1956 Ford Full-Sizes

After being totally renewed last year, Ford models do not change much in 1956. Several safety devices (including seat belts and padded dashboard) appear on the option list, answering the call of those customers that would feel particularly anxious.


Ford Mainline

● Introduction: November 1954. Construction: body on separate chassis. Engine: water-cooled inline six, 3.7-litre, 137 hp, mounted at the front. Optional engines: V-8, 4.5-litre, 173 hp (manual); and V-8, 4.5-litre, 176 hp (automatic). Transmission: to the rear wheels through a three-speed manual gearbox. Three-speed automatic gearbox optional. Suspension: independent at the front, rigid axle at the rear. Brakes: hydraulic, to drums on all four wheels. Servo optional. Length: 504 cm. Top speed: 140 to 155 kph. Range: two-door business sedan, two-door “Tudor” sedan, four-door “Fordor” sedan.


Ford Ranch
The Ranch is Ford’s base station wagon, its trim being identical to the Mainline’s.

● Introduction: November 1954. Construction: body on separate chassis. Engine: water-cooled inline six, 3.7-litre, 137 hp, mounted at the front. Optional engines: V-8, 4.8-litre, 200 hp (manual); and V-8, 4.8-litre, 202 hp (automatic). Transmission: to the rear wheels through a three-speed manual gearbox. Three-speed automatic gearbox optional. Suspension: independent at the front, rigid axle at the rear. Brakes: hydraulic, to drums on all four wheels. Servo optional. Length: 502 cm. Top speed: 140 to 160 kph. Range: two-door station wagon.


Ford Customline

● Introduction: November 1954. Construction: body on separate chassis. Engine: water-cooled inline six, 3.7-litre, 137 hp, mounted at the front. Optional engines: V-8, 4.5-litre, 173 hp (manual); and V-8, 4.5-litre, 176 hp (automatic). Transmission: to the rear wheels through a three-speed manual gearbox. Three-speed automatic gearbox optional. Suspension: independent at the front, rigid axle at the rear. Brakes: hydraulic, to drums on all four wheels. Servo optional. Length: 504 cm. Top speed: 140 to 155 kph. Range: two-door “Tudor” sedan, four-door “Fordor” sedan, two-door “Victoria” hardtop coupe.


Ford Custom Ranch
The Custom Ranch is a two-door wagon that receives the same trim as the Customline.

● Introduction: November 1954. Construction: body on separate chassis. Engine: water-cooled inline six, 3.7-litre, 137 hp, mounted at the front. Optional engines: V-8, 4.8-litre, 200 hp (manual); and V-8, 4.8-litre, 202 hp (automatic). Transmission: to the rear wheels through a three-speed manual gearbox. Three-speed automatic gearbox optional. Suspension: independent at the front, rigid axle at the rear. Brakes: hydraulic, to drums on all four wheels. Servo optional. Length: 502 cm. Top speed: 140 to 160 kph. Range: two-door station wagon.


Ford Country Sedan
Available as a six-passenger vehicle or with an extra bench for two other persons, the Country Sedan is the four-door version of the Custom Ranch.

● Introduction: November 1954. Construction: body on separate chassis. Engine: water-cooled inline six, 3.7-litre, 137 hp, mounted at the front. Optional engines: V-8, 4.8-litre, 200 hp (manual); and V-8, 4.8-litre, 202 hp (automatic). Transmission: to the rear wheels through a three-speed manual gearbox. Three-speed automatic gearbox optional. Suspension: independent at the front, rigid axle at the rear. Brakes: hydraulic, to drums on all four wheels. Servo optional. Length: 502 cm. Top speed: 140 to 160 kph. Range: four-door station wagon.


