What is the wheelbase of a Ford mainline?
The wheelbase of most Ford Mainline models is 114 inches (about 2,896 millimeters).
The Ford Mainline was Ford's entry-level line in the early 1950s, offered across several body styles and sharing underpinnings with related models of the era. The wheelbase is a core chassis measurement that shaped interior space, ride quality, and handling, and the 114-inch figure served as the standard for many sedans and coupes of that generation, with limited variations by year or body style.
Historical context of the Ford Mainline
The Mainline appeared as Ford's base-trim option during the early 1950s, part of a lineup that also included Customline and Fairlane variants. Built on a common platform with other mainstream Ford models, the Mainline’s wheelbase reflected Ford's mass-market engineering priorities of the period, prioritizing interior space and predictable handling across most body styles.
Wheelbase details across years and body styles
Common baseline value
The standard wheelbase for most Mainline models was 114 inches (2,896 millimeters), a figure that enabled a roomy interior for a mid‑century economy sedan or coupe and aligned with other Ford models of the same generation.
Year-to-year variations
While 114 inches was the typical baseline, there could be minor deviations for specific body styles or regional market variants due to design refinements or lightweight alterations. For precise specification, consult year-specific factory literature or the vehicle’s original chassis documentation.
How to verify the wheelbase on a specific car
To confirm the wheelbase for a particular Ford Mainline, use reliable sources such as the official Ford catalog for the model year, the vehicle’s VIN/chassis plate, or restoration references. Measuring directly between the centerlines of the front and rear wheel hubs is another practical method, though factory documentation remains the authoritative source.
Related dimensions and considerations
Wheelbase interacts with overall length, track width, and axle placement, influencing ride characteristics and interior layout. For collectors or restorers, matching the correct wheelbase to the exact year and body style is important to preserve authenticity and proper proportions.
Summary
The standard wheelbase for most Ford Mainline models produced in the early 1950s is 114 inches, approximately 2,896 millimeters. This figure served as the baseline for most sedans and coupes of the era, with potential minor variations by year or body style. For precise verification, reference year-specific Ford catalogs or the vehicle’s official documentation, and consider direct measurement if needed for restoration or verification purposes.
How long is a 1956 Ford Customline?
198.5
What was the wheelbase of the 1960 Ford Starliner?
Riding on a 119-inch wheelbase, the 1960 Starliner was very popular with the NASCAR teams, as its bubbletop design gave it an aerodynamic advantage over previous Ford models.
What is the wheelbase of a 1954 Ford mainline?
Exterior Dimensions: 115.5" wheelbase; 58" front, 56" rear treads; width-Mainline models and Customline Ranch Wagon 73.2", all others 73.5"; length-station wagons 198.1", all others 198.3" height (design load) Mainline and Custom- line Sedans 62.3, Club and Business Coupes 61.9, Sunliner 61.1", Victoria and Skyliner ...
What is the wheelbase of a model Ford?
103.5 in
The Model A had a 103.5 in (2,630 mm) wheelbase with a final drive ratio of 3.77:1. The transmission was a conventional unsynchronized three-speed sliding-gear manual with a single speed reverse. The Model A had four-wheel mechanical drum brakes.
