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Part Links© 1955, Ford Motor Company, Dearborn, Michigan, Form FD-7573, Litho in U.S.A. 9-55
Ranch Wagon (2 dr, 6 pass, Base trim level)
Custom Ranch Wagon (2 dr, 6 pass, Base trim level +)
6-passenger Country Sedan (4 dr, Intermediate trim level)
8-passenger Country Sedan (4 dr, Intermediate trim level)
Parklane (2 dr, 6 pass, "Sport" Ranch Wagon, Top trim level)
Country Squire (4 dr, 8 pass, Top trim level, mahogany-grained steel side panels w/ maple-grained glass-fiber moldings)
Custom Ranch Wagon (2 dr, 6 pass, Base trim level +)
6-passenger Country Sedan (4 dr, Intermediate trim level)
8-passenger Country Sedan (4 dr, Intermediate trim level)
Parklane (2 dr, 6 pass, "Sport" Ranch Wagon, Top trim level)
Country Squire (4 dr, 8 pass, Top trim level, mahogany-grained steel side panels w/ maple-grained glass-fiber moldings)
Courier (Sedan Delivery) Brochure (2 dr, 1 bucket seat (driver), Base trim level, side-hinged rear door)
Click ▼ to enlarge . . .
Models Body Types Body Styles Prod Nos Engs Trans Rear Axle Ratios (to 1) Prices
Tires 6.70 x 15" or 7.10 x 15" (as below) 4-ply tubeless blackwall (opt whitewalls +$50), steel rims 15 x 5"
Custom Ranch Wagon R 59B 42,317 Prices
2 dr. 6 pass. Base trim level plus scuff-resistant woven plastic & grained vinyl upholstery. Stowaway back seat bottom folds up & forward, & back folds down as level-floor loadspace. Total loadspace length 74.0."
Ford I-6 223 A
Conventional Drive, Rear Axle 4.09 (opt 4.27), & Tires 6.70 x 15" $2,599 (Wash. D.C.) / $2,543.97 (L.A. Calif.)
• Opt Overdrive, Rear Axle 4.27 (opt none), & Tires 6.70 x 15" +$110 / $109.70
• Opt Fordomatic Drive, Rear Axle 3.54 (opt none), & Tires 6.70 x 15" +$192 / $178.20
T-Bird V-8 292 M (opt T-Bird Special V-8 312 P, opt eng price not found)
Conventional Drive, Rear Axle 4.09 (opt 4.27), & Tires 6.70 x 15" $2,749 (Wash. D.C.) / $2,637.74 (L.A. Calif.)
• Opt Overdrive, Rear Axle 4.27 (opt none), & Tires 6.70 x 15" +$110 / $109.70
• Opt Fordomatic Drive, Rear Axle 3.54 (opt none), & Tires 6.70 x 15" +$192 / $178.20
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Ranch Wagon R 59A 8,348 Prices
2 dr. 6 pass. Base trim level. Stowaway back seat bottom folds up & forward, & back folds down as level-floor loadspace. Total loadspace length 74.0."
Ford I-6 223 A
Conventional Drive, Rear Axle 4.09 (opt 4.27), & Tires 6.70 x 15" $2,478 (Wash. D.C.) / $2,447.46 (L.A. Calif.)
• Opt Overdrive, Rear Axle 4.27 (opt none), & Tires 6.70 x 15" +$110 / $109.70
• Opt Fordomatic Drive, Rear Axle 3.54 (opt none), & Tires 6.70 x 15" +$192 / $178.20
T-Bird V-8 292 M (opt T-Bird Special V-8 312 P, opt eng price not found)
Conventional Drive, Rear Axle 4.09 (opt 4.27), & Tires 6.70 x 15" $2,628 (Wash. D.C.) / $2,541.23 (L.A. Calif.)
• Opt Overdrive, Rear Axle 4.27 (opt none), & Tires 6.70 x 15" +$110 / $109.70
• Opt Fordomatic Drive, Rear Axle 3.54 (opt none), & Tires 6.70 x 15" +$192 / $178.20
Click ▼ to enlarge . . .
Parklane R 59C 15,186 Prices
2 dr. 6 pass. "Sport" Ranch Wagon. Top trim level. Snazzy-look large chrome trim plates around front door windows. Luggage area snap-in vinyl cover. Stowaway back seat bottom folds up & forward, & back folds down as level-floor loadspace. Total loadspace length 74.0."
Ford I-6 223 A
Conventional Drive, Rear Axle 4.09 (opt 4.27), & Tires 6.70 x 15" $2,800 (Wash. D.C.) / $2,742.12 (L.A. Calif.)
