1956 Ford Cars Fact Sheet

1956 Ford –
Enhancing the ’55
Look

 

Ford continued with the 1955 body style, but added a few new models in 1956. Big news was the release of the 225 horsepower Thunderbird Special 312 CID V-8.

 

 

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General Year Information

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.

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 for the first time in 1956.

 

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 4oor Victoria Hardtops, the Crown Victoria, the 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.

Engines

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Six-cylinder: Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 223 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 3.62 x 3.60 inches. Four main bearings. Compression ratio: 8.0:1. Horsepower: 137 @ 4200 RPM. Torque: 202 ft. lbs,. @ 2000 RPM. Camshaft type: Mechanical. Duration: Intake: 250°, Exhaust: 250°, Overlap, UNK.  Carburetor: Holley single-barrel (synchromesh) #1153; (automatic) #1154. Serial number code “A”.

Mainline & Customline Manual Transmission V-8: Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 272 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 3.62 x 3.30 inches. Five main bearings.  Compression ratio: 8.0:1. Brake horsepower: 173 @ 4400 RPM. Torque: 260 ft. lbs. @ 2400 RPM. Camshaft: Mechanical. Duration: Intake: 246°, Exhaust: 246°, Overlap: UNK.  Carburetor: Holley two-barrel #1156,  Serial number code “U.”

Mainline & Customline with Ford-0-Matic V-8: Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 272 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 3.62 x 3.30 inches. Five main bearings.  Compression ratio: 8.4:1. Brake horsepower: 176 @ 4400 RPM.  Torque: 260 ft. lbs. @ 2400 RPM. Camshaft: Mechanical. Duration: Intake: 246°, Exhaust: 246°, Overlap: UNK.  Carburetor: Holley two-barrel #1159. Serial number code “U.”

Thunderbird V-8 Standard Transmission (Standard on Fairlane Models): Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 292 cubic Inches. Bore and stroke: 3.75 x 3.30 inches. Five main bearings.  Compression ratio: 8.0:1. Horsepower: 200 @ 4600 RPM. Torque: 285 @ 2600 RPM. Camshaft: Mechanical. Duration: Intake: 246°, Exhaust: 246°, Overlap: UNK. Carburetor: Holley four-barrel #1163.   Serial number code “M.”

Thunderbird V-8 (Standard on Fairlane Models with Ford-O-Matic): Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 292 cubic Inches. Bore and stroke: 3.75 x 3.30 inches. Five main bearings.  Compression ratio: 8.4:1. Horsepower: 202 @ 4600 RPM. Torque: (early) 285 ft. lbs. @ 2600 RPM, (late) 299 ft. lbs. @2600 RPM. Camshaft: Mechanical. Duration: Intake: 246°, Exhaust: 246°, Overlap: UNK. Carburetor: Holley four-barrel #1164. Serial number code “M.”

Thunderbird Special V-8 (Optional all models with standard Transmission): Overhead valves. Cast Iron block. Displacement: 312 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 3.80 x 3.44 inches. Five main bearings. Compression ratio: 8.4:1. Horsepower 215 @ 4600 RPM. Torque: 317 ft. lbs. @ 2600 RPM. Camshaft: Mechanical. Duration: Intake: 246°, Exhaust: 246°, Overlap: UNK. Carburetor: Holley four-barrel #1163. Serial number code “P”.

Thunderbird Special V-8 (Optional all models): Overhead valves. Cast Iron block. Displacement: 312 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 3.80 x 3.44 inches. Five main bearings. Compression ratio: 9.0:1. Horsepower 225 @ 4600 RPM. Torque: 324 ft. lbs. @ 2600 RPM. Camshaft: Mechanical. Duration: Intake: 246°, Exhaust: 246°, Overlap: UNK. Carburetor: Holley four-barrel #1164.  Serial number code “P”.

Thunderbird Special Dual 4-barrel Carburetor V-8 (Special Order): Overhead valves. Cast Iron block. Displacement: 312 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 3.80 x 3.44 inches. Five main bearings. Compression ratio: 9.5:1. Horsepower 260 @ 4600 RPM. Torque: 330 @ 2300 RPM.  Camshaft: Mechanical. Duration: Intake: 256°, Exhaust: 256°, Overlap: UNK. Carburetor: 2 Holley four-barrels  #1163.  Serial number code “R”.

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 too late in the 1956 racing year for Ford cars.

Chassis Features

    • Wheelbase: 115.5 inches.
    • Overall length: 198.5 Inches (197.6 inches on Station Wagons).
    • Overall width: 75.9 Inches.
    • Front tread: 58 inches.
    • Rear tread: 56 inches.
    • Tires: Victorias 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.

Significant Options

    • 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 ($32).
    • 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).

Body Paint Color Codes

Click on the Paint Code Name to See the Mix Codes for the appropriate color:

1956 Ford

 

  A Raven Black
  B Nocturne Blue
  C Bermuda Blue
  D Diamond Blue
  E Colonial White
  F Pine Ridge Green
  G Meadow Mist Green
  H Platinum Gray
  J Buckskin Tan
  K Fiesta Red
  L Peacock Blue
  M Golden Glow Yellow
  N Mandarin Orange
  V Berkshire Green
  W Spring Mist Green

 

1956 Ford –
Current Market
Values

 

1956 Ford –
Current Recent Auction Results

 

Engine Options

    • 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

Power Train Options

Transmissions

    • Three speed manual was standard equipment.
    • Three-speed with automatic overdrive was optional. Approximate drive ratio: 0.70:1. Manual control below instrument panel.
    • Ford-O-Matic automatic transmission was optional.

Rear Axle Ratios:

    • Six-cylinder rear axle ratios: (Ford-O-Matic) 3.22:1; (manual transmission) 3.89:1 and (overdrive) 3.89:1.
    • V-8 rear axle ratios: (Ford-O-Matlc) 3.22:1; (manual 3.78:1 and (overdrive) 3.89:1.

Related Documents

Downloadable files directly related to the 1956 Ford will appear below. Click to download:

1956 Ford Prestige Brochure

1956 Ford Fairlane Line Brochure

1956 Ford Victoria 4-Door Line Brochure

1956 Ford Station Wagons Brochure

1956 Ford 8.2 x 11.0 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 Fairlane V-8 Road Test – Motor Life Magazine

1956 Ford Production Figures

 

Related Images

Related Images to the 1956 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 sold 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.

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