Did Ford make a Crown Victoria in 1956?
Yes, Ford did produce a Crown Victoria in 1956. The Crown Victoria name was used on the top-trim version of Ford's Fairlane lineup during the mid-1950s, including the 1955 and 1956 model years.
The Crown Victoria was introduced in the mid-1950s as Ford's flagship Fairlane trim, designed to sit above the standard Fairlane models. The 1956 version carried forward the styling and features of the era, and the Crown Victoria name is distinct from later uses of "Crown Victoria" on Ford police sedans and the 1990s-era Crown Victoria that became famous as a taxi and police car.
Historical context
In the 1950s, Ford reorganized its lineup with premium trims; Crown Victoria appeared as the crown-level variant within the Fairlane family, primarily for 2-door hardtops with luxury appointments.
What was the Crown Victoria?
A top-trim variant in the Ford Fairlane lineup, positioned above the standard Fairlane and Fairlane 500. It was offered in several body styles during 1955-56, including 2-door hardtops and, at times, 4-door configurations.
Note: There was a Crown Victoria Skyliner variant featuring a glass-topped roof in some markets and years, which is a notable part of the Crown Victoria family from that era.
Key facts about the 1955-1956 Crown Victoria:
- Top-trim variant of the Ford Fairlane lineup (1955–1956), often bundled with premium interiors and features.
- Available body styles typically included 2-door hardtops and, in some years, 4-door variants.
- Shared mechanicals with other Fairlane models of the era, including the V8 engines common at the time.
These listings illustrate why collectors today recognize the 1955–1956 Crown Victoria as a distinct, if short-lived, piece of Ford's mid-1950s design language.
How it fits in the bigger Ford timeline
After the 1956 model year, Ford's naming and trim structure evolved, with the Fairlane family continuing to be updated in 1957 and beyond. The Crown Victoria name would reappear in different forms in future decades but as a distinct model line rather than a direct 1956 carryover of a Crown Victoria in the modern sense.
Summary
In short, Ford did offer a Crown Victoria in 1956 as part of the Fairlane lineup, continuing from the 1955 introduction of the Crown Victoria. The name marked Ford's top-tier trim of that era and remains a notable early example of Ford's mid-1950s design language. In later years, the Crown Victoria would become a well-known name for Ford's police and Crown Victoria sedan lineup, but the 1950s Crown Victoria is a separate, collectible chapter in the brand's history.
How many 1956 Ford Crown Victoria were made?
Only 9,000 Crown Victoria's were made for 1956, only 27% of the 1955 production. The 'Crown' consists of a 'stainless steel band' from door post to door post on top of and underneath the roof.
How much is a 1956 Ford Crown Victoria worth today?
The value of a 1956 Ford Fairlane Crown Victoria can vary greatly depending on its condition, mileage, options, and history. Typically, you can expect to pay around $29,250 for a 1956 Ford Fairlane Crown Victoria in good condition with average spec.
What were the Ford models in 1956?
Explore 1956 Ford Models
- 1956 Country Sedan.
- 1956 Country Squire.
- 1956 Courier.
- 1956 Custom Ranch.
- 1956 Customline.
- 1956 Customline Victoria.
- 1956 F100.
- 1956 F250.
What year did Ford start the Crown Victoria?
The Crown Victoria name first appeared in the Ford line-up in the 1955 model year as a high-fashion version of the Fairlane. Existing as a two-door coupe for 1955 and 1956, 24 years would pass before the Crown Victoria rejoined the Ford line-up.
