1956 Ford Facts, Figures, and Specifications
Five Fast Facts You May Not Know
1956 Ford Victoria Hardtop
1956 Ford Sunliner Convertible
1956 Ford Fairlane Club Coupe
1. 312 CID V-8 New Offering
2. Four Door Victoria Hardtop Bows
3. New Dashboard Introduced
4. 260 HP Dual 4-barrel Kit Released
5. Seatbelts Now a Factory Installed Option
1956 Ford – Enhancing the ’55 Look
Ford continued with the 1955 body style but added a few new models in 1956. A four-door Victoria hardtop was released, but the big news was the release of the 225 horsepower Thunderbird Special 312 CID V-8 to all lines.
1956 Ford Facts: Resources
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1956 Ford Facts and Specifications
General Year Information – 1956 Ford Cars
Few changes were made for 1956. At the front, oval-like parking lights replaced the round units used on the 1955 models. The chrome trim was revised moderately from the previous year. The 1956 models used larger taillights with chrome rings around the lenses. The 4-door Victoria hardtop was released this year, competing with the other Big Three manufacturers. A one-year only two-door station wagon, the 1956 Ford Parklane, featured Fairlane-level trim. It was marketed to compete against the Chevrolet Nomad.
This was the first year for the 312 CID “Thunderbird Special” V-8. Now the line featured three V-8 engine sizes – 272, 292 and 312 CID, with horsepower from 173 to 225. Mid-year, in response to the competition from Chevrolet and Plymouth (Fury) a twin 4-barrel carbureted 260 HP version was released. roofline.
Inside was where the 1956 model was completely new, Featuring a completely redesigned instrument panel with optional padding and padded sun visors. The steering wheel featured a 2.5-inch deep recessed hub, designed to lessen injury to the driver in the event of an accident. Seat belts were also offered as a factory installed option for the first time. All this was part of the “lifeguard Safety Package”.
1956 Ford Factoids
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The addition served up 225 HP and was in response to the Corvette powerplant offering in Chevrolet full-size cars. Specs: Displacement: 312 CID. Bore and stroke: 3.80″ x 3.44″. Compression ratio: 9.0:1. Horsepower 225 @ 4600 RPM. Torque: 324 ft. lbs. @ 2600 RPM. Carburetor: Holley four-barrel #1164. Serial number code “P”.
A new pillarless 4-door sedan bowed this year, called the “Fordor Victoria” or “Town Victoria”. Trimmed like the two door with essentially the same lines, it offered the style of a 2-door hardtop with the ease of access of a 4-door sedan. 32,111 were sold. See the Brochure HERE.
1956 Ford Facts – Models Offered
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The Mainline series was the base trim level for 1956 and included rubber window moldings, a horn button Instead of horn ring, one sun visor and an arm rest on the driver’s door only. This model was offered with two lines: “Six” and “V-8”, the I-6 being the 223 OHV 137 HP version and the V-8 being the 272 CID 173 HP version. The 292 CID and 312 CID V-8s were optional at extra cost. All Mainline modes were sedans: 2-door, 4-door and 2-door business coupe.
The Customline series was the intermediate trim level for 1956 and included chrome window moldings, horn ring, two sun visors, arm rests on all doors, passenger assist straps on two-door interior “B” pillars, for easier rear seat exit, a chrome strip along the entire length of the body with the series identification just above, and forward of the rear wheel opening. Trunk lid identification consists of a Ford crest with horizontal chrome bars on either side of the crest.
This model was offered with two lines: “Six” and “V-8”, the I-6 being the 223 OHV 137 HP version and the V-8 being the 272 CID 173 HP version. The 292 CID and 312 CID V-8s were optional at extra cost. Customline models were 2-door and 4-door sedans, and the 2-door Victoria Hardtop.
