1956 Mercury Facts, Figures, and Specifications
Five Fast Facts You May Not Know
1956 Mercury Montclair Convertible
1956 Mercury Montclair 4- Door Hardtop
1956 Mercury Montclair 2- Door Hardtop
1. "Y Block" Jumps to 312 CID & 225 HP
2. Dashboard Changed Only Slightly
3. Phaeton 4-door Hardtop Introduced Mid-Year
4. 12 Volt Electrical System Bows
5. Medalist "Economy" Line is New
1956 Mercury – Refinement is the Key
The 312 CID V-8 replaced the 292 CID version of the Y-Block. Mercury models underwent a minor exterior revision, trading its crest badge for a “Big M” emblem. The side trim was revised to a full-length multi-tier chrome spear.
1956 Mercury Facts: Resources
Equipment or products directly related to this car. Click to view:
1956 Mercury Facts – Use the Ford Shop Manual
Ford Licensed Product!
Immediate PDF Download!
ONLY $16.95
Click Here to Buy
Need New Springs or Shocks?
Get the Exact Springs for your Mercury
Click Here for
1956 Mercury Facts – Body Paint Color Mix Codes
Click on the Paint Code Name to See the Mix Codes for the appropriate color:
1956 Mercury
| 01 Tuxedo Black | |
| 03 Delta Blue | |
| 04 Lauderdale Blue | |
| 05 Niagara Blue | |
| 07 London Gray | |
| 08 Pinewood Green | |
| 14 Heath Green | |
| 15 Glamour Tan | |
| 17 Grove Green | |
| 18 Verona Green | |
| 19 Saffron Yellow | |
| 20 Cambridge Green | |
| 23 Classic White | |
| 31 Persimmon | |
| 05A Tyrolean Blue | |
| 18A Spring Valley Green | |
| 21A Carousel Red |
1956 Mercury Facts – Collector Car Insurers
Click on the links below to find your car’s value or get a quote:
1956 Mercury Facts and Specifications
General Year Information – 1956 Mercury Facts
In 1956 the 312 CID V-8 replaced the 292 CID version of the Y-Block. There were three offerings, a 210 HP 8.0:1 compression ratio version used with manual and overdrive transmission and a 215 HP unit having 8.4:1 compression used with automatic transmission. Optional was the 9.0:1 compression 225 HP 312 CID V-8. Starting in 1956 an optional “Maximum Duty” dual 4-barrel carburetor version was offered, providing 260 HP. The 3-speed manual or the optional 3-speed “Merc-O-Matic” automatic transmission continued, while a “Touch-O-Matic” 3-speed manual overdrive transmission was a further option.
All Mercury models underwent a minor exterior revision, trading its crest badge for a “Big M” emblem. The side trim was revised to a full-length multi-tier chrome spear, with two types of two-tone paint combinations, offering the traditional approach of a roof color over a different body color, and “Flo-tone” where the roof and lower body were painted in one color and the upper body painted in another color. There were a total of thirty-one two-tone combinations and twenty-eight “Flo-tone” combinations.
As was the case with the line, the pillared low-roof four-door Sport Sedan was augmented by the Phaeton four-door hardtop during the model year. The standard 4-door sedan was still offered on the Medalists and Custom lines. All lines, even the lower-priced Medalist, offered the Phaeton model.
1956 brought several functional revisions, including a 12-volt electric system which allowed air conditioning, standard dual exhaust to improve engine performance, and an automatic self-lubrication system for the steering and front suspension. Mercury added its own version of the Ford Lifeguard safety system – a deep-dish steering wheel was standard, along with safety door locks, tubeless tires, and a breakaway safety glass rearview mirror. Childproof rear door locks, seat belts, and a padded dashboards were introduced as free-standing options.
The Medalist
The Medalist was introduced as a two-door sedan only in September 1955 as Mercury’s low-price model. It was positioned below the Custom, Monterey and Montclair models and replaced the entry-level status of the Custom. A four-door sedan, a two door hardtop and a four-door hardtop were added mid-year at which time the Medalist was given full series status. It was offered with a 210 HP 312 CID V-8 engine with a 3-speed manual transmission standard.
