Customs Andy Southard's '56 Ford Victoria

[Ryan]

A few years ago, I interviewed Andy Southard. That interview became one of my favorite pieces simply because of how much Andy has influenced me through the years. His books like...

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[Ryan]

I should mention... I ran this article half hoping that Rikster would see it and post more shots of the '56. It's odd that there aren't more shots of it around as Andy was a hell of a photographer.

[JeffreyJames]

I am a huge fan of these type of customs. They're really clean, approachable and I'm a sucker for a slight california rake on cars like these. Lake pipes, striping, lots of shiny stock details....it's indicative of later half of the 50's. Is that Chrysler Metallic green?

Side note, I'm a big fan of the front grilles on these cars. It's just got some really sexy lines.

[Rikster]

There are two photos of the car in Andy's Custom Cars of the 1950's book. One in black and white and one in color sitting next to a roadster pick up.

Thats all I have of it... as far as I know.

[Ryan]

Originally Posted by Rikster

There are two photos of the car in Andy's Custom Cars of the 1950's book. One in black and white and one in color sitting next to a roadster pick up.

Thats all I have of it... as far as I know.

Yeah, I've got those two as well... I just didn't want to cut my book up to scan them appropriately.

I'll email Andy and see if he has any.

[gassercrazy41]

its an absolute beauty...

[henrys_way]

I really have a thing for the 56 Vic's. i think they have the Chevys of the same era beat. This one is done just right!

[axle]

I've always loved that Vicky. "Less is more" worked in that case . Andy took 77,000 photo's back then, so the amazing book he did in the early 90's obviously shows a fraction of what he did. Always wonder why he didn't do more books.

[Ryan]

Originally Posted by axle

I've always loved that Vicky. "Less is more" worked in that case . Andy took 77,000 photo's back then, so the amazing book he did in the early 90's obviously shows a fraction of what he did. Always wonder why he didn't do more books.

He also made a TON of video... I would love to see that stuff.

[Nads]

I love this car

[Jonnie King]

Ryan,

Love it ! The '56 is sometimes the "Forgotten 50's Ford" as most kustomizer's headed for the '55 & '57 Models. (Sometimes that was the same case with '56 Chev's)

I had a close family friend, when I was a kid and just really getting into cars, and he had a beautiful Turquoise & White '56 Vicky Hardtop that I dearly loved ! (He'd traded in an equally stunning '50 Olds 88 HdTp.)

Sometimes, when we'd go to visit their family on Sunday's he'd take me for a ride in that oh-so-neat machine...and I was the happiest kid in St. Louis for the next hour or so !!

Thanks for bringing back my memories of these neat 56s' !

Jonnie

[Cincinnati Slim]

I've also worn out my copies of all his books and still reference for ideas all the time.

I like his Vicky, but I really dug the '58 Impala. Since both are probably lost to time, either would make a good subject for a clone.

[Evel]

Originally Posted by Ryan

He also made a TON of video... I would love to see that stuff.

I love all that Andy has done.. I have read those books maybe a 100,000,00 times front to back.. he is a legend!!

As for Video I would love to see what he's got and if theres any way I could help produce
somthing for him.. I would be honored..

Ryan.. maybe mention that we all want to see his video stuff..

[Rikster]

Here are the two scans of the Andy Southard book CUSTOM CARS of the 1950's

[axle]

I will always set up my cars - pre 1955 = Skirts . Post 1954 = no Skirts and a "California rake".

[One56]

As for videos, they are. I have Andy Southards car slides vol 1 and vol 2. One little mention in Rod & Custom under the guidance of Pat Ganahl made my day.
There are over 500 slides on each video and the first cover 55-59. The second 59-60.
I know there are moore and some of them even had pictures that move ( real video)
Go hunt them

[oldcarfart]

Originally Posted by henrys_way

I really have a thing for the 56 Vic's. i think they have the Chevys of the same era beat. This one is done just right!

2X on '55 & '56, not '57 chevy. '56 crown vic is to die for, had a buddy making a 2 door crown vic wagon, nomad idea, died before on road, damn kids scrapped it for crack $$$ without anyone else getting chance to buy. Did I mention I hate kids?

[Rot 'n Kustom]

The Victoria was a beauty for sure, but the car that that stuck in my mind since age 10 was his 1958 Impala. That was the car that started my custom cravings.

I bought a '58 Belair back around 1980, customized and took it to all the customs shows like the first Sled Scene East and Lead East.

By coincidence, I was reading about my favorite car just this morning.
CAR SPEED and STYLE, March 1960.

[safariknut]

Definitely one of the finest looking mild customs ever! I have had the privilege of speaking with Andy over the phone for the past couple years and he is a great person.
I had sent him a couple of my custom hand painted plates and hand made display brushes awhile back.He surprised me by sending a bunch of pictures and all of his videos including a couple that aren't on the market.One is called simply 1952-1961 and is a collection of home movies he made crossing the country in his 49 Ford and some cruising pics in California.
Some of the stills include pics he took of Ed Roth at the 1960 Sacramento Autorama painting T shirts and clowning around.Also some pics of his new garage that he is currently decorating with pictures of stuff he's done over the years.He said it's a bit tough deciding which to display as he has about 17,000 color slides and over 50,000 b&w pictures to choose from.
I'm still wading through the videos but they are all top shelf stuff and he does sell them.

[richie rebel]

love the 56 fords,always had a soft spot for them, really love this one though........