Rolling across the Mecum Auction block: 1956 Ford Parklane

Well here’s something you don’t see every day: A 1956 Ford Parklane. In fact, I can’t remember the last time I have seen one of these. In 1956, Ford developed the Parklane as an opponent to the Chevrolet Nomad. It did well in sales, but for some reason, it was only made for the 1956 model year. After that, Ford scrapped the project altogether.

Photo Credit: Mecum

This makes the Parklane a rarity. In fact, there were just 15,186 of these beauties ever made. And there are most likely a lot less than that now, after so many years have gone by. At any given moment, there are only a few for sale across the entire country.

This particular one has been restomodded with class, keeping a lot of the original styling in place.

And of all the power plants out there, they chose a 5.0 liter engine out of a mid ‘90s Thunderbird. There really isn’t anything wrong with this, because that was a stout little motor in its time. It just isn’t something you hear of all that often.

Photo Credit: Mecum

As a side note, the auction listing says that this motor is out of a 1996 Thunderbird. However, to my knowledge, Thunderbirds were converted to the 4.6 liter engine by 1996. But I don’t claim to have expert knowledge on cars that need to be Fixed Or Repaired Daily. If you have anything to add on this, please advise me.

Personally, I’d go with something a bit bigger. Or at least do some work to that old 302…

Anyway, I digress. This ride is the recipient of a Del Mar Nationals Good Guys award, and for good reason. The paint looks to be absolutely flawless, and the matching interior looks great. While on the subject of the interior, here’s something else you don’t see every day: a true vintage Ford am/fm stereo. It seems like everyone needs their mp3 players and all of these other newfangled contraptions.

Photo Credit: Mecum

Moving on.

Back in the day, that giant steering wheel was needed to turn the front wheels because there was no power assist to help you get around the corners. Now however, this painted and chromed out steering wheel is just for show because the previous owner opted to cruise easy with power steering.

Another welcome amenity is the A/C system that is sure to chill off the cool cats rolling around in this old Ford.

One thing is for sure, this ride looks great and it doesn’t seem as if anything was left untouched. The only thing I could think about doing is an upgrade to the power plant.

Photo Credit: Mecum

So, the question remains: How much will this rare beauty bring in at auction? You’ll have to wait until April’s Mecum auction in Houston to find out.

What do you think about this car? Anything you’d change?