Historical
Dual exhausts were standard on all Montclair and Monterey models. Almost 90 percent of all 1956 Mercurys were sold with automatic transmission, 78.4 percent with whitewall tires, 88 percent received backup lights and 96 percent were equipped with heaters. Only 1.1 percent were equipped with air conditioning, a new option. The “Maximum Duty V-8” allowed Mercurys to win five NASCAR Grand National races in 1956.
1956 Mercury Factoids
Click a Tab to See the Details
- 12 Volt Electrical System Arrives
- Phaeton 4-door Hardtop Arrives
- Y-Block Jumps to 312 CID & 225 HP
- Medalist Becomes a Full Line
The 12-volt electric system was new. This allowed the use of air conditioning, quicker starting and power windows, doors, and seats did not tax the system.
At mid-year, Mercury introduced the 4-door hardtop model across all lines. It was called “Phaeton” as a marketing shot. Over 50,000 were sold – a great marketing and sales effort.
The Y-Bock V-8 was increased in size to 312 CID and came in three flavors; 210, 215 and 225 HP. The latter two were initially only available with automatic transmission. Later, a “Maximum Duty” version with dual 4-barrel carburetors was released.
The Medalist, introduced initially as a 2-door Sedan only at the beginning of the model year Was intended to be an economy model. It was expanded into a full line at mid-year, including the new 4-door “Phaeton” hardtop.
1956 Mercury Facts – Models Offered
Click a Tab to See the Details
Mercury Medalist – The new Medalist was Mercury’s lowest priced car. It was introduced as a 2-door sedan, but at mid-model year it became a full line. The Medalist featured a more frugal use of side chrome and lacked the front bumper guards found on the more expensive series. Like all 1956 Mercurys, it had a big “M” medallion on the front of the hood, and the word “Mercury” was spelled out in block letters on the center horizontal grille bar. The standard items included textured vinyl upholstery, rubber floor mats, and chrome front and rear window surround moldings, and a rear quarter panel body side stainless steel trim.
Medalist models were: 2-door Sedan, 4-door Sedan, 2-door Hardtop and 4-door Hardtop Sedan.
Mercury Custom – Chrome window trim was the main styling difference between the Custom and the Medalist. The Custom station wagon did not have faux wood trim. The standard list of equipment included broadcloth upholstery, rubber floor mats, electric clock, luggage compartment light, and chrome window surroundings. Optional equipment included a heater and windshield defroster, and radio with antenna. Interiors were cloth-and-vinyl combinations. Thee 312 CID 210 HP V-8 and 3-speed manual transmission were standard, with automatic or overdrive as optional.
Custom models were: 2-door Sedan, 4-door Sedan, 2-door Hardtop, 4-door Hardtop Sedan, Convertible and 6- and 8-passenger Station Wagons.
Mercury Monterey – The 1956 Monterey looked a lot like last year’s model. The hooded headlights, vertical ‘chubby cheek’ taillights, and bumper integrated grille were little changed. Monterey models featured heavy chrome trim around the side windows and chrome rocker panels. The side body molding made a sort of lightning bolt pattern. “Monterey” was written in script on the front fenders.
Monterey models were the 2-door Hardtop Coupe, 4-door Sport Sedan, 4-door Hardtop Sedan and 6- and 8-passenger Station Wagons.
Mercury Montclair – The top-of-the-line Montclair models had a narrow color panel surrounded by chrome trim below the side windows and chrome rocker panels. A round medallion was placed near the tip of the front fender side trim .”’Montclair” was written, in script, on the front fenders. The four-door Sport sedan was replaced, early in the model year, by a four-door Hardtop “Phaeton” Sedan. Montclair models were the 2-door Hardtop Coupe, 4-door Hardtop Sedan, 4-door Sport Sedan, and Convertible.
Montclair models were the 2-door Hardtop Coupe, 4-door Hardtop Sedan, 4-door Sport Sedan, and Convertible.
1956 Mercury Facts – Engines
Click a Tab to See the Details
312 CID 4-Barrel Carburetor V-8 – Manual Transmission Only. Overhead valves. Cast Iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 312 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 3.80 x 3.44 inches.