• Opt Overdrive, Rear Axle 4.27 (opt none), & Tires 6.70 x 15" +$110 / $109.70
• Opt Fordomatic Drive, Rear Axle 3.54 (opt none), & Tires 6.70 x 15" +$192 / $178.20
T-Bird V-8 292 M (opt T-Bird Special V-8 312 P, opt eng price not found)
Conventional Drive, Rear Axle 4.09 (opt 4.27), & Tires 6.70 x 15" $2,950 (Wash. D.C.) / $2,835.89 (L.A. Calif.)
• Opt Overdrive, Rear Axle 4.27 (opt none), & Tires 6.70 x 15" +$110 / $109.70
• Opt Fordomatic Drive, Rear Axle 3.54 (opt none), & Tires 6.70 x 15" +$192 / $178.20
Click ▼ to enlarge . . .
Models Body Types Body Styles Prod Nos Engs Trans Rear Axle Ratios (to 1) Prices
Tires 6.70 x 15" or 7.10 x 15" (as below) 4-ply tubeless blackwall (opt whitewalls +$50), steel rims 15 x 5"
Six-Passenger Country Sedan X 79D 85,374* Prices
4 dr. Intermediate trim level. Stowaway back seat bottom folds up & forward, & back folds down as level-floor loadspace. Total loadspace length 74.0."
*6 & 8 pass production combined, breakdown not found
Ford I-6 223 A
Conventional Drive, Rear Axle 4.09 (opt 4.27), & Tires 6.70 x 15" $2,646 (Wash. D.C.) / $2,606.94 (L.A. Calif.)
• Opt Overdrive, Rear Axle 4.27 (opt none), & Tires 6.70 x 15" +$110 / $109.70
• Opt Fordomatic Drive, Rear Axle 3.54 (opt none), & Tires 6.70 x 15" +$192 / $178.20
T-Bird V-8 292 M (opt T-Bird Special V-8 312 P, opt eng price not found)
Conventional Drive, Rear Axle 4.09 (opt 4.27), & Tires 6.70 x 15" $2,796 (Wash. D.C.) / $2,700.71 (L.A. Calif.)
• Opt Overdrive, Rear Axle 4.27 (opt none), & Tires 6.70 x 15" +$110 / $109.70
• Opt Fordomatic Drive, Rear Axle 3.54 (opt none), & Tires 6.70 x 15" +$192 / $178.20
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Country Squire Y 79C 23,221 Prices
4 dr. 8 pass. Intermediate trim level. Mahogany-grained steel side panels w/ maple-grained glass-fiber moldings. Stowaway back seat is divided 2/3 left & 1/3 right. Left & right seat bottoms fold up, over, & down as level-floor loadspace, & backs fold forward & down as level-floor loadspace. Stowaway back seat 1/3 right also lifts up & forward for easy access to rear seat. With rear seat cushions removed, the rear seat back folds forward & down as level-floor loadspace. Total loadspace length 82.9."
Ford I-6 223 A
Conventional Drive, Rear Axle 4.09 (opt 4.27), & Tires 7.10 x 15" $2,862 (Wash. D.C.) / $2,848.67 (L.A. Calif.)
• Opt Overdrive, Rear Axle 4.27 (opt none), & Tires 7.10 x 15" +$110 / $109.70
• Opt Fordomatic Drive, Rear Axle 3.54 (opt none), & Tires 7.10 x 15" +$192 / $178.20
T-Bird V-8 292 M (opt T-Bird Special V-8 312 P, opt eng price not found)
Conventional Drive, Rear Axle 4.09 (opt 4.27), & Tires 7.10 x 15" $3,012 (Wash. D.C.) / $2,942.44 (L.A. Calif.)
• Opt Overdrive, Rear Axle 4.27 (opt none), & Tires 7.10 x 15" +$110 / $109.70
• Opt Fordomatic Drive, Rear Axle 3.54 (opt none), & Tires 7.10 x 15" +$192 / $178.20
Click ▼ to enlarge . . .
Eight-Passenger Country Sedan X 79B 85,374* Prices
4 dr. Intermediate trim level. Stowaway back seat is divided 2/3 left & 1/3 right. Left & right seat bottoms fold up, over, & down as level-floor loadspace, & backs fold forward & down as level-floor loadspace. Stowaway back seat 1/3 right also lifts up & forward for easy access to rear seat. With rear seat cushions removed, the rear seat back folds forward & down as level-floor loadspace. Total loadspace length 82.9."
