were... Most people in today's world dont understand the differences in modern cars and classic like the stopping distance, or acceleration. If someone pulls out in front of you in a modern car, you are able to stop quickly... not so much with an old car. Back in the 50's when cars were slower and didn't stop as well, people knew the appropriate timing they would need to pull out or to stop. While driving my car I am constantly eyeing every car around me because I don't trust anyone.... And I sure as hell don't want to get into an accident with that steering wheel and no airbags!

[@torque3022]

Beautiful car.

[@jeromebreeding3302]

Driving experience similar to my 59 Galaxie 500 with hopped-up bored 292. How did you get battery mixed up, since both the terminals and cable-ends are different sizes ?

[@colinl5951]

I got a 56 that used to have a 292. Still has the badges and rear bumper. It has a 72 FE 360 motor in it with a 3.03. Its a rat rod.

[@rizzlerazzleuno4733]

Fun to watch. 👍 Please leave the shifter on the column, it is part of the cars history, but for safety please upgrade to front disc brakes. You should enjoy driving it without worrying if it will stop. The best improvement in an older car (50s, 60s) is modern radial tires. It would be no fun to drive it with the type of tires it came with. Thanks for posting this video. In high school and college we drove a 1939 LaSalle and never thought about the brakes, and at the time (1962-1970)16" wheels were not common on cars, so we used truck tires. I had a 1968 Toyota Corona in Australia that had a four speed column shift.

[@Irishfan]

Contrary to what a lot of people think, the Thunderbird V8 engine was not an engine meant to be for a Thunderbird car only. Just like Mercury's Marauder engine that was available on Mercurys in years when they didn't even have a Marauder model car, the Thunderbird engine is an engine meant for most Ford models. The three on the tree transmissions were as commonplace as automatic transmissions are today. Until my dad in 1963 bought his first car with an automatic transmission, which was about the time the neighbors got automatic transmissions, I never saw anything but a three on the tree manual transmission. My first car was a 3 speed transmission with a column mounted gearshift, a 63 Falcon Convertible. The three on the tree was available into the late 70s or early 80, on cars with bench seats, but became more and more rare as automatic transmissions and sports cars with bucket seats and consoles became more popular. Nowadays, manual transmissions are rare and will probably be extinct in the very near future. That is too bad because manual transmission cars are fun to drive. I would love to drive a 56 Ford like yours, but I would get rid of the nerdy fuzzy dice. Those things were not as common a fad as the Hollywood entertainment media would have you believe. Nice car and video.

[@cavscout62]

Need to drop a Godzilla in that Baby.

[@toddknox685]

Ford apparently loved the dash for 1956, and possibly the owners too. Ford put that dash almost exactly as it was in the newly restyled 1957 Thunderbird.

[@marksmith6634]

Those are the kind of car I learned how to drive in!

[@Bob-qf4qo]

Good video,! Nice car

[@davidrutherford891]

update the brakes, steering and shocks, these parts are readily available the excessive body roll means your front springs are worn out, this is common on cars that have sat for a long time .these updates will make your fairlane a pleasure to drive

[@JackF99]

In regard to the seat being part of the suspension I have a '68 Ford F-250 with a restored bench seat and new shocks but I wonder if they used the right seat cushion material because it definitely launches me and I (not the truck) bounce up and down several times whenever I hit a bump. Feels like I'm sitting on a spring with no shock absorber to damp the reaction and sometimes if I didn't have a good grip on the steering wheel I would become airborne.

[@CEKGarage]

My brother in-law has a 79 250 flatbed - I feel the same way when I ride in that thing.

[@MostlyBuicks]

So what are the physical differences between the 292 in this car and a 239 or a 272 Ford, or a 256 or 312 Mercury? The 272 was the base V8 for 1956. Doesn't it have the oil filter in the same place?

[@fitzspike]

One of the worst things about drum brakes is if you drive through water deep enough to get the brakes shoes wet you then have virtually no brakes until the water dries up. An easy remedy is to lightly apply the brakes while driving at a slow steady speed this will dry the brake shoes and you will again have brakes.

[@CEKGarage]

Good tip!

[@fairlanephantom]

I don't have power brakes or steering in my 56, but you get used to it. Even with just a slight roll they turn easy, just can't expect a tight turn. I don't know how you went so long with that glitchy tach, that would have drove me nuts.

[@garywilson12]

nice old car

[@richardfolse9670]

I love it. It reminds me of my 55 Ford Fairlane, I find my 55 had more chrome. I put a 312 ci 56 Merc engine. I painted Emerald Green Poly and never took a picture of, I miss it bad, At 75 years old I wish I had it today instead of getting rid of my car I should have gotten rid of my x wife.

[@johnhoward7298]

Why is hind sight ALWAYS 20/20 !??

[@JeromyBranch]

Nice. Very nice.

[@josephkennedy6657]

The thunderbird special was a 312 y - block

[@CEKGarage]

The 55 thunderbird engine was a 292. Ford changed the 56 thunderbird to the 312, but used the remaining 292s as promotional engines, like the 292 in my car.

[@josephkennedy6657]

@@CEKGarage didn’t know that, mine is a 1956 club sedan with a 312. Not up to speed on 55. Thanks for info.

[@CEKGarage]

@@josephkennedy6657 Nice, when I was cleaning out my grandparents home, we found all of the dealership documents with the car. If you have 56 with the 312, that is fairly rare. Nice job getting one of those.

