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Whats the difference between a 1955 and 1956 Ford Fairlane?

The Ford Fairlane was a popular mid-size car produced by the Ford Motor Company from 1955 to 1970. While the 1955 and 1956 models shared a similar overall design, there were several key differences between the two model years.


Exterior Styling


The 1955 Ford Fairlane featured a more rounded, streamlined body design with a prominent chrome grille and wraparound bumpers. In contrast, the 1956 model had a more angular, squared-off appearance with a more pronounced front grille and a revised rear end design.


Engine and Powertrain


The 1955 Ford Fairlane was available with a range of V8 engine options, including a 272 cubic inch (4.5 liter) and a 292 cubic inch (4.8 liter) engine. The 1956 model, on the other hand, offered a more powerful 312 cubic inch (5.1 liter) V8 engine as the top-of-the-line option.


Interior and Features


The 1955 Ford Fairlane had a more basic interior design, with a simple dashboard and limited standard features. The 1956 model, however, featured a more modern and stylish interior, with an updated dashboard design and additional optional features such as power steering and power brakes.


Popularity and Sales


The 1955 Ford Fairlane was a commercial success, with over 1.1 million units sold. The 1956 model, while still popular, saw a slight decline in sales, with just over 930,000 units sold.


Overall, the 1955 and 1956 Ford Fairlane models shared a similar overall design, but the 1956 model featured several key updates and improvements that set it apart from its predecessor.

What is the rarest Fairlane?


The 1966 Ford Fairlane 427 is exceedingly rare, with only 57 examples produced — the NHRA required 50 examples to be built for racing purposes. This was supposedly due to a problem with the manufacturing of the unique and extremely complex cast-iron exhaust manifolds.



How much is a 1956 Ford Fairlane worth today?


The value of a 1956 Ford Fairlane can vary greatly depending on its condition, mileage, options, and history. Typically, you can expect to pay around $12,150 for a 1956 Ford Fairlane in good condition with average spec.



What engine is in a 1955 Ford?


Engines

engine displacement, type, carburetor typemax. power at rpmAvailable transmissions
292 cu in (4.8 L) Y-block V8 4-barrel Interceptor (Police)188 bhp (140 kW; 191 PS) @ 4,4003-speed manual (column-shift) 3-speed manual (column-shift) plus overdrive 3-speed automatic (column-shift) "Fordomatic"



How can you tell the difference between a 1955 and 1956 Chevy?


As with the front end, the 1957 Chevy is the one with the unique treatment. The high fins that come to a point, and the bumper-mounted rear lamps accentuate the '57, making it an easy one to distinguish. The 1955 tail lamps are a little smaller than 1956, incorporating the reverse lens with it.



What's the difference between a 1955 and 1956 Ford Fairlane?


The easiest way to differentiate the '55 and '56 Fords is by their turn/parking lamps—on the '55 they're round (but elliptical in '56, as we shall see). Note the complete lack of side chrome on this Mainline, the stripper trim level in 1955.



What were the Ford models in 1955?


Select a 1955 Ford Model

  • 1955 Country Sedan.
  • 1955 Country Squire.
  • 1955 Courier.
  • 1955 Custom Ranch.
  • 1955 Customline.
  • 1955 F100.
  • 1955 F250.
  • 1955 F350.



How much did a 1956 Ford cost new?


And the 1956 Ford Fairlane Victoria Coupe shown here had a base factory price of $2,194 — that prior to license, taxes, delivery, dealer prep and Sirius Satellite Radio.



Why do they call them Tri-Five?


Some American car names might seem more familiar to you such as the Corvette, Mustang or Thunderbird, but on their looks nothing sums up the US in the 1950s than a tri-five Chevrolet; so called because their production was spread over the years of 1955 to 1957.



What engine came in a 1956 Ford Fairlane?


First generation (1955–1956)

First generation
Engine223 cu in (3.7 L) I-Block I6 272 cu in (4.5 L) Y-Block V8 292 cu in (4.8 L) Thunderbird V8 (1956) 312 cu in (5.1 L) Thunderbird V8 (1956)
Transmission3 speed Fordomatic 3 speed Standard
Dimensions
Wheelbase115.5 in (2,934 mm)



What size V8 engine came out originally in the 1955 Chevy?


265 cu in
The first generation of Chevrolet small-blocks began with the 1955 Chevrolet 265 cu in (4.3 L) V8 offered in the Corvette and Bel Air.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.