What engine came in the 1956 Ford Crown Victoria?
Ford’s 1956 Crown Victoria was powered by the automaker’s overhead-valve Y-block V8 family, with the 292 cubic-inch V8 serving as the standard engine for most Crown Victorias that year. An optional larger V8 was available in some configurations for buyers seeking extra power.
Context: The Crown Victoria in 1956
The Crown Victoria was Ford’s top-tier two-door hardtop in the mid-1950s, combining luxury styling with a performance-oriented V8 drivetrain. During this era Ford migrated from older flathead designs to the newer Y-block V8 family, which powered most of the company’s full-size models.
The Engine: Ford's Y-block V8
The 1956 Crown Victoria used Ford’s Y-block V8 family, an overhead-valve design introduced in the mid-1950s to deliver improved performance and efficiency over the older flathead engines. For the Crown Victoria, the standard powerplant was the 292 cubic-inch V8, with an option for a larger displacement in some configurations.
- Standard engine: 292 cubic inches (4.8 L) Y-block V8
- Optional upsize: larger V8s in the family were available on some configurations (noted in certain market/option packages)
Before listing the engine options, note that the Crown Victoria’s powertrain primarily revolved around the Y-block V8 family, which included several displacement options across Ford’s lineup in that era.
In summary, the Crown Victoria’s propulsion for most 1956 models was the 292 cu in Y-block V8, representative of Ford’s shift to modern V8 powertrains during the period.
Notes on availability
Engine availability could vary by market, body style, and optional packages. While the 292 cu in V8 was the common choice, dealers sometimes offered larger Y-block variants in limited configurations, reflecting Ford’s broader V8 lineup at the time.
Summary
In short, the 1956 Ford Crown Victoria relied on Ford’s Y-block V8 architecture, with the 292 cubic-inch V8 as the standard engine and occasional availability of a larger V8 in certain configurations. This engine choice was part of Ford’s broader transition to modern overhead-valve V8 power during the era.
What engine did the Crown Vic have?
The Ford Crown Victoria primarily used a 4.6-liter V8 "Modular" engine throughout its later production years (1992-2012), which was paired with a four-speed automatic transmission. Different versions of this engine were available, including a dedicated, more powerful version for police interceptor models, says Wikipedia. Earlier models of the Crown Victoria and its predecessor, the LTD Crown Victoria, had various other V8s and inline-6 engines.
Engine details
- Engine size: 4.64.64.6 Liter
- Cylinders: V8
- Transmission: 4-speed automatic
- Engine family: "Modular" V8, a single overhead cam (SOHC) design
- Police Interceptor models: Often had performance-tuned versions of the 4.64.64.6L V8 with higher horsepower and torque ratings compared to civilian models.
- Flex Fuel: Later models were available with a Flex Fuel option that could run on gasoline and/or ethanol.
Earlier and other engines
- Older models: Engines varied by model year and trim. The original 1955-1956 Ford Fairlane Crown Victoria had options including a straight-6 and several V8s. The LTD Crown Victoria (1980-1991) was also offered with a variety of V8 engines.
Did Ford make a Crown Victoria in 1956?
1956 Fairlane Crown Victoria Skyliner production was only 603. Sales slipped as customers realized the problem of keeping interiors cool on hot days.
What engines were available in a 1956 Ford?
The 1956 Ford engine options included a 223 cubic inch overhead valve inline-six and four different Y-block V8s: the 272, 292, and two versions of the 312. Horsepower varied by engine and specific model, with the six-cylinder producing around 137 hp and the V8s ranging from 173 hp up to 225 hp, with higher performance versions available on the Thunderbird.
You can watch this video to see the 1956 Ford Fairlane Victoria in detail: 56sRare Classic Cars & Automotive HistoryYouTube · Oct 14, 2023
Engine options
- 223 cu in inline-six: The base engine, producing around 137 horsepower.
- 272 cu in Y-block V8: A V8 option that generated 173 horsepower.
- 292 cu in Y-block V8: Available in versions with 200 or 202 horsepower.
- 312 cu in Y-block V8: The most powerful option, available in a range of horsepower ratings from 215 to 225 horsepower.
Performance highlights
- The 312 V8 was a high-performance option, particularly for the Thunderbird, with versions reaching up to 260 horsepower with dual four-barrel carburetors.
- The engine lineup provided a range of options to suit different needs, from the fuel-efficient six-cylinder to the powerful V8s.
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.
