What engine came in a 1956 Plymouth Savoy?
The 1956 Plymouth Savoy offered two engine options: a 217.8 cubic inch inline-six as standard and an optional V8 around 250 cubic inches for additional power.
In 1956, the Savoy was the entry-level model in Plymouth’s lineup, designed for buyers seeking economy and practicality. The base engine was a compact inline-six, while an optional V8 provided more performance for those who wanted it. Below is a shorthand look at the powertrain choices and how they fit into the Savoy’s positioning for that year.
Powertrain options
Two configurations were available to Savoy buyers. The list below summarizes the engines and their general characteristics.
- Inline-six engine: 217.8 cubic inches (3.6 L), approximately 100 horsepower. This was the standard, economical choice for the Savoy.
- V8 option: around 250 cubic inches (about 4.1 L), roughly 180–200 horsepower depending on configuration and carburetion. This was the higher-performance alternative for buyers who wanted more acceleration.
Concluding notes: The Savoy’s powertrain lineup in 1956 centered on offering a fuel-efficient inline-six as standard, with a larger V8 option for buyers seeking extra power and quicker highway performance.
Inline-six details
The standard inline-six provided dependable everyday performance, aligning with the Savoy’s role as Plymouth’s budget-conscious model. It was simple to maintain and offered adequate torque for most driving needs of the era.
V8 details
The available V8 gave buyers a stronger launch and higher top-end capability, appealing to those who wanted more confidence on highways or in passing situations. The V8 was part of a broader Mopar strategy in the mid-1950s to offer more powerful options across its brands.
Summary: For the 1956 Plymouth Savoy, the engine came down to two choices—an economical 217.8 cu in inline-six as standard and a larger approximately 250 cu in V8 as an option—reflecting the car’s role as an affordable, versatile entrant in Plymouth’s lineup.
Who made Plymouth engines?
Chrysler
In 1933, Chrysler decided to catch up with Ford, Chevrolet, and Pontiac in engine cylinder count. The 190 cu in (3.1 L) version of Chrysler's flathead-six engine was equipped with a downdraft carburetor and installed in the new 1933 Plymouth PC, introduced on November 17, 1932.
What was the Dodge equivalent of the Plymouth Savoy?
Dart 330
(This article focuses on the Plymouth Savoy, while the Dart 330 was the Dodge equivalent.)
What engine does a 1956 Plymouth have?
For 1956, a completely new, designed from the ground up, Polyspherical head engine was introduced, called the “Hy-Fire” V8. It had its own head and block, unique from the Dodge designs. Plymouth engineers made the new block slightly longer, with more “meat” between the cylinder bores for future bore size increases.
How much is a 1956 Plymouth Savoy worth?
The value of a 1956 Plymouth Savoy varies significantly, with an average price around $9,867 for a good condition car, but can range from $6,300 (for a car needing extensive work) to over $26,400 (for a rare, high-quality example). The final price depends heavily on the car's condition, history, and features.
Factors affecting value
- Condition: Excellent, original, and well-maintained examples command higher prices. Cars with extensive rust, damage, or missing original parts will be worth less.
- History: A documented history and a clean title are valuable assets.
- Modifications: Original configurations are often preferred, but well-done custom builds or "street rod" modifications can also be valuable to certain buyers.
- Body Style: The "Custom Suburban" (station wagon) version is a specific body style that can influence value.
Recent sales examples
- Lowest recent sale: $6,300 (October 27, 2025) for a base model in average condition.
- Highest recent sale: $26,400 (March 19, 2025) for a base model in excellent condition.
- Other sales: A "Custom Suburban" sold for $27,500 on January 23, 2025, at auction.