Compression ratio: 8.0:1.
Horsepower: 210 @ 4600 RPM.
Torque: 312 @ 2600 RPM.
Valve lifters: Mechanical.
Camshaft timing: Intake: 246°, Exhaust: 246°, Overlap: 20°, Lift: Intake: 0.386″, Exhaust: 0.384″.
Carburetor: Holley four-barrel #1162-ECG-G.
Exhaust: Single on Medalist and Custom lines. Dual on Monterey and Montclair.
NOTE: This engine was the Base V-8 in all lines and was not available with automatic transmission.
312 CID 4-Barrel Carburetor V-8 – Automatic Transmission Only. 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 #1161-ECG-B or ECG-H.
Exhaust: Single on Medalist and Custom lines. Dual on Monterey and Montclair.
NOTE: This engine was the Base V-8 in all lines with automatic transmission.
312 CID 4-Barrel V-8 – Automatic Transmission Only. 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 or Carter WCFB four-barrel model 2361.
Exhaust: Dual.
NOTE: Optional all lines. This engine was later available for Standard and Overdrive manual transmissions on special order.
312 CID Dual 4-barrel Carburetor “Maximum Duty” V-8 – Manual Transmission Only. (Special Order). 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″.
Carburetors: 2 Holley four-barrels #1268. Some cars 2 Carter 4-barrel WCFB Model 2361.
NOTE: This engine was not fitted to Merc-O-Matic equipped cars. It was developed for racing but could be placed on road cars. It was made available in the 1956 racing year (January 1956).
1956 Mercury Facts – Chassis Features
-
- Wheelbase: 119.0 inches.
- Overall length: 206.4 inches.
- Overall width: 76.4 inches.
- Overall height: Medalist, Custom & Monterey – 60.6 inches; Montclair – 58.8 inches.
- Front tread: 58.0 inches.
- Rear tread: 59.0 inches.
- Standard tires: All: 7.10 x 15 4-ply tubeless.
- Optional tires: All: 7.10 x 15 6-ply tubeless.
1956 Mercury Facts – Powertrains
- Transmissions
- 3-Speed manual transmission: 1st- 2.49:1, 2nd – 1.59:1, 3rd – 1.00:1, Reverse – 3.15:1.
- 3-Speed manual overdrive transmission: 1st- 2.49:1, 2nd – 1.59:1, 3rd – 1.00:1, Overdrive 0.72:1, Reverse – 3.15:1.
- 3-Speed automatic transmission: 1st- 2.40:1, 2nd – 1.47:1, 3rd – 1.00:1, Reverse – 2.00:1. NOTE: 1st gear only engaged at WOT.
- Engines
- 312 CID V-8 210 HP with 3-speed SMT.
- 312 CID V-8 215 HP with 3-speed AMT.
- 312 CID V-8 225 HP with 3-speed AMT. (Later available with SMT & OD).
- 312 CID V-8 260 HP with 3-speed SMT.
- Rear Gear Ratios
- 3-Speed manual transmission – 3.73:1 standard, 4.09:1 optional.
- 3-Speed manual overdrive transmission – 4.09:1 standard, 3.73:1 optional.
- 3-Speed automatic transmission – 3.15:1 standard, 3.54:1 optional.
1956 Mercury Facts – Significant Options
-
- Air Conditioning.
- Back-up lamps.
- Curb signals.
- Door edge guards.
- Door handle fingernail shields.
- Emergency-utility light and case.
- Engine compartment light.
- Floor mats.
- Hand brake signal light.
- Heater.
- Inside control rear view mirror.
- Locking gas tank cap.
- Outside rear view mirror.
- Power brakes.
- Power seat.
- Power steering.
- Radio.
- Rear window defroster.
- Seat covers.
- Solex glass.
- Spotlight.
- Spotlight and Mirror.
- Tissue dispenser.
- Undercoating.
- Utility spotlight.
- Vanity mirror.
- Whitewall tires.
- Windshield washers.