[@martimaleman]

Jeez guy.. If you spent that much to retrofit it & do somewhat of a resto , its now time to reinvest into it & put in some "Willwood" Braking components to help keep it under control. & see about upgrading the suspension while your @ it. A REALLY nice Mustang II kit for the front & a nice 4 link suspension in the rear. After you do this the body roll wont be so bad & you Will have more control than you had during this video's production . Why not just do it. You've kept it this long , might as well just go on ahead & do it. When your a few years older , you'll be glad you did.

[@KevinPene]

Mean ford I'm in New Zealand and we grew up in cars like yorz my brother had mainelines which are utes frm ozze AK Australia rare in our land keep looking after that one as its lovely ❤😂

[@jnbfrancisco]

Don't down shift to slow down. Brakes are cheaper than transmissions.

[@carlkawarsky9022]

That was my first car too mine was pink and white 292 Cid loved that car but my dad blew up the engine I was 16 and couldn't afford to fix it so I watched it go away on a suck up truck and cried seeing it go away

[@GTP427cobra]

My Dad had one new a 292 with 3 speed with overdrive it was blue and white

[@joanofarc9438]

I grew up in 50's cars.They did not protect the passenger compartment in crashs.I broke my neck at 5 years old flying into the solid steel dash of my grandpa's 57 buick century.The steering wheel was attached to a non collapsible shaft that went to the steering box not far behind the bumper.I saw terrible death wreaks through the 50's.

[@curtcollett2893]

Yep, even though I like originality if I had a classic I'd still install seat/shoulder belts and headrests.

[@carlv8168]

But, Joan, you lived to tell about it. Like you, we also grew up in the '50s, and were subjected to the same hazards of non-seat belt cars on Los Angeles freeways. ('48 Kaiser, '54 Pontiac Star Chief, '57 Chev Bel Air and last but not least a brand new '58 Volvo P444). We drove across the continent (Philadelphia to L.A.) in 1951 in the '48 Kaiser, pulling a small U-Haul trailer.

[@tommymelton2470]

Seatbelts were an option on 56 Fords.

[@opera93]

Thanks, interestingly that overview,of a drive in your 56 was oddly interesting... I bought a low mileage Florida car ( in N WEBSTER IN)”, Four DOOR 1956:\ FORD, TBIRD engine/auto/ fenderskirts, with SELECTAIRE (* Ford experts help?.),THAT did NOT work: WHite with the blue FABRIC ..in 1965 & really liked it, & had plans for keeping & using through Pharmacy School... Anyways, a car hit rear quarter, into & flipped me into a ditch , after a few weeks possession: it did drive pretty good and fast. Perfect body, forgot mileage,its braking was marginal.. My first car was a 54 Ford 2 Door,V 8 /3 Manuel, with a 1957 289 , 4Bbl, dual exhausts/ mild custom tires,& body/guages .....and *braking was a problem esp in splashing Water or rain..best to switch to AT LEWIS AST FRONT discs.. admittedly I,am fan of Factory OEM( not counting dual Master CYL,TORES,brakes,etc::: life is valuable,).. ALSO, INTERESTINGLY, THE quick loss is still a little tragic....even 55 years later! I have relocated to,Helena Valley, MT FOUR years AGO.......ps these 56 FORDS certainly nice & A bunch of models , options, styles, Dealer stuff also......admittedly in High School I wanted a FUELIE *57/ F CODED/ Fairlanes, TBIRDS, (;or,STUDEBAKER SUPer *Hawk or Lark)...THANKS!,

[@oldmanfromoc7684]

My 1st. car was a 1955 2 door wagon 3 on the tree 292.

[@johnhoward7298]

Ok car I'd give a quarter for it ( ok , OK Id consider giving You a half dollar , if You twisted My arm ) !? LOL just kidding ! I had a solid black '55 back in the day . Your car looks great ( I never did get a car with a o/d transmission )

[@eutimiochavez415]

Why are u afraid to drive ? I drive mine all the time ?❤❤

[@marksmith6634]

They will act that with a high performance cam.

[@jimcarney7174]

“Gubber!”

[@johnkemple]

Add a remote oil filter. then you can relax

[@craigjorgensen4637]

“My Ford has a Thunderbird Engine!” Well…actually it has a 292 or a 312. A Chevy 265 or 283 will still smoke you!

[@ldwest3087]

not top end

[@joecanedo5897]

Fairlane didn’t come out until 1957

[@1940limited]

I don't see anything quirky or crazy about this car. I'd have not done most of the modifications. It would be a cold day in hell when I'd be afraid to drive it.

[@rogeramorine4391]

This guy has no idea what he's talking about with these engines that t-bird engine is a 312 3/12 and 292 where the same size block the difference was in the size of the Pistons I'm 73 years old I started working on cars when I was eight I rebuilt these motors I had these motors in my truck I should say trucks as far as the oil filter business there was no problem changing the oil in them because they had to spin on filter in those years

[@CEKGarage]

The engine did not come with a screw on and off filter. It had a single bolt on the bottom and it was a massive pain to change. A simple Google search for a 55 56 canister filter will show I am correct.

[@rogeramorine4391]

@@CEKGarage then you did not have a 312 t-bird engine

[@toddknox685]

@@CEKGarage Yep, my '56 Fairlane Customline did not have a spin-on either. However, was it hard to change? Well, it is what it was and I could change it as fast as we now change those spin on filters. It was messy if you weren't careful, but planning was the key. Unscrew the bolt, and remove the top, have paper towels ready and drop it in paper bag and drop it in the trash.

[@chrismaguire6265]

Beautiful car.