1956 Ford Fairlane Sunliner
I am always a bit wary when I see die-cast model cars produced in pink. I did not have a problem with this beauty from American Muscle which is in two-tone Sunset Coral and Raven Black. Having been the proud custodian of a 1956 Ford Customline Victoria Coupe fitted with the curvaceous Fairlane trim for several years I have a particularly soft spot for Ford’s 1956 car range. The Customline was the mid-range trim of Ford’s offerings that year, the Mainline being the base model and the Fairlane being the top of the line. It had several unique body styles including the Crown Victoria, with an unusual band of chromed trim across the roof and an optional clear plastic front roof section, and the Sunliner convertible.
The latter looked pretty good with its top up, but with it folded into its well behind the seat it became, in my admittedly biased opinion, one of the most attractive American cars of the Fifties. The proportions were just right. Although almost the same in appearance as the 1955 model, the slightly wider grille and more sleek sidelights, together with the lower roofline, combined to create a smoother and more attractive car overall. In convertible form, its relatively generous proportions enabled the hood to disappear behind the rear seats without compromising the room within its capacious boot. Many two-tone colour combinations were offered and while I personally would not have chosen the coral and black if I’d been selecting one from the showroom catalogue, American Muscle’s 1:18 scale example ably demonstrates what a statement the car makes when so ordered.
In common with most models in this series it has a heavy die-cast body, opening doors and bonnet, an acceptably detailed engine bay and steerable front wheels. If the colour combo doesn’t appeal I’m sure others will be offered in due course. In the meantime, it can be ordered from McLaren Models (see McLaren’s advert) for under £90, which seems to be the average price these days for American
Muscle models.