1956 Mercury Downloads and Images
1956 Mercury Facts – Related Document Downloads
Downloadable files directly related to the Ford line will appear below. Click to download:
1956 Mercury Hardtops Brochure
1956 Mercury Medalist Foldout Brochure
1956 Mercury Print Advertisements
1956 Mercury AMA Specifications Sheets
1956 Mercury Road Test – Motor Life Magazine
1956 Mercury Facts – Related Images
Related Images to the Mercury line will appear below
1956 Mercury Montclair Convertible
The 1956 Mercury Montclair Convertible was the top tier and only Mercury convertible offered until-year when a Custom version arrived. The Montclair version had 7,762 deliveries, while the Custom (not shown) was far behind with only 2,311.
1956 Mercury Montclair 4 door Hardtop
The 1956 Mercury Montclair 4 door Hardtop was the top of the line 4-door and sat just under the convertible in price. It was a popular choice with 23,493 built.
1956 Mercury Montclair 2 door Hardtop
The 1956 Mercury Montclair 2 door Hardtop was the top level 2-door for 1956. It was the best-selling Mercury in 1956 with 50,562 finding happy customers.
1956 Mercury Montclair 4 door Sport Sedan
The 1956 Mercury Montclair 4 door Sport Sedan was the most upscale 4-door sedan in the line. 23,493 were produced.
1956 Mercury Monterey 4 door Hardtop
The 1956 Mercury Monterey 4 door Hardtop was the mid-level 4-door hardtop in 1956. 10,726 found customers.
1956 Mercury Monterey 2 door Hardtop
the 1956 Mercury Monterey 2 door Hardtop was the second most popular Mercury in 1956 with 42,863 leaving the showrooms.
1956 Mercury Monterey 4 door Sport Sedan
the 1956 Mercury Monterey 4 door Sport Sedan, like all Sport Sedans, featured a lowered roof line over the standard 4-door. 11,765 were built.
1956 Mercury Monterey 4 door Sedan
The 1956 Mercury Monterey 4 door Sedan featured the standard height roof line and was a popular seller with 26,735 delivered.
1956 Mercury Monterey Station Wagon
the 1956 Mercury Monterey Station Wagon was the top tier wagon this year. It was only available as an 8-passenger – but sold well with 13,280 built.
1956 Mercury Custom 4 door Hardtop
At the beginning of 1956, the 1956 Mercury Custom 4 door Hardtop was the entry-level 4-door hardtop. After mid-year, the Medalist version replaced it. 12,187 were built.
1956 Mercury Custom 2 door Hardtop
The 1956 Mercury Custom 2 door Hardtop was intended to be the entry level 2-door hardtop in 1956, but mid-year a lower price Medalist version supplanted it. However, 20,857 still found customers.
1956 Mercury Custom 4 door Sedan
the 1956 Mercury Custom 4 door Sedan was to be the lowest priced 4-door in the line, but the mid-year medalist version arrived and hurt sales. 15,860 were still produced.
1956 Mercury Custom 2 door Sedan
the 1956 Mercury Custom 2 door Sedan was a step up from the medalist version. 16,343 were sold.
1956 Mercury Custom Station Wagon
The 1956 Mercury Custom Station Wagon was the base wagon in 1956. It was available in 6- and 8-passenger configurations. 8,478 and 9,292 were sold , respectively,
1956 Mercury Medalist 4-door Hardtop
The 1956 Mercury Medalist 4-door Hardtop was released mid-year to fill a gap between Ford’s top end 4-door and the rest of the Mercury line. 6,685 were sold.
1956 Mercury Medalist 2-door Hardtop
the 1956 Mercury Medalist 2-door Hardtop was released mid-year. It filled a low mid-price gap that existed between Ford and Mercury vehicles, 11,892 were built.
1956 Mercury Medalist 4-door Sedan
the 1956 Mercury Medalist 4-door Sedan was the entry-level Mercury this year, but was only released after January 1956. Only 6,653 were delivered.
1956 Mercury Medalist 2 door Sedan
the 1956 Mercury Medalist 2 door Sedan was the entry level 2-door in the line this year. 20,582 were delivered.