LOT 811 ¤

1956 Ford Fairline Sunliner Chassis no. M6KC100052

Sold for US$31,360 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve

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Lot 811^¤

1956 Ford Fairline Sunliner

The Robert Richardson Collection|21 September 2025, 16:00 PDT|Los Angeles

1956 Ford Fairline Sunliner
Chassis no. M6KC100052

351ci Supercharged V8 Engine (see text)
Dual 4-Barrel Carburetors
(Est.) 700bhp at 4,000rpm
3-Speed Automatic
Independent Front Suspension, Rear Live Axle
4-Wheel Disc Brakes

*Wonderfully built, well restored example of a classic convertible
*High horsepower, custom example practically customized from top to bottom
*Built for the street, show or strip; this Sunliner can achieve it all
*Finished in two-tone red/white livery over red trim interior
*Freshly built engine with test miles only
*Modern upgrades include adjustable air ride suspension and disc brakes

THE CAR OFFERED

Ford Motor Company executives must have faced 1955 with both anticipation and anxiety—the year was shaping up to be one of the strongest—but also most competitive—in automotive history. The new Fords for 1955-56 would be taking on new and improved cars from both Chevrolet and Plymouth. Those other members of the traditional "big three" would be debuting modern OHV V8 engines in their 1955-56 models, while Ford had introduced its OHV V8 in 1954, after having offered the "flathead" V8 since 1932.

Although more evolutionary in appearance than competitive offerings, the 1955 Fords featured, for the first time since 1952, all-new body styling. New Fairlane models capped the Ford line; they could be easily identified by their distinctive stainless steel body-side trim, which rolled down off the front fender to a "vee" on the door, before continuing in a straight line to the rear of the car.

The 1955-56 Ford line would also benefit from the halo generated by the new Thunderbird, a 2-passenger personal car that shared many of design attributes with top-line Fairlanes of that year. The sole traditional Ford convertible for 1955 was the Fairlane Sunliner, Model 76B. Weighing in at 3,382lbs., it had a factory base price of $2,324. Ford convertibles were very popular cars in the 1950s and the 1955 edition would be no exception. Nearly 49,996 Sunliner convertibles would be built before the year was out.

Built in September of 1955 as a 1956 model year vehicle, this Ford rolled off the assembly line at the Kansas City, Missouri factory. The offered Sunliner's VIN indicates that it had a 292cid Ford Y-block V8—known as the Thunderbird Special—under its hood when it left the factory, though today the present engine is a built small block 351ci V8 with a large Littlefield Blower mounted atop together with large CFM dual Holley 4-Barrel carburetors visible through the notched hood. The engine has been completely built to accept the large horsepower this engine produces. The engine and blower was recently completely built and is a fresh setup with only test miles added.

Finished in the period Red and White two-tone combination, with matching red interior, the offered Sunliner is equipped with a custom made interior with modern front seats, custom center console with B&M shifter, upgraded gauges, sport steering wheel, power windows, modern stereo as well as the airbag suspension control module. Additional amenities include 4-wheel disc brakes, adjustable airbag suspension, American Racing alloy wheels, rear mounted racing fuel cell and a custom dual exhaust system to name a few.

A car that has been maintained, properly restored, and preserved well in a climate-controlled facility is the right recipe for a true collectible, one that should give many smiles in the future. This wonderful Ford Convertible has everything it takes to be an excellent streetcar, sleeper at the drag strip or receiving a trophy on the show field, this showstopper can do it all. This well-sorted Sunliner is not to be overlooked.

