What engines were available in a 1955 Ford?
Ford in 1955 offered two engine families: a 226 cu in inline-six and a 272 cu in Y-block V8, with an optional Power Pak for higher output on the V8.
The following engine options were available across Ford's 1955 passenger-car lineup.
- 226 cubic inch inline-six engine (approximately 3.7 liters)
- 272 cubic inch Y-block V8 engine (approximately 4.4 liters)
- 272 cubic inch V8 with Power Pak — a higher-output configuration featuring a more performance-oriented setup
These options were distributed across different models and trim levels, with the inline-six typically serving economy-oriented cars and the V8 powering mid- to high-range models.
Inline-six details
The 226 cu in inline-six provided a dependable, economical powerplant for base Ford models in 1955. It was commonly paired with standard 3-speed manual transmissions, with automatic options available on some trims, offering a straightforward and frugal driving experience for daily use.
V8 details (272 cu in, Y-block)
Ford’s 272 cu in V8 marked the era’s shift toward more powerful family engines, built on the Y-block design introduced in the mid-1950s. The 272 V8 was the standard V8 option across most trims, and buyers could opt for the Power Pak configuration to gain higher output through features like a four-barrel carburetor, higher compression, and dual exhaust, delivering stronger acceleration and highway performance.
Summary
In 1955, Ford’s engine lineup centered on two core options: the 226 cu in inline-six for efficiency and the 272 cu in Y-block V8 for performance, with the V8 available in a higher-output Power Pak form. Model and trim determined exactly which engines were available to buyers.