*6 & 8 pass production combined, breakdown not found
Ford I-6 223 A
Conventional Drive, Rear Axle 4.09 (opt 4.27), & Tires 7.10 x 15" $2,730 (Wash. D.C.) / $2,742.12 (L.A. Calif.)
• Opt Overdrive, Rear Axle 4.27 (opt none), & Tires 7.10 x 15" +$110 / $109.70
• Opt Fordomatic Drive, Rear Axle 3.54 (opt none), & Tires 7.10 x 15" +$192 / $178.20
T-Bird V-8 292 M (opt T-Bird Special V-8 312 P, opt eng price not found)
Conventional Drive, Rear Axle 4.09 (opt 4.27), & Tires 7.10 x 15" $2,880 (Wash. D.C.) / $2,835.89 (L.A. Calif.)
• Opt Overdrive, Rear Axle 4.27 (opt none), & Tires 7.10 x 15" +$110 / $109.70
• Opt Fordomatic Drive, Rear Axle 3.54 (opt none), & Tires 7.10 x 15" +$192 / $178.20
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Thunderbird Styling Thunderbird Power Lifeguard Design
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Parklane & Ranch Wagon cutaway views
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1956 Ford Station Wagon
Engines
Ford I-6 223 CID A Code
Std on Mainlines, Customlines, & Courier; opt on Fairlanes & Stn Wagons
Thunderbird V-8 292 CID M Code
Std on Fairlanes & Stn Wagons, opt on Mainlines & Customlines
Thunderbird Special V-8 312 CID P Code
Opt on Fairlanes & Stn Wagons
Engines
Ford I-6 223 CID A Code
Std on Mainlines, Customlines, & Courier; opt on Fairlanes & Stn Wagons
6 cyl in-line 2 overhead-valve
3.62 in bore x 3.60 in stroke 4 main bearings
137 hp @ 4400 rpm 202 lb-ft torque @ 1600 rpm 8.0 to 1 cr w/ all drives
1-barrel carb Single exhaust
3.62 in bore x 3.60 in stroke 4 main bearings
137 hp @ 4400 rpm 202 lb-ft torque @ 1600 rpm 8.0 to 1 cr w/ all drives
1-barrel carb Single exhaust
Thunderbird V-8 292 CID M Code
Std on Fairlanes & Stn Wagons, opt on Mainlines & Customlines
8 cyl 90°-V 2 overhead-valve Y-Block
3.75 in bore x 3.30 in stroke 5 main bearings
200 hp @ 4600 rpm 285 lb-ft torque @ 2600 rpm 8.0 to 1 cr
202 hp @ 4600 rpm 289 lb-ft-torque @ 2600 rpm 8.4 to 1 cr w/ Fordomatic
Holley Double Twin-Jet carb (4-barrel) Dual exhaust
3.75 in bore x 3.30 in stroke 5 main bearings
200 hp @ 4600 rpm 285 lb-ft torque @ 2600 rpm 8.0 to 1 cr
202 hp @ 4600 rpm 289 lb-ft-torque @ 2600 rpm 8.4 to 1 cr w/ Fordomatic
Holley Double Twin-Jet carb (4-barrel) Dual exhaust
Thunderbird Special V-8 312 CID P Code
Opt on Fairlanes & Stn Wagons
8 cyl 90°-V 2 overhead-valve Y-Block
3.8 in bore x 3.44 in stroke 5 main bearings
225 hp @ 4600 rpm 324 lb-ft torque @ 2600 rpm 9.0 to 1 cr w/ Fordomatic
Holley Double Twin-Jet carb (4-barrel) Dual exhaust
3.8 in bore x 3.44 in stroke 5 main bearings
225 hp @ 4600 rpm 324 lb-ft torque @ 2600 rpm 9.0 to 1 cr w/ Fordomatic
Holley Double Twin-Jet carb (4-barrel) Dual exhaust
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Transmissions Click "Shifting Gears" Owner's Manual Pages 12-14
Conventional Drive (3-speed Manual)
Std on all models (except Fairlane Fordor Victoria)
Overdrive (3-speed Manual w/ Auto Planetary 4th-speed Gear)
Opt on all models (except Fairlane Fordor Victoria)
Speed-Trigger Fordomatic Drive (3-speed Automatic)
Opt on all models, std on Fairlane Fordor Victoria
Conventional Drive (3-speed Manual)
Std on all models (except Fairlane Fordor Victoria)
1st, 2nd (synchro), 3rd (synchro), & Reverse
All-helical gears, forged bronze synchronizers
Gear selector on steering column, "H" pattern
All-helical gears, forged bronze synchronizers
Gear selector on steering column, "H" pattern
Overdrive (3-speed Manual w/ Auto Planetary 4th-speed Gear)
Opt on all models (except Fairlane Fordor Victoria)
1st, 2nd (synchro), 3rd (synchro), 4th (auto Overdrive, 30% lower eng rpm than 3rd), & Reverse
Gear selector on steering column, "H" pattern
Overdrive T-handle below control panel
