Re: Value of a 1956 executive sedan

Posted by BH On 2013/7/8 10:25:30

Andy -

The Executive is one of my favorite models of the 55th-56th Series - mainly because my dad, a mechanic, purchased a brand-new hardtop back in the Spring of '56.

Regardless of manufacturer, four-door sedans typically go for much less than two-door hardtop models - probably because a greater percentage were built, new, and greater percentage seem to have survived.

This car looks nice from the one pic, but keep in mind that beauty is only skin deep.

Based on recent discussions, it appears that the only 56 model that was built with conventional spring suspension was the Clipper Deluxe. Yet, I can tell you right now, from this one pic, that something is not quite right with the T-L suspension in this Exec. The bottom edge of the rear fender skirt should cross the wheel cover right about dead center, but it appears to be a few inches high on this car. Unless the car is equipped with a manual control override and the owner has purposely left the rear end up, then work is gonna be required. At the very least (but least likely) some sort of adjustment is required. Yet, don't let T-L problems discourage you, they can be fixed by any hobbyist willing to work with their own two hands (and a little help from the members of this site).

You need to inspect this car in person before talking money.

Bring mirrors and a strong light so you can look under the car. Make sure nothing is obviously bent in the linkage from the T-L compensator (motor) gearbox to the (short) auxiliary torsion bars.

Also, check for telltale signs of rust or substandard body repairs. Common areas include headlamp brows, bottom rear corner of front fenders, rocker panels (inner and outer, plus related supports and braces), quarter panel wheel openings (where they meet the wheelhouse tub), and the trough at the rear of the trunk floor (including the two, adjacent body mounts, there, from above and below).

In addition to overall condition (and cost of related repairs), the complement of options has an effect on price. For a list of available equipment, download and review the table I composed from available factory documentation:

1956 Build Sheet and Production Code Chart

The actual value of any car is a relative thing - the point at which a buyer is willing to pay and the seller is willing to part. There aren't a lot of public transactions to go by and condition varies widely. Published price guides, available online as well as in print are only a starting point. While the lousy state of the economy makes this a buyer's market, a seller usually has his mind made up and unless desperate, can be pretty firm on price for a good example.

Hope this helps.