Ford Fairlane

● Introduction: November 1954. Construction: body on separate chassis. Engine: water-cooled inline six, 3.7-litre, 137 hp, mounted at the front. Optional engines: V-8, 4.8-litre, 200 hp (manual); and V-8, 4.8-litre, 202 hp (automatic). Transmission: to the rear wheels through a three-speed manual gearbox. Three-speed automatic gearbox optional. Suspension: independent at the front, rigid axle at the rear. Brakes: hydraulic, to drums on all four wheels. Servo optional. Length: 504 cm. Top speed: 140 to 160 kph. Range: two-door “Club” sedan, four-door “Town” sedan, two-door “Club Victoria” hardtop coupe, two-door “Crown Victoria” pillared hardtop coupe, two-door “Crown Victoria Skyliner” pillared hardtop coupe, four-door “Town Victoria” hardtop sedan, two-door “Sunliner” convertible coupe.


Ford Parklane
The new Ford Parklane is a two-door wagon as the Ranch, but fitted with all the equipment and trim found on the Fairlane. This makeshift car is supposed to be Ford’s answer to the Chevrolet Nomad.

● Introduction: November 1954. Construction: body on separate chassis. Engine: water-cooled inline six, 3.7-litre, 137 hp, mounted at the front. Optional engines: V-8, 4.8-litre, 200 hp (manual); and V-8, 4.8-litre, 202 hp (automatic). Transmission: to the rear wheels through a three-speed manual gearbox. Three-speed automatic gearbox optional. Suspension: independent at the front, rigid axle at the rear. Brakes: hydraulic, to drums on all four wheels. Servo optional. Length: 502 cm. Top speed: 140 to 160 kph. Range: two-door station wagon.


Ford Country Squire
The Country Squire combines the body of the Country Sedan, flanked by side woodgrain decoration, with the trim of the Fairlane.

● Introduction: November 1954. Construction: body on separate chassis. Engine: water-cooled inline six, 3.7-litre, 137 hp, mounted at the front. Optional engines: V-8, 4.8-litre, 200 hp (manual); and V-8, 4.8-litre, 202 hp (automatic). Transmission: to the rear wheels through a three-speed manual gearbox. Three-speed automatic gearbox optional. Suspension: independent at the front, rigid axle at the rear. Brakes: hydraulic, to drums on all four wheels. Servo optional. Length: 502 cm. Top speed: 140 to 160 kph. Range: four-door station wagon.


Any mistake you’ve just spotted? A detail to add? A suggestion? Don’t hesitate to leave a comment!

Click to jump to another model year of the same car: 1955 – 1956
Click here to return to a list of all Ford U.S. vehicles presented on this blog.
Click here to return to this blog’s initial post, featuring a list of all vehicles already presented.

1955 Ford Full-Sizes

A new Ford is unveiled for 1954 but, though looking longer, lower and wider, it is unmistakably related in appearance to the previous generation. Panoramic “wraparound” windshields are fitted, and more powerful V-8s are available.


Ford Mainline

● Introduction: November 1954. Construction: body on separate chassis. Engine: water-cooled inline six, 3.7-litre, 120 hp, mounted at the front. Optional engines: V-8, 4.5-litre, 162 hp; and V-8, 4.5-litre, 182 hp. Transmission: to the rear wheels through a three-speed manual gearbox. Three-speed automatic gearbox optional. Suspension: independent at the front, rigid axle at the rear. Brakes: hydraulic, to drums on all four wheels. Servo optional. Length: 504 cm. Top speed: 130 kph (six), 150 kph (162 hp), 160 kph (182 hp). Range: two-door business sedan, two-door “Tudor” sedan, four-door “Fordor” sedan.


Ford Ranch
The station wagons form a separate series within Ford’s range this year. The Ranch is the base model, its trim being identical to the Mainline’s.

● Introduction: November 1954. Construction: body on separate chassis. Engine: water-cooled inline six, 3.7-litre, 120 hp, mounted at the front. Optional engines: V-8, 4.5-litre, 162 hp; and V-8, 4.5-litre, 182 hp. Transmission: to the rear wheels through a three-speed manual gearbox. Three-speed automatic gearbox optional. Suspension: independent at the front, rigid axle at the rear. Brakes: hydraulic, to drums on all four wheels. Servo optional. Length: 502 cm. Top speed: 130 kph (six), 150 kph (162 hp), 160 kph (182 hp). Range: two-door station wagon.