Engage OD in 3rd at any speed push in T-handle & let-up throttle,
auto cut-in at any speed above 27-28 mph, auto cut-out (return to 3rd) below 21-22 mph
Cut-out OD when driving in OD full-throttle "kick-down" to 3rd (passing, hill climbing),
(throttle let-up returns OD)
"Lock out" OD when driving in OD full-throttle "kick-down" to 3rd & pull out T-handle,
or when not driving in OD - or stopped - pull out T-handle
Gear selector on steering column, "H" pattern
Overdrive T-handle below control panel
Engage OD in 3rd at any speed push in T-handle & let-up throttle,
auto cut-in at any speed above 27-28 mph, auto cut-out (return to 3rd) below 21-22 mph
Cut-out OD when driving in OD full-throttle "kick-down" to 3rd (passing, hill climbing),
(throttle let-up returns OD)
"Lock out" OD when driving in OD full-throttle "kick-down" to 3rd & pull out T-handle,
or when not driving in OD - or stopped - pull out T-handle
Speed-Trigger Fordomatic Drive (3-speed Automatic)
Opt on all models, std on Fairlane Fordor Victoria
Low (1st), Intermediate (2nd, Passing), High (3rd), & Reverse
Automatic planetary gear train & single-stage 3-element hydralic-mechanical Torque Converter (oil cushion - no mechanical linkage between engine & drive train, no vacuum or electrical connections)
Safety-sequence gear selector on steering column, Illuminated indicator dial
Automatic planetary gear train & single-stage 3-element hydralic-mechanical Torque Converter (oil cushion - no mechanical linkage between engine & drive train, no vacuum or electrical connections)
Safety-sequence gear selector on steering column, Illuminated indicator dial
P Park
R Reverse gear
N Neutral
• start engine
DR Drive
• part-throttle 2nd gear take-off (typical driving), auto upshift to 3rd
• full-throttle 1st gear take-off (Speed-Trigger), auto upshifts to 2nd (30 mph) & 3rd (65 mph)
• increased or full-throttle kick-down to 2nd (Passing gear) below 65-68 mph
• increased or full-throttle kick-down to 1st below 18 mph
LO Low
• 1st gear take-off & hold up to 35 mph (auto upshifts to 2nd & 3rd if/when DR selected)
• downshift to 2nd below 60 & above 17-23 mph (engine braking)
• downshift to 1st below 17-23 mph (engine braking)
R Reverse gear
N Neutral
• start engine
DR Drive
• part-throttle 2nd gear take-off (typical driving), auto upshift to 3rd
• full-throttle 1st gear take-off (Speed-Trigger), auto upshifts to 2nd (30 mph) & 3rd (65 mph)
• increased or full-throttle kick-down to 2nd (Passing gear) below 65-68 mph
• increased or full-throttle kick-down to 1st below 18 mph
LO Low
• 1st gear take-off & hold up to 35 mph (auto upshifts to 2nd & 3rd if/when DR selected)
• downshift to 2nd below 60 & above 17-23 mph (engine braking)
• downshift to 1st below 17-23 mph (engine braking)
Specifications
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1956 Ford Station Wagon
Rear Axle Ratios (to 1)
I-6 & V-8 Station Wagons & Courier
Rear Axle Ratios (to 1)
I-6 & V-8 Station Wagons & Courier
Std 4.09, opt 4.27, w/ Conventional Drive
Std 4.27, opt (none), w/ Overdrive
Std 3.54, opt (none), w/ Speed-Tigger Fordomatic Drive
Std 4.27, opt (none), w/ Overdrive
Std 3.54, opt (none), w/ Speed-Tigger Fordomatic Drive
Master-Guide Power Steering & Swift Sure Power Brakes
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Power-Lift Windows & 4-Way Power Front Seat
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1956 Ford Courier (Sedan Delivery)
Click full specs 1956 Ford Courier (Sedan Delivery) Brochure
Body Type Body Style Prod No Engs Trans Rear Axle Ratios (to 1) Tires Payloads Prices
S 78A 8757 (total) (NOTE: 1955 Courier production 7754 total)
Courier / Ranch Wagon
2 dr. 1 pass (driver). Sedan Delivery. Base trim level. Opt Tires & Payloads (as below).