Additional information

This auction is now finished. If you are interested in consigning in future auctions, please contact the specialist department. If you have queries about lots purchased in this auction, please contact client services.
Buyers Premium and Charges
The final bid (hammer) price of each lot will be subject to a buyer's premium.
For MOTORCAR property the premium is 12% on the first $250,000 of the bid price and 10% on any amount of the bid price exceeding $250,000.
For MOTORCYCLE property the premium is 15% on the first $100,000 of the bid price and 10% on any amount of the bid price exceeding $100,000.
For AUTOMOBILIA or non motor vehicle property, the premium is 28% of the first $50,000 of the bid price, plus 27% of the amount of the bid price above $50,000 up to and including $1,000,000, plus 21% of the amount of the bid price above $1,000,000 up to and including $6,000,000, plus 14.5% of the amount of the bid price above $6,000,000
A 3RD-PARTY BIDDING PLATFORM FEE equal to 4% of the Hammer Price shall be payable by buyers whose successful bid is submitted via 3rd-party bidding platforms, including Invaluable; Live Auctioneers; The Saleroom; Lot-tissimo.
Buyers' Obligations
ALL BIDDERS MUST AGREE THAT THEY HAVE READ AND UNDERSTOOD BONHAMS' CONDITIONS OF SALE AND AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THEM, AND AGREE TO PAY THE BUYER'S PREMIUM AND ANY OTHER CHARGES MENTIONED IN THE NOTICE TO BIDDERS. THIS AFFECTS THE BIDDERS LEGAL RIGHTS.
If you have any questions about the Conditions of Sale, please contact your nearest client services team.
From 28 June 2025, the import into the EU of non-EU property of a certain age (and in some categories above a certain value) is subject to additional requirements. Under the relevant EU Regulation, it is the Buyer's sole responsibility to assess whether any Lot meets the criteria for import into the EU. The refusal of any required Import License or Importer Statement, or any delay in obtaining such License or Statement shall not give rise to the rescission or cancelation of any Sale, nor allow any delay in making full payment for the Lot.
Collection Notices
Buyers are required to make immediate arrangements for the collection and transport of purchased lots. It is the buyer's responsibility to make their own arrangements.
Motor Vehicle Venue Collection Deadline: 5pm PDT on Monday, September 22, 2025, from 1505 S. Baker Ave. Ontario, CA 91761
Following the Venue Collection Deadline, all Motor Vehicles will be uplifted and held to order at 18201 E Telegraph Rd. Santa Paula, CA 93060. An uplift fee of $500 per vehicle will be invoiced by Bonhams. Uplift and subsequent storage are at the buyer's sole risk and expense. Please consult with Bonhams in advance of purchase. Purchased lots become the buyer's risk once the hammer falls. Storage, collection and uplift for both paid and unpaid lots are at the buyer's sole risk and expense. Overseas buyers are strongly advised to make collection arrangements in advance of the auction. Buyers may have an authorised agent collect their purchases. It is the buyer's responsibility to ensure that their designated agent has the collection details, bill of lading showing where the lot will be transported and proof of the buyer authorization for collection of the lot(s).
Automobilia Venue Buyer Collection Deadline: 5pm PDT on Friday, September 26, 2025, from 1505 S. Baker Ave. Ontario, CA 91761
Buyers must submit a Collection & Shipping Notification by 12pm PDT on Tuesday, September 23.
Buyers or authorised agents may collect from the venue Tuesday, September 23 to Friday, September 26 in pre-scheduled appointments. A removal fee of $150 per lot will applicable footnoted lots. Lots 345, 356, 357, 410, 562, 578, 658, 660, 662, and 692 are Real Property. It is the buyer's responsibility to make arrangements for the removal of Real Property which is affixed to the building, scheduled from October 13 - 17.
Motor Vehicle Transport Partners:
- Domestic Transport: Passport Auto Transport, Contact: Ed Watts, +1 (417) 588 4921 or mobile +1 (314) 496 6228 [email protected]
- International Transporter: Schumacher Cargo Logistics Schumacher Secure Contact: Warren Barnes, +1 (310) 626 7117 [email protected]
- International Transporter: CARS (Classic Automotive Relocation Services) Contact: Alistair Forbes, +1 (310) 695 6403 [email protected]
Automobilia Transport Partners:
- Las Vegas Crating Inc., Contact: Chris Long, +1 (702) 748-4973, [email protected]
- Navis Pack & Ship, Contact: Elin or Louie, +1 (818) 956-1137, [email protected]
Payment Notices
PAYMENT DEADLINE 12pm EST on Tuesday, September 23, 2025
CASHIERING
Bonhams, 7601 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90046
Saturday, September 20, during the auction
Sunday September 21, during the auction
Monday September 22, 9am - 5pm
Tuesday September 23, 9am - 12pm
Bonhams strongly recommends paying by wire transfer, certified check (bank draft), or submitting a Bank Letter of Guarantee. The Bank Letter of Guarantee must be addressed to Bonhams and be in the name of the registered bidder. Cash payments are not accepted. Credit card payments are not accepted for Motorcar lots. We strongly encourage contactless payment of invoices prior to collection. Lots will not be released to buyers until full and final payment is received by Bonhams. Payment made by personal or business check may result in property not being released until purchase funds clear our bank. Bidders may also pre-arrange suitable check or credit approval with Client Services. For payments made by bank transfer, please include your client identification number on the wire transfer instructions
Shipping Notices
Los Angeles & New York Auctions
If you have requested a shipping quote, we will send this to you via email within 5 business days of the auction ending.
Please note our shipping quotes are bespoke and require special care and handling from our team and shippers. Shipping will be booked after payment is received. Please allow 7-14 business days from the time of booking for packing and dispatch, depending on your chosen shipping method. If your purchase is time sensitive, or you wish to explore other options, please see our list of alternative third party shippers in New York and Los Angeles who may be able to assist you.
Oversized Lots
Please note that all lots marked with a W in the catalogue are oversized and subject to additional storage and shipping methods. All additional lots purchased with W lots are considered group lots and will be subject to the same terms as W lots.
W Lots will be transferred to offsite storage at DTD Fine Art Services at the buyer's risk and expense within five (5) business days following the auction. Please contact the Client Services team at [email protected] for the exact movement date.
The per-lot charges levied by DTD Fine Art Services are as follows (plus any applicable sales tax):
FURNITURE/LARGE OBJECTS
Transfer .................. $75
Daily storage........... $10
Insurance (on Hammer + Premium + tax) 0.3%
SMALL OBJECTS
Transfer ................. $37.50
Daily storage........... $5
Insurance (on Hammer + Premium + tax) 0.3%
Please note property is also subject to a Cross Dock Release Fee ($25 for Smalls and $45 for Furniture and Large Objects) & if charges are paid with a credit card, Door to Door Fine Art Services will charge a 3% Convenience Fee.
If you have any questions, please contact our Client Services team.
Boston & Marlborough Auctions
Please click HERE for detailed collection and shipping information for Boston and Marlborough auctions.
Special Car Dealer Notices
California Department of Motor Vehicles – Vehicle Dealer Licence, number 49015

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¤	No Reserve
	Unless indicated by the ¤ symbol next to the lot number (or bearing an explicit statement such as "No Reserve" or "Without Reserve"), which denotes no reserve, all lots in the catalog are subject to a reserve. The reserve is the minimum hammer price that the seller is willing to accept for a lot. This amount is confidential and does not exceed the low estimate value.