My first car was this 1956 Ford Fairlane Club Sedan. I paid $800 for it in 1981, when I was only 14. Of course I didn't get to drive it until I turned 15 and got my learner's permit. I drove it my Junior year in high school and part of my Senior year, until I bought something more "dependable". I sold it a couple of years later.

There were lots of fond memories of the old Ford, but there is one that stands out in my mind. One Friday night in 1983, my Junior class decided to go out together to enjoy a movie and some cruising. While most of my classmates drove new Cutlass' and Mustangs, it was my 56 Ford that got all the attention. Everyone wanted to ride with me. Finally we settled on a group and packed 7 of us in the 56. I can't even remember if we made it to a movie, but I can remember cruising town until midnight! And I distinctly remember spotting a 56 Chevy that night and chasing him down, just to make a few laps through town, side by side.

I saw it a few years ago at a local car cruise. It had passed through a couple of owners since me and had been repainted the light blue color all over. I think the tu-tone suited it much better. I would still love to have it back.

(The wrinkles in the photo came from carrying it around in my wallet for a while after selling the 56, just to show folks the hotrod that I used to own.)

Bobby