Over time, there have been body styles that have been rendered obsolete by the demands (or lack thereof) of the market. One that catered to the trades and traveling salesmen may sound quaint today, but it most certainly was a thing in the past. One of those cars is featured on AutoHunter, the online platform driven by ClassicCars.com: a 1956 Ford Mainline Tudor Business Sedan. This restored vehicle is powered by a 525-horsepower 351ci V8 backed by a C4 three-speed automatic. Features include bucket seats, power windows, front disc brakes, dual master cylinder, and new suspension components, among others. Finished in Diamond Blue with Colonial White painted top, this 1956 Ford will include records, receipts, and a clear title with the sale.
While Ford had the Mainline Business Sedan, Chevrolet offered the 150 Utility Sedan and Plymouth had the Plaza Business Coupe. All sat at the lowest trim levels among their respective brands, but what set them apart from their usual two-door sedan stablemates was the lack of a rear seat. This allowed space for someone’s wares or tools of the trade.
When this 1956 Ford Mainline Tudor Business Sedan was being restored, it was repainted in the original Diamond Blue (code D) and Colonial White (code E) hues. Features include hood ornament and Customline side trim. Note the lack of backup lights, which were an option in that era.
A set of 15-inch Cragar wheels is wrapped in 215/70 (front) and 235/70 (rear) Cooper Cobra Radial G/T tires.
This Business Sedan’s interior has been reconfigured with a set of more modern bucket seats upholstered in gray vinyl, though the rear of the cockpit still respects its austere origins. Features include power windows, floor-mounted Hurst automatic shifter, and three-spoke steering wheel with black grip. This vehicle originally was delivered without a radio or a heater, so you will find delete plates on the dashboard where these components normally would appear.
The instrument panel consists of AutoMeter instrumentation that includes a speedometer, column-mounted 8,000-rpm tachometer, and gauges for the fuel level, oil pressure, voltage, and coolant temperature.
Power is provided by a 351cid Windsor V8 backed by a rebuilt C4 three-speed automatic transmission. Engine features include black aluminum Ford Racing valve covers, Isky Racing Cams camshaft with roller rockers, Edelbrock 750-cfm four-barrel carburetor, electronic ignition, March Performance pulley system, and headers.
This Ford came factory-equipped with an independent front suspension and a solid rear-drive axle. Braking has been upgraded by manual front discs plus a dual master cylinder. A heavy-duty front sway bar, Currie nine-inch Ford rear axle, and Traction-Master bars have been installed.
This 1956 Ford Mainline Tudor Business Sedan is a neat remnant of a bygone era. The auction for this utilitarian hot rod ends on Monday, June 12, 2023, at 12:45 p.m. (PDT)
Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and photo gallery
