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1956 Ford Fairlane

The '56 Ford Fairlane: a stylish cruiser! Its sleek, futuristic design, especially the hardtop, made it a real head-turner. A post-war icon, it reflected '50s optimism. Think chrome, tailfins, and powerful V8 options. A true American classic, it cemented Ford's place in automotive history.

The Timeless Allure of the 1956 Ford Fairlane

The 1956 Ford Fairlane is an icon of mid-20th century America, capturing the innovation and style of its time. Known for its striking two-tone design and advanced engineering, the Fairlane wasn't just another car—it was a piece of American culture on wheels. People were drawn to its vibrant colors and sleek lines, which made a statement about post-war optimism and the promise of the open road.

Photo of a 1956 Ford Fairlane

1956 Ford Fairlane Models:

Select the vehicle's model to see the correct data for it.

How Much is Ford Fairlane Worth?

Original MSRP :$1,964.00

Outstanding

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$24,700

Clean

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$16,100

Average

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$10,600*

Rough

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$7,400

1956 Ford Fairlane Specs

Body Maker: Ford
No. Of Doors: 4
Model Number: 73C
Length: 198.5 inches
Width: 75.9 inches
Height: 62.1 inches
Wheelbase: 115.5 inches
Weight: 3,290lbs
Type: V8, Valve-in-head, Downdraft 4-barrel, Helical
Displacement: 291.3 cu. in.
Cylinders: 8
Bore And Stroke: 3 3/4 & 3 19/64 inches
Compression Ratio Standard: 8.0 to 1
Compression Ratio Optional: Not applicable
Horsepower Brake: 200@4600
Horsepower Rated: 45
Torque: 285@2600
Main Bearings: 5
Valve Lifters: Mechanical
Block Material: Cast Iron
Engine Number Location: Plate on left front door pillar post.
Lubrication: Pressure to all bearings excluding wrist pin
Carburetor Make: Own
Type:
3 Pints
Drive:
Rear wheel drive
Clutch Type:
Single plate dry disc
Clutch Size:
10 inches
Gear Ratios:
3
Gear Ratios First:
2.32 to 1
Gear Ratios Second:
1.48
Gear Ratios Third:
1 to 1
Gear Ratios Fourth:
Not applicable
Gear Ratios Fifth:
Not applicable
Gear Ratios Reverse:
2.82
Type: Semifloating
Differential Type: Hypoid
Differential Ratio: 3.78 to 1
Front: Independent ball joint with coil springs
Rear: Semi-elliptic leaf springs
Service Type: 4 wheel hydraulic drum
Service Front Size: 11 inches
Service Rear Size: 11 inches
Emergency Type: Rear service brakes
Emergency Size: 11 inches
Type: Regular
Tire Size: 6.7 x 15
Spare Location: Trunk
Fuel: 17 1/2 Gallons
Oil: 5 Quarts
Rear Differential: 3.5 Pints
Front Differential: Not applicable
Transfer Case: Not applicable
Serial Number:T 4th digit
Total Digits:10
Digits 1:Engine
Digits 2:Model year
Digits 3:Assembly plant
Digits 4:Series & Body style
Digits 5-10:Production number
Diamond Blue, Colonial White, Meadow Mist Green, Bermuda Blue, Platinum Gray, Pine Ridge Green Metallic, Fiesta Red, Golden Glow Yellow, Mandarin Orange, Nocurne Blue Metallic, Buckskin Tan, Peacock Blue, Berkshire Green, Spring Mist Green, Sunset Coral, All colors may not be available in all models.
Town Sedan: Opt
Power Steering: Opt

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History of the 1956 Ford Fairlane

Emerging from Ford's second generation of the Fairlane series, the 1956 model was a standout. It came with new features and a more powerful V8 engine that promised a driving experience as exciting as its electric colors. Consumers loved the Continental kit, an external spare tire mount that added a touch of sophistication and an extra dose of flair. These features solidified its place in American hearts and driveways.

