Ford Customline, Black, for sale in Charlotte, North Carolina, for $29,995.

There's a definite appeal to an all-black coupe sitting on blackwall tires that definitely gets your attention. It's not about flash (although this '56 Ford has plenty of it), but rather the brutal, simple look that says this car was purchased by someone who knew exactly what they wanted. And apparently, this was quite a special car, because it presents in largely original condition, with only one repaint.

So it's not a complete survivor, but once you get a look at this big, black coupe in the sun, you'll forget all about trying to win trophies and instead start picturing yourself behind the wheel. While a lot of '50s cars look best in pastel hues, these industrial strength Fords always look best in basic black. Perhaps it's the combination of blue collar honesty and the glittering finish that is appealing, but there's no denying that this is one handsome car. The simple trim that runs from nose to tail seems to accentuate the car's length, and probably made a great place to split the colors on a two-tone paint job, but this car is having none of that. We're told that much of the chrome is original, and if that's the case, this really is a wonderfully preserved specimen, because it's uniformly well preserved, with a nice shine that looks appropriate to the car.

Inside, the upholstery is completely original, which should tell you just how clean this car really is. Even the rubber floor mats are original, and show virtually no deterioration or cracking-how many of us will be able to say the same thing when we're fifty-five years old? The door panels are excellent, and the window sill shows some wear exactly where guys have been resting their elbows for decades, and I wouldn't even think of trying to refinish it. The funky patterned fabric is pure 1950s kitch, but it totally works in the big, black Ford, giving it a period look without the use of bright colors. And this is definitely your basic Ford, because there's a 3-on-the-tree manual transmission and no radio.

While the standard engine was a wheezing inline-six, the owner of this Ford splurged on horsepower, perhaps skipping things like a radio just to have a V8 instead. And if that's the case, I salute his decision, because the 272 cubic inch V8 under the hood runs beautifully, with a smooth rush of torque and a subdued rumble from the exhaust. It's awfully original in there, and even the paint clinging to the block is original. And you're totally going to dig the exhaust routing around the engine, another sure indication of this car's originality. The chassis is solid but not detailed, and it rolls on those formal black wheels with butch blackwall tires.

Cars like this were the bread-and-butter transportation for millions, which is why they're so rare today. But even more cool is this one's industrial strength vibe, thanks to the black paint and rolling stock. Call us today!