The Fairlane series was the top trim IeveI tor 1956 and included chrome window moldings, chrome ‘‘A” pillar moldings on Sunliner Convertibles, chrome side sweep moldings with simulated exhaust outlets at the back of the trim, Fairlane script below the Ford crest on the hood and a large, V-shaped insignia on the trunk lid. Also, V-8 equipped Fairlanes had rear bumpers with slots in each end for the dual exhausts, which were standard when either V-8 engine was ordered.
This model was offered with two lines: “Six” and “V-8”, the I-6 being the 223 OHV 137 HP version and the V-8 being the 272 CID 173 HP version. The 292 CID and 312 CID V-8s were optional at extra cost. Fairlane models were 2-door and 4-door sedans, and the 2-door and 4-door Victoria Hardtops, the 2-door Crown Victoria, the 2-door Crown Victoria Skyliner (plexiglass roof), and the Sunliner Convertible.
Station Wagons were still their own series for 1956. The Ranch Wagon was the base trim level two-door wagon; Country Sedans were the intermediate trim level and Country Squires were the top trim level with simulated wood-grain exterior paneling. In the level of equipment, the Mainline models were the 2-door Ranch Wagon and the 4-door Country Sedan 6-passenger. Customline versions were the 2-door Custom Ranch Wagon and the 4-door Country Sedan 6-passenger. The Fairlane series included 2-door Parklane Wagon and the 4-door Country Squire.
This model was offered with two lines: “Six” and “V-8”, the I-6 being the 223 OHV 137 HP version and the V-8 being the 272 CID 173 HP version. The 292 CID and 312 CID V-8s were optional at extra cost.
1956 Ford Facts – Engines
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- 137 HP 223 CID I-6
- 173 HP 272 CID V-8 SMT
- 176 HP 272 CID V-8 AMT
- 200 HP 292 CID V-8 SMT
- 202 HP 292 CID V-8 AMT
- 215 HP 312 CID V-8 SMT
- 225 HP 312 CID V-8 AMT
- 260 HP 312 CID V-8 SMT
223 CID I-6. Serial number code “A”. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Four main bearings.
Displacement: 223 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 3.62 x 3.60 inches.
Compression ratio: 8.0:1.
Horsepower: 137 @ 4200 RPM.
Torque: 202 @ 2000 RPM.
Valve Lifters: Mechanical.
Camshaft timing: Intake: 250°, Exhaust: 250°, Overlap, 26°; Lift Intake: 0.370″, Exhaust 0.370″.
Carburetor: Holley single-barrel (synchromesh) #1153; (automatic) #1154.
272 CID V-8 – Manual Transmission Only. Serial number code “U”. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 272 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 3.62 x 3.30 inches.
Compression ratio: 8.0:1.
Horsepower: 173 @ 4400 RPM.
Torque: 260 @ 2400 RPM.
Valve lifters: Mechanical.
Camshaft timing: Intake: 246°, Exhaust: 246°, Overlap: 20°; Lift: Intake: 0.386″; Exhaust 0384″.
Carburetor: Holley two-barrel #1156.
272 CID V-8 – Automatic Transmission Only Serial number code “U.” Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement:272 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke:3.62 x 3.30 inches.
Compression ratio: 8.4:1.
Horsepower: 176 @ 4400 RPM.
Torque: 260 ft. lbs. @ 2400 RPM.
Valve lifters: Mechanical.
Camshaft timing: Intake: 246°, Exhaust: 246°, Overlap: 20°; Lift: Intake: 0.386″; Exhaust 0384″.
Carburetor: Holley two-barrel #1159.
292 CID V-8 – Manual Transmission Only. (Standard on Fairlane models, Optional others). Serial number code “M.” Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 292 cubic Inches.
Bore and stroke: 3.75 x 3.30 inches.
Compression ratio: 8.0:1.
Horsepower: 200 @ 4600 RPM.
Torque: 285 @ 2600 RPM.
Valve lifters: Mechanical.
Camshaft timing: Intake: 246°, Exhaust: 246°, Overlap: 20°; Lift: Intake: 0.386″, Exhaust: 0.384″.