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Engineering Marvels

The engineering behind the Fairlane was just as impressive as its design. It packed advanced braking systems and a robust V8, which meant it wasn't just a pretty face. The Fairlane could hold its own against competitors, delivering reliability with performance. Ford's commitment to innovation during that era was obvious, as they kept tinkering with the recipe until it was just right.

Famous Figures Who Own 1956 Ford Fairlane

Terry Henderson

Terry Henderson's love for the Fairlane Victoria has been a lifelong affair. More than six decades on and he's still making heads turn as he cruises through town. Back in the day, this car was the stuff of dreams, and Terry has kept that dream alive with every spin.

Jim Tone

Then there's Jim Tone, who got his hands on a meticulously restored model after some encouragement from his wife. Talk about a labor of love; Jim didn't just stop at restoration. He took it up a notch with rare components like the B6A-9000-B racing kit. Now, his Fairlane isn't just driven—it's showcased.

Pop Culture's Love Affair with the Fairlane

The Fairlane isn't just a car—it's been a featured star in classic films and TV shows. It's that beacon of a dreamy era, wrapped up in chrome and nostalgia. Every frame it's in or song it's mentioned in drips with Americana charm. Loved by enthusiasts and casual fans alike, it keeps showing up at automotive events, a beloved guest at every show.

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To really understand your classic car's story, a or a is a must. What's more, uncovering those hidden tales with a can turn a purchase or sale into an adventure. Wondering how to deal with ? Or maybe that tricky or the infamous ? There's a treasure map to every car's history just waiting to be discovered.

So there it is—a journey through time aboard the 1956 Ford Fairlane, each mile revealing layers of history, culture, and undeniable allure. There's something undeniably captivating about this classic car that keeps enthusiasts and collectors around the world intrigued.

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Explore Ford Fairlane from Other Years

Frequently Asked Questions

The '56 Fairlane? Oh man, it's a real looker! You'll instantly recognize its iconic, sleek design; that low, wide stance is unmistakable. Think of it like a rocket ship – ready to zoom! Key features include its distinctive wrap-around windshield, giving it a futuristic feel for its time, the chrome is super shiny; it practically screams 1950s! Plus, the tailfins, those things are beauties – a real statement piece, you know? And don't forget the variety of body styles available – from sedans and hardtops to convertibles, which is pretty cool, right? Each one's got its own personality.

Under the hood, you had quite a few choices back then; it wasn't like today's market. There was a range of V8 and inline six-cylinder engines. The six-cylinder was a workhorse, dependable as a mule, perfect for daily driving. If you wanted a bit more oomph, though, the V8s offered some serious horsepower — we're talking serious get-up-and-go! Some models even had options like the Thunderbird's Y-block V8 — a real head-turner! It really depended on what you were after: fuel efficiency or pure power. The best choice? That's up to you!

The price of a classic car, like your Fairlane, is all about condition and what options it has. A pristine, fully restored Fairlane? That's gonna cost you a pretty penny. Think of it like buying a diamond – the clearer and less flawed it is, the more it's worth! Then you have things like original features; the more original parts, the better! A car with rare options, like a specific color or interior, fetches a better price. Conversely, one needing extensive restoration work or with missing parts will have a much lower valuation. Basically, it's a bit of a balancing act.

Like any classic car that's seen a few decades, the Fairlane's got its quirks. Common problems? Electrical gremlins are always a pain – you know, those little issues that pop up when you least expect them! Brake systems can also need some attention after so many years; it's worth getting them checked. And those engines, while usually quite sturdy, sometimes need some TLC. Things like carburetor issues or fuel pump problems are not uncommon. Regular maintenance is key, really. Think of it like keeping your house in good shape—a little preventative care goes a long way.

Finding parts for your Fairlane? That's a journey in itself, but thankfully, you've got options! You can find parts through online vendors specializing in classic car parts – some are seriously amazing! Plus, there are forums and clubs dedicated to the '56 Fairlane where enthusiasts swap parts, advice, and experiences. And don't forget about local salvage yards – sometimes those are real treasure troves. You've gotta be persistent, but finding parts is definitely doable. It's like a treasure hunt – and that's part of the fun!