Ford I-6 223 A
Conventional Drive, Rear Axle 4.09 (opt 4.27), Tires 6.70 x 15," & Payload 830 Lb $1,740 / $1,725
Ford V-8 272 U
Conventional Drive, Rear Axle 4.09 (opt 4.27), Tires 6.70 x 15," & Payload 711 Lb $1,890 (est) / $1,875 (est)
Courier / Parklane
2 dr. 3 pass. Sedan Delivery. Top trim level. Opt Tires & Payloads (as below).
Ford I-6 223 A
Conventional Drive, Rear Axle 4.09 (opt 4.27), Tires 6.70 x 15," & Payload 830 Lb I-6 Courier/Parklane price not found
Ford V-8 272 U
Conventional Drive, Rear Axle 4.09 (opt 4.27), Tires 6.70 x 15," & Payload 711 Lb V-8 Courier/Parklane price not found
Click ▼ to enlarge . . .
1956 Ford Courier (Sedan Delivery)Engines
Ford I-6 223 CID A Code
6 cyl in-line 2 overhead-valve
3.62 in bore x 3.60 in stroke 4 main bearings
137 hp @ 4400 rpm 202 lb-ft torque @ 1600 rpm 8.0 to 1 cr w/ all drives
1-barrel carb w/ manual choke Single exhaust
Ford V-8 272 CID U Code3.62 in bore x 3.60 in stroke 4 main bearings
137 hp @ 4400 rpm 202 lb-ft torque @ 1600 rpm 8.0 to 1 cr w/ all drives
1-barrel carb w/ manual choke Single exhaust
8 cyl 90°-V 2 overhead-valve Y-Block
3.62 in bore x 3.30 in stroke 5 main bearings
173 hp @ 4400 rpm 260 lb-ft torque @ 2400 rpm 8.0 to 1 cr
176 hp @ 4400 rpm 264 lb-ft torque @ 2400 prm 8.4 to 1 cr w/ Fordomatic
Twin-Jet carb (2-barrel) w/ auto choke Single exhaust
3.62 in bore x 3.30 in stroke 5 main bearings
173 hp @ 4400 rpm 260 lb-ft torque @ 2400 rpm 8.0 to 1 cr
176 hp @ 4400 rpm 264 lb-ft torque @ 2400 prm 8.4 to 1 cr w/ Fordomatic
Twin-Jet carb (2-barrel) w/ auto choke Single exhaust
Drives
Std Conventional Drive, Rear Axle 4.09 (opt 4.27), Tires 6.70 x 15," & Payload 830 Lb
Opt Overdrive, Rear Axle 4.27 (opt none), Tires 6.70 x 15," & Payload 830 Lb +$110 / $109.70
Opt Fordomatic Drive, Rear Axle 3.54 (opt none), Tires 6.70 x 15," & Payload 830 Lb +$192 / $178.20
Opt Fordomatic Drive, Rear Axle 3.54 (opt none), Tires 6.70 x 15," & Payload 830 Lb +$192 / $178.20
Rear Axle Ratios (to 1) (& Stn Wagons)
Std 4.09, opt 4.27, w/ Conventional Drive
Std 4.27, opt (none), w/ Overdrive
Std 3.54, opt (none), w/ Speed-Trigger Fordomatic Drive
Tires Click Payloads & GVWs opt tire prices not found
Std 6.70 x 15," 4-ply, tubless, blackwall
Opt 6.70 x 15," 6-ply, tubless, blackwall
Opt 7.10 x 15," 4-ply, tubless, blackwall
Opt 7.10 x 15," 6-ply, tubless, blackwall
Steel rims 15 x 5"Opt 7.10 x 15," 4-ply, tubless, blackwall
Opt 7.10 x 15," 6-ply, tubless, blackwall
Base Trim Level
• One sun visior • One armrest • One outside door rear view mirror
• One front bucket seat (driver) w/ dark brown skiver-grain vinyl cover (AJ-code), back folds forward
• One opt auxiliary front bucket seat (passenger), back folds forward & whole seat tilts up forward
• Door & cargo area side panels of smooth medium brown pressed wood
• Cargo area floor of plywood on full-welded steel pan, underfloor storage w/ 2 hinged lids & spare tire well w/ hinged lid
• Side-hinged wide-opening rear door, holds open in all positions
Exterior Colors
Colonial White
Raven Black
Nocturne Blue, Bermuda Blue, Diamond Blue
Pine Ridge Green, Meadowmist Green
Buckskin Tan
Fiesta Red
Platinum Gray
Click full specs 1956 Ford Courier (Sedan Delivery) Brochure