Carburetor: Holley four-barrel #1163.
NOTE: Optional 9.0:1 compression ratio cylinder head NOT offered.
292 CID V-8 – Automatic Transmission Only. (Standard on Fairlane models, Optional others). Serial number code “M.” Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 292 cubic Inches.
Bore and stroke: 3.75 x 3.30 inches.
Compression ratio: 8.4:1.
Horsepower: 202 @ 4600 RPM.
Torque: 289 @ 2600 RPM.
Valve lifters: Mechanical.
Camshaft timing: Intake: 246°, Exhaust: 246°, Overlap: 20°; Lift: Intake: 0.386″, Exhaust: 0.384″.
Carburetor: Holley four-barrel #1164.
NOTE: Optional 9.0:1 compression ratio cylinder head offered. Specifications as follows:
Compression ratio: 9.0:1.
Horsepower: 208 @ 4600 RPM.
Torque: 299 @ 2600 RPM.
312 V-8 Manual Transmission Only. (Optional all models). Serial number code “P”. Overhead valves. Cast Iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 312 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 3.80 x 3.44 inches.
Compression ratio: 8.4:1.
Horsepower: 215 @ 4600 RPM.
Torque: 317 @ 2600 RPM.
Valve lifters: Mechanical.
Camshaft timing: Intake: 246°, Exhaust: 246°, Overlap: 20°, Lift: Intake: 0.386″, Exhaust: 0.384″.
Carburetor: Holley four-barrel #1163.
NOTE: This engine was originally offered with Overdrive transmission only, later available with standard manual transmission.
312 CID V-8 – Automatic Transmission Only. (Optional all models). Serial number code “P”. Overhead valves. Cast Iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 312 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 3.80 x 3.44 inches.
Compression ratio: 9.0:1.
Horsepower: 225 @ 4600 RPM.
Torque: 324 @ 2600 RPM.
Valve lifters: Mechanical.
Camshaft timing: Intake: 246°, Exhaust: 246°, Overlap: 20°. Lift: Intake: 0.386″, Exhaust: 0.384″.
Carburetor: Holley four-barrel #1164.
NOTE: This engine was later available for Standard and Overdrive manual transmissions on special order.
312 CID Dual 4-barrel Carburetor V-8. (Special Order). Serial number code “R”. Overhead valves. Cast Iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 312 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 3.80 x 3.44 inches.
Compression ratio: 9.5:1.
Horsepower 260 @ 4600 RPM.
Torque: 330 @ 2300 RPM.
Valve lifters: Mechanical.
Camshaft timing: Intake: 256°, Exhaust: 256°, Overlap: 28°; Lift: Intake: 0.401″, Exhaust: 0.421″.
Carburetor: 2 Holley four-barrels #1163.
NOTE: This engine was not fitted to Ford-O-Matic equipped cars. It was developed for racing but could be placed on road cars. First used by Mercury, it was made available late in the 1956 racing year (July 1956) for Ford cars.
1956 Ford Facts – Chassis Features
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- Wheelbase: 115.5 inches.
- Overall length: 198.5 inches (197.6 inches on Station Wagons).
- Overall width: 75.9 Inches.
- Overall height: Tudor and Fordor: 61.0 inches; Victoria:60.1 inches; Crown Victoria: 59.9 inches; Sunliner: 58.9 inches; Wagons: 62.2 inches.
- Front tread: 58 inches.
- Rear tread: 56 inches.
- Tires: Victoria models with Ford-o-Matic and on Ranch wagons: 7.10 x 15 4-ply tubeless. Country Sedans and Country Squire wagons: 7.10 x 15 6-ply tubeless. All Others: 6.70 x 15 4-ply tubeless.
1956 Ford Facts – Powertrains
- Transmission Ratios
- Three speed Manual Transmission
- I-6: First: 2.76:1, Second: 1.69:1, Third 1:1. Reverse: 3.74:1.