Ford Customline

● Introduction: November 1954. Construction: body on separate chassis. Engine: water-cooled inline six, 3.7-litre, 120 hp, mounted at the front. Optional engines: V-8, 4.5-litre, 162 hp; and V-8, 4.5-litre, 182 hp. Transmission: to the rear wheels through a three-speed manual gearbox. Three-speed automatic gearbox optional. Suspension: independent at the front, rigid axle at the rear. Brakes: hydraulic, to drums on all four wheels. Servo optional. Length: 504 cm. Top speed: 130 kph (six), 150 kph (162 hp), 160 kph (182 hp). Range: two-door “Tudor” sedan, four-door “Fordor” sedan.


Ford Custom Ranch
The Custom Ranch is a two-door wagon that receives the same trim as the Customline.

● Introduction: November 1954. Construction: body on separate chassis. Engine: water-cooled inline six, 3.7-litre, 120 hp, mounted at the front. Optional engines: V-8, 4.5-litre, 162 hp; and V-8, 4.5-litre, 182 hp. Transmission: to the rear wheels through a three-speed manual gearbox. Three-speed automatic gearbox optional. Suspension: independent at the front, rigid axle at the rear. Brakes: hydraulic, to drums on all four wheels. Servo optional. Length: 502 cm. Top speed: 130 kph (six), 150 kph (162 hp), 160 kph (182 hp). Range: two-door station wagon.


Ford Country Sedan
Available as a six-passenger vehicle or with an extra bench for two other persons, the Country Sedan is the four-door version of the Custom Ranch.

● Introduction: November 1954. Construction: body on separate chassis. Engine: water-cooled inline six, 3.7-litre, 120 hp, mounted at the front. Optional engines: V-8, 4.5-litre, 162 hp; and V-8, 4.5-litre, 182 hp. Transmission: to the rear wheels through a three-speed manual gearbox. Three-speed automatic gearbox optional. Suspension: independent at the front, rigid axle at the rear. Brakes: hydraulic, to drums on all four wheels. Servo optional. Length: 502 cm. Top speed: 130 kph (six), 150 kph (162 hp), 160 kph (182 hp). Range: four-door station wagon.


Ford Fairlane
The Crestline is replaced by the Fairlane this year. It receives a specific chrome trim.

● Introduction: November 1954. Construction: body on separate chassis. Engine: water-cooled inline six, 3.7-litre, 120 hp, mounted at the front. Optional engines: V-8, 4.5-litre, 162 hp; and V-8, 4.5-litre, 182 hp. Transmission: to the rear wheels through a three-speed manual gearbox. Three-speed automatic gearbox optional. Suspension: independent at the front, rigid axle at the rear. Brakes: hydraulic, to drums on all four wheels. Servo optional. Length: 504 cm. Top speed: 130 kph (six), 150 kph (162 hp), 160 kph (182 hp). Range: two-door “Club” sedan, four-door “Town” sedan, two-door “Victoria” hardtop coupe, two-door “Crown Victoria” pillared hardtop coupe, two-door “Crown Victoria Skyliner” pillared hardtop coupe, two-door “Sunliner” convertible coupe.


Ford Country Squire
The Country Squire combines the body of the Country Sedan, flanked by side woodgrain decoration, with the trim of the Fairlane.

● Introduction: November 1954. Construction: body on separate chassis. Engine: water-cooled inline six, 3.7-litre, 120 hp, mounted at the front. Optional engines: V-8, 4.5-litre, 162 hp; and V-8, 4.5-litre, 182 hp. Transmission: to the rear wheels through a three-speed manual gearbox. Three-speed automatic gearbox optional. Suspension: independent at the front, rigid axle at the rear. Brakes: hydraulic, to drums on all four wheels. Servo optional. Length: 502 cm. Top speed: 130 kph (six), 150 kph (162 hp), 160 kph (182 hp). Range: four-door station wagon.


Any mistake you’ve just spotted? A detail to add? A suggestion? Don’t hesitate to leave a comment!

Click to jump to another model year of the same car: 1955 – 1956
Click here to return to a list of all Ford U.S. vehicles presented on this blog.
Click here to return to this blog’s initial post, featuring a list of all vehