New guy from Corsicana, TX here. Recently picked up a '56 Fairlane Town Sedan. Read below for the long story. I've been lurking for a while, but now have a reason to join. 28 years ago, when I was accidentally (surely) conceived, my dad decided to pick up a car that was sure to become a classic and would some day be my first set of wheels. The car he chose was a '56 Fairlane Town Sedan. Don't ask me why he thought a four door would be a cool first car. The year I turned 15, we started pricing parts to restore the old car. Dad lost his job, the car budget became a "just survive" budget and I discovered how cheap old VWs were. So, my first car turned out to be a '70 VW Bug; not the Fairlane as my dad had intended. Fast forward a bit - I've graduated college, bought a house, got married, expecting our first child, and I'm still dreaming about fixing up the old Fairlane, except now I want to fix it up as a gift for my parents. About a month ago, I sold a VW Ghia and decided to use the money to get started on the Fairlane. The Fairlane is 99% complete and been garaged for at least 45 years, but it needs a total restoration. Parts alone would run me somewhere between $12,000-16,000. A couple weeks ago I came across a car for sale that is almost identical to the one my dad bought for me 28 years ago. The only difference is, this car is lacking the power front seat and town and country radio. That and it's a running/driving car that has had quite a bit of restoration work done. I ended up buying the car for a third of what my dads car would cost in parts alone. So, I plan to give my parents this new Fairlane as an anniversary gift in a couple weeks. I haven't given up on the original Fairlane. I still plan to drag it home soon. Rather than restore it, I plan to just get it running and driving. I won't touch the original paint or original, though badly worn interior. I may have to bag it though.
Welcome welcome from Ft. Worth! If you become an alliance member, they'll throw some pretty nice discounts your way that will be sure to help you out!
Welcome and good luck on your commendable efforts. Have always been a mid-50s Ford fan -- love those quirky Y-blocks.
Welcome to the Hamb from st louis....Your Dad is a lucky guy, it is cool that your give him the car...
I'll try to get some pics posted up in the next few days. My parents are coming over for their anniversary dinner next Tuesday. Maybe I'll get some shots of their reaction when they see the car.
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