The smell of coffee as it brews is happening right now in the Schire kitchen. It's an aroma that I've savored since I was a young boy waking up at my grandma's house. She'd be up having her coffee and baking chocolate chip cookies. Such a cherished memory!
Another cherished memory is a brief glimpse at Ford Motor Company's attempt to compete, all but briefly, with Chevrolet's Nomad. Ford produced their 2-door station wagon as part of their Fairlane series, calling it the PARKLANE.
It was a one-year only offering as a 6-passenger six-cylinder wagon that sold for $2,428 and tipped the scales at 3, 360 pounds. For the V-8 models, the cost was a whopping $100 more and the weight hiked to 3,503 pounds. Ford cranked out 15,186 of these beautiful and very stylish beauties, but alas 1956 would be the only year of production as orders for the car did not meet Ford's expectations.
From a personal viewpoint, I thought the PARKLANE was much more appealing to the eye than Chevy's Nomad, especially the '55 version. Myself not being a fan of station wagons of the 50's and 60's, I liked the PARKLANE.
OKAY, my coffee's done, first cup is being poured to be enjoyed. Hope you enjoy yours as well and have a great day!
Very cool looking car! Always like the look of the 56 Fords. The first car I remember was our 56 black 4 door bought used I guessing in 58 or so.
Totally agree with you on "the look of the 56 Fords". I liked the '55's as well, but the '56 was even better looking. I've always felt that Ford went a little south with the '57's, but they were still okay to look at. Loved the '58.
@georgeschire To continue the “conversation”, the stainless steel Fairlane trim piece is interesting as it showed up in 1954 on the prototype Thunderbird Feb 54 Detroit Auto Show. I came across this when first collecting 143 scale.
There are a few 1/43 models of the Park Lane floating around, most of them 1-offs. I like the car quite a bit. But, IMO, the Nomad had a bit more style. With those full wheel cutouts and forward-leaning B & C pillars, it had continental flair. To my eye, the Nomad was the best iteration of the tri-fives. The Parklane looks premium and has all the attributes of an upscale gentleman's wagon, perhaps driven by Fred McMurray. The Nomad looks like a car Steve McQueen would arrive in.
There are a few 1/43 models of the Park Lane floating around, most of them 1-offs. I like the car quite a bit. But, IMO, the Nomad had a bit more style. With those full wheel cutouts and forward-leaning B & C pillars, it had continental flair. To my eye, the Nomad was the best iteration of the tri-fives. The Parklane looks premium and has all the attributes of an upscale gentleman's wagon, perhaps driven by Fred McMurray. The Nomad looks like a car Steve McQueen would arrive in.
Interesting that you mention liking those "full wheel cutouts" on the Nomad. Ironically, they were a turn-off for me. I thought the '55 Nomad looked all out of proportion because of them. The car just looked odd to me. Amazing how we're all different.
There are a few 1/43 models of the Park Lane floating around, most of them 1-offs. I like the car quite a bit. But, IMO, the Nomad had a bit more style. With those full wheel cutouts and forward-leaning B & C pillars, it had continental flair. To my eye, the Nomad was the best iteration of the tri-fives. The Parklane looks premium and has all the attributes of an upscale gentleman's wagon, perhaps driven by Fred McMurray. The Nomad looks like a car Steve McQueen would arrive in.
I love the tri-five Nomads and agree with JK about the styling; in particular the roof details. I too like the arch of the '55 wheel wells. The 3 years are all so beautiful it's hard to prioritize them, but for me its 55,56 and 57. Regarding the '56 Ford Park Lane....I LOVE that car and pray that someone does it in a quality 1:43 scale soon. I can't really compare it to the Nomads...a bit apples vs. oranges styling-wise. I would compare it more to the '56 Plymouth Sport Suburban wagon (another great car that needs to be done in 1:43 IMO). The '56 Park Lane is without a doubt my favorite Ford wagon; with that 2-tone paint application it was gorgeous and sporty at the same time. I am very surprised that Ford didn't sell a pile of them.
Hang on....just putting cream in my coffee.......
George; I too like the '56 Ford station wagon best of all the 50s years, but with the 55 and 57 in a tie for second. I always thought the '57 Ford was a beautiful car and even prefer the '57 Ford Fairlane 2drht. and convert. to the Chevy Bel-Air.
