1956 Ford Fairlane

The early 1950s were a prosperous time for Ford Motor Company because the company’s products offered purchasers both high value and conservative value. The development of the flathead V-8 had reached its pinnacle, and it was obvious that an injection of innovation was required. After the debut of the brand-new Y-Block V-8 engine in 1954, the 1955 Ford models underwent a comprehensive redesign, featuring wider bodies, lower and longer than their predecessors, two-tone paint jobs, and distinctive brightwork eye-catching interiors. This article focuses on the 1956 Ford Fairlane.

Performance and Fuel Economy of the 1956 Ford Fairlane

The six-cylinder engine with overhead valves and a Holley one-barrel carburetor produced 137 horsepower and was equipped with an automatic transmission. The 272 CID V8 had a horsepower rating of 173, while the 292 CID V8 had a rating of 200. The distance between the wheels is 115.5 inches, and the overall length is 198.5 inches. The base model came equipped with a three-speed manual transmission that featured a clutch of the semi-centrifugal type, helical gears with three speeds, and synchronizers for the second and third gears. The three-speed manual transmission with automatic overdrive and the Ford-O-Matic automatic transmission were optional extras.

Design

The name “Fairlane” was taken from Henry Ford’s estate, close to Dearborn, Michigan. Ford manufactured and marketed the Fairlane automobile from 1955 until 1970. In the beginning, it was a full-sized automobile, but, starting with the 1962 model year, it was changed to a mid-sized car.

First Fairlane

The first version of the Ford Fairlane was introduced in 1955 and was intended to take the place of the Crestline as the company’s top-of-the-line full-size product. It was marketed in 1955 and 1956. It came in six unique body styles, one of which was the Crown Victoria Skyliner, which featured a tinted and transparent plastic roof. The Victoria hardtop coupe, the sedan, and the Crown Victoria coupe were the other available body styles, in addition to a convertible Sunliner. The recognizable ‘Fairlane stripe’ made of stainless steel was added to the sides of each one. A straight-six engine with 223 cubic inches of displacement and a V8 engine with 272 cubic inches of displacement provided the power. In addition, a Y-block 292 CID V8 engine, commonly known as the Thunderbird V-8, was offered as an option.

The full-size Ford vehicles were categorized as follows: the Mainline Six and V-8, the Customline Six and V-8, and the Fairlane, also available in Six and V-8 configurations.

Owner’s Manual

When consumers purchase a 1956 Ford Fairlane, they get a Ford Fairlane owner’s manual containing all the required information for future maintenance and modifications.

• Important Safety Instructions
• Introduction
• Overview
• Operation
• Maintenance
• Troubleshooting
• Maintenance Record

The owner’s manual for the 1956 Ford Fairlane provides more operational suggestions to enhance the user experience.

‘Lifeguard’ Safety Enhancements

The 1956 Ford Fairlane underwent relatively few changes to its outward appearance; instead, most of the attention was placed on the cabin and the engine compartment. A few minor changes were made to the 1955 design for the 1956 model year’s styling. With these improvements to production vehicles given Lifeguard Design, an emphasis was placed on safety. A deep-center Lifeguard steering wheel, which helped ensure that the horn button would not cause injury in the event of a collision, extra strong double grip door latches, Lifeguard padding (optional) for the dash and sun visor, and Lifeguard seat belts were among the features that came standard on the vehicle (optional). Other improvements to the Ford line in 1956 were using a 12-volt electrical system and a more prominent “Fairlane stripe” bodyside trim. Both of these changes were made.

Fairlane Sales

In 1956, 665,106 Ford Fairlane automobiles were purchased, representing over half of the automaker’s revenue in the United States. The Town Sedan was the most sought-after vehicle model, and there were 244,672 people eager to purchase one. While Club Victoria racked up 117,735 sales, the Club Sedan with two doors brought in 142,629 customers. The top-of-the-line Fairlane series was a huge hit, and thanks to its popularity, Ford strengthened its position in the market during the difficult model year with the 1956 Ford Fairlane.

Specification

• Length: 198.5 in
• Width: 75.9 in

Engine type: 137 BHP (100.832 KW) @ 4200 RPM

1956 Ford Fairlane Factory Service Manual

Ford Service Manuals go through every aspect of how the car operates.

• Safety Restraints
• Instrumentation
• Before Driving
• Starting and Operating
• Vehicle Maintenance
• Specifications
• Capacities
• Servicing
• Customer Assistance

The service manuals for the 1956 Ford Fairlane are vast and cover every aspect of the vehicle’s operation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is my Ford Fairlane worth?

They are considered collectible and are worth $8000-$150000, depending on the year, trims, and condition

What was the standard engine in the Ford Fairlane?

The 170 CID (2.8 L) six

What is the rarest Ford Fairlane?

1966 Ford Fairlane 500 R-Code