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1956 Ford Station Wagon

The '56 Ford Ranch Wagon: a classic! Big, boxy, and undeniably cool. It symbolized postwar prosperity & family life, becoming a staple in American culture. Its distinctive two-tone paint jobs and ample chrome made it instantly recognizable—a true automotive icon.

A Deep Dive into the Classic 1956 Ford Station Wagon

If you're a fan of classic cars, the 1956 Ford Station Wagon might already hold a special place in your heart. This iconic vehicle has traversed history, leaving tracks wherever it goes—from auction blocks to the silver screen. It captures the essence of 1950s Americana with its blend of style, practicality, and The culture it embodies. Let's explore what makes this car a timeless piece of automotive art.

Photo of a 1956 Ford Station Wagon

1956 Ford Station Wagon Models:

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

How Much is Ford Station Wagon Worth?

Original MSRP :$2,183.00

Outstanding

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$57,100

Clean

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$39,600

Average

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$23,700*

Rough

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$14,300

1956 Ford Station Wagon Specs

Body Maker: Ford
Model Number: 59C
Length: 197.6 inches
Wheelbase: 115.5 inches
Weight: 3,360lbs
Type: Inline, Valve-in-head, Single downdraft, Helical
Displacement: 223.5 cu. in.
Cylinders: 6
Bore And Stroke: 3 5/8 & 3 39/64 inches
Compression Ratio Standard: 8.0 to 1
Compression Ratio Optional: Not applicable
Horsepower Brake: 137@4200
Horsepower Rated: 31.54
Torque: 202@2200
Main Bearings: 4
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:
9.5 inches
Gear Ratios:
3
Gear Ratios First:
2.78 to 1
Gear Ratios Second:
1.61
Gear Ratios Third:
1 to 1
Gear Ratios Fourth:
Not applicable
Gear Ratios Fifth:
Not applicable
Gear Ratios Reverse:
3.38
Type: Semifloating
Differential Type: Hypoid
Differential Ratio: 3.89 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: 4 Quarts
Rear Differential: 3.5 Pints
Front Differential: Not applicable
Transfer Case: Not applicable
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.
Parklane: Opt

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History of the 1956 Ford Station Wagon

Ford's post-war lineup was all about catering to the family—a booming demographic in the United States at that time. The 1956 Ford Station Wagon, particularly the Ranch Wagon variant, was designed with this audience in mind. Decked out with luxurious interiors featuring durable vinyl and cloth upholstery, these cars weren't just practical. They looked the part too.

With technological advancements like Fordomatic automatic transmission and power steering, Ford wasn't just rolling out new models; they were setting the bar high. They enhanced their appeal further with vibrant color options, because, hey, who doesn't enjoy an eye-catching ride?

Fast forward to 1960, Ford decided to up the ante with the introduction of their flagship model, the Country Squire. It marked an upscale shift in their strategy—a clear response to changing consumer preferences and the growing competition in the auto market【4:2†67ce9a27e62584efcab8ac46.txt】.

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Detailed Specifications

The 1956 Ford Station Wagon didn't skimp on specs. What made this car stand out was its combination of utility and comfort, albeit with less focus on speed. But don't let that fool you! There are stories—perhaps a few oil stains and anecdotes—that these wagons could reach speeds up to 100 mph. Not too shabby for a family get-around, huh?

Popular Figures Who Own Classic Cars

Ah, imagine owning a piece of history. While specific names of famous owners might be scarce, the 1956 Ford Station Wagon has had its share of spotlight moments with celebrities and public figures alike being drawn to its unique style and practical nature【4:3†67ce9a27e62584efcab8ac46.txt】.

Allan Huber and His Nostalgic Journey

Allan Huber and his wife Evelyn bought a rare 1956 Ford Parklane Wagon. Their story isn't just about owning a car; it's about preserving memories and values. The Huber family's experience exudes the nostalgia and family spirit that station wagons symbolized back in the day, turning their vehicle into a cherished heirloom【4:3†67ce9a27e62584efcab8ac46.txt】.

Fun Facts about the Ford Station Wagon

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    Did you know that this car appeared in the film "Gigi" (1958), showcasing not just the vehicle but the vibe of an entire decade? It became a cultural totem of leisurely family road trips across America's new interstate highways【4:1†67ce9a27e62584efcab8ac46.txt】.

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    The car is also often linked to the vibrant music scene of the '50s, featuring classics from Elvis Presley and Chuck Berry. It wouldn't be surprising if these tunes played out of the car radios during summer strolls【4:1†67ce9a27e62584efcab8ac46.txt】.

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Classic Car Decoding Tips

If you're dealing with older VIN formats, there are resources out there that can assist. For instance, those dealing with pre-1981 models might find a useful. For extremely rare situations, accessing a or even a could be exactly what you need.

And there you have it—1956 Ford Station Wagon, a car that isn't just about getting from A to B, but about the stories it tells along the way. From family road trips to its role in pop culture, this classic car is a slice of living history. Curious to uncover more about your vintage ride? Well, you know where to start.

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Explore Ford Station Wagon from Other Years

Frequently Asked Questions

Well, the '56 Ford station wagon, it's a real looker, isn't it? You'll instantly recognize its distinctive design elements; the long, sweeping lines, that iconic chrome grille, and of course, those tailfins – they're like, the ultimate symbol of '50s styling. Think of it as the king of the road back in its day. Plus, depending on the trim level, you might find some cool features like power steering or even air conditioning – pretty sweet for a car from that era, right? But yeah, those tailfins, man, those are the real attention-grabbers.

Now, this is where things get interesting. Ford offered a range of V8 engines for the '56 wagon, ranging in horsepower. It's like choosing your adventure. You could get a smaller, more fuel-efficient (relatively speaking!) motor or go all out with a bigger, more powerful engine; it was entirely up to the original buyer. Think of it as picking your favorite flavor of ice cream - there's something for everyone! But let's be real, most folks back then probably went for that extra oomph; who wouldn't want some extra power under the hood?

Oh boy, pricing on these beauties can vary wildly. It really depends on factors like condition, restoration quality, any modifications, and even the specific trim level. A fully restored, concours-ready example? Think you're looking at a high price tag; we're talking tens of thousands of dollars or potentially more, depending on the situation. A less perfect, but still drivable example will of course sell for less, somewhere in the range of (let's say) a few thousand dollars to a range you'd never even think about (you really need to check it out!). So, you know, it's quite the rollercoaster. It's a bit like buying real estate; location, location, location matters here, too.

As with any classic car, these aren't immune to the typical gremlins. Common issues include things like the carburetor – they can be finicky, those old carburetors – and the brakes, which can sometimes need attention. The electrical system, oh boy that's something; things can wear out after all these years, and let's not forget the transmission, which might need some love after all this time. You should expect that you'll need to put in some time, money, and effort to maintain the car and keep it working properly; it's part of the charm (or sometimes the headache!). But hey, that's part of the fun, isn't it? That's part of owning a classic, you see.

Finding parts for these vintage rides can be a bit of a treasure hunt, but there are definitely some resources out there. You've got your classic car parts suppliers, online marketplaces, and even some specialized forums; it’s a whole network of classic car enthusiasts. Honestly, the Ford parts network is pretty well-established, especially for a car as popular as this one. But you might need to do a bit of digging, so be prepared to do your homework. Think of it as a detective story; you'll have to be resourceful and hunt for the parts you need. But hey, finding a rare part? That's half the fun of owning a classic car like this.