- V-8 Mainline & Customline: First: 2.57:1, Second: 1.63:1, Third 1:1. Reverse: 3.13:1.
- V-8 Fairlane: First: 2.32:1, Second: 1.48:1, Third 1:1. Reverse: 2.82:1.
- Three-speed with automatic overdrive. Approximate drive ratio: 0.70:1. Manual control below instrument panel.
- I-6: First: 2.80:1, Second: 1.69:1, Third 1:1. Reverse: 3.80:1.
- V-8 Mainline & Customline: First: 2.57:1, Second: 1.55:1, Third 1:1. Reverse: 3.49:1.
- V-8 Fairlane: First: 2.37:1, Second: 1.43:1, Third 1:1. Reverse: 3.21:1.
- Ford-O-Matic automatic transmission -All: First: 2.40:1, Second: 1.47:1, Third 1:1. Reverse: 2.00:1. NOTE: First only engaged at WOT.
- Three speed Manual Transmission
- Rear Axle Ratios
- I-6:
- Ford-O-Matic: 3.22:1, Optional 3.56:1.
- 3-Speed manual transmission: 3.89:1, Optional 4.11:1.
- 3-Speed manual transmission w/overdrive: 4.11:1, Optional 3.89:1.
- V-8:
- Ford-O-Matlc: 3.22:1, Optional 3.56:1.
- 3-Speed manual transmission: 3.78:1, Optional 3.89:1.
- 3-Speed manual transmission w/overdrive: 3.89:1, Optional 3.78:1.
- I-6:
1956 Ford Facts – Powertrain Options
- Engines
- 272 CID V-8 was standard on Mainline and Customline.
- 292 CID V-8 for Mainline and Customline – $105.00 added to V-8 price, not available on I-6 line.
- 312 CID V-8 all lines – $123.00 added to V-8 price, not available on I-6 line.
- Transmissions
- Three speed manual was standard equipment.
- Three-speed with automatic overdrive was optional.
- Ford-o-Matic automatic transmission was optional.
1956 Ford Facts – Significant Options
Prices where known
-
- Chrome engine dress-up kit ($25).
- Continental tire kit.
- Ford-O-Matic transmission ($178-215).
- Front and rear bumper guards.
- Full wheel discs.
- Grille guard package. Rear guard package.
- Heater ($85).
- Life-Guard safety equipment.
- Overdrive transmission ($110-$148).
- Power brakes ($40).
- Power seat ($60).
- Power Steering for Mainline models ($91).
- Power steering for other models ($51-64).
- Power windows ($70).
- Radio ($100).
- Rear fender shields.
- Rear mount radio antenna.
- Thunderbird Special 312 CID V-8 for Fairlane models ($123).
- Thunderbird 292 CID V-8 for Mainline and Customline models ($105).
- Tinted glass.
- Tinted windshield.
- Two tone paint finish.
- White sidewall tires.
- Windshield washers ($10).
- Wire wheel covers ($35).
1956 Ford Downloads and Images
1956 Ford Facts – Related Document Downloads
Downloadable files directly related to the Ford line will appear below. Click to download:
1956 Ford Fairlane Line Brochure
1956 Ford Victoria 4-Door Line Brochure
1956 Ford Station Wagons Brochure
1956 Ford Print Advertisements
1956 Ford V-8 AMA Specifications Sheets
1956 Ford I-6 AMA Specifications Sheets
1956 Ford Fairlane V-8 Road Test – Motor Trend Magazine
1956 Ford Facts – Related Images
Related Images to the Ford line will appear below
1956 Ford Fairlane Sunliner Convertible
The 1956 Ford Fairlane Sunliner Convertible was only available as a top of the line model. Even so, 58,147 were built that year.
1956 Ford Fairlane Crown Victoria Skyliner 2-door Hardtop
The 1956 Ford Fairlane Crown Victoria Skyliner 2-door Hardtop featured a plexiglass tinted sun roof. This model was the most expensive Ford one could buy – and it was impossible to stay cool in the Summer in the car. As such, only, 603 were sold.
1956 Ford Fairlane Crown Victoria 2-door Hardtop
The 1956 Ford Fairlane Crown Victoria 2-door Hardtop was a classy, upscale Victoria with the stainless steel “crown” over the roof. It was no different than the regular Victoria in trim, resulting in only 9,209 delivered.
1956 Ford Fairlane Victoria 4-door Hardtop
the 1956 Ford Fairlane Victoria 4-door Hardtop was introduced later in the model year. Even so, 32,111 were delivered, convincing Ford that they had a winner.
1956 Ford Fairlane Victoria 2-door Hardtop
The 1956 Ford Fairlane Victoria 2-door Hardtop was a hit right from the outset. 177,735 were delivered this year.
1956 Ford Fairlane 4-door Town Sedan
The 1956 Ford Fairlane 4-door Town Sedan was the top tier 4-door sedan in the Ford line. It was the most popular Ford in 1956 with 244,872 sold.
1956 Ford Fairlane 2-door Club Sedan
The 1956 Ford Fairlane 2-door Club Sedan was the high-end 2-door sedan that year. No slouch in the sales department, 142,629 left the factory.
1956 Ford Country Squire Wagon
The 1956 Ford Country Squire Wagon featured the faux wood trim and a Fairlane-like interior. 22,221 we delivered.
1956 Ford 8-passenger Country Sedan Wagon
The 1956 Ford 8-passenger Country Sedan Wagon was the 4-door version of the Parklane. and also trimmed as a Fairlane. It was quite popular with 85,374 sold.
1956 Ford 2-door Parklane Wagon
The 1956 Ford Parklane station wagon was the most expensive 2-door wagon at a base price of $2,528 in V-8 guise. Trimmed as a Fairlane, 15,186 in V-8 and I-6 combined were sold.
1956 Ford Customline Victoria 2-door Hardtop
The hot number in the Customline models was the 1956 Ford Customline Victoria 2-door Hardtop. But with only $100 difference in base price over the Fairlane version, only 33,130 were produced.
1956 Ford Customline Fordor Sedan
The 1956 Ford Customline Fordor Sedan was also very popular with 170,695 delivered.
1956 Ford Customline Tudor Sedan
The 1956 Ford Customline Tudor Sedan was a step up from the Mainline, and it showed in sales with 164,828 sold – a third more than the lesser version.
1956 Ford 6-Passenger Country Sedan Wagon
The 1956 Ford 6-Passenger Country Sedan Wagon was listed as a separate line but counted in the 8-passenger totals, thus we have no numbers on production.
1956 Ford Mainline Fordor Sedan
The 1956 Ford Mainline Fordor Sedan was the low-price 4- door for 1956. It was very popular with 106,974 combined I-6 and V-8 sold.
1956 Ford Mainline Tudor Sedan
The 1956 Ford Mainline Tudor Sedan was the least expensive Ford 6-passenger car for that year. 49,448 were sold in both I-6 and V-8 trim.
1956 Ford Mainline Tudor Business Sedan
The 1956 Ford Mainline Tudor Business Sedan had no rear seat, merely a cargo area. In V-8 trim its base price was $1,848, 8,020 were produced.
1956 Ford 2-door Ranch Wagon
The 1956 Ford 2-door Ranch Wagon was the least expensive of the station wagon line. Available in I-6 and V-8, 48,348 were produced.
1956 Ford Custom Ranch Wagon
The 1956 Ford Custom Ranch Wagon was trimmed as a Customline. As a result, 42,317 were built – a bit less than the more utilitarian Ranch Wagon.
1955 vs 1956 Ford Dashboard
While the exteriors were only subtly different the interiors were dramatically changed. The ’56 dash was much more modern and included the clustered , round instruments, and the more horizontal radio and heater controls. The deep dish steering wheel and padded dash were safety oriented but also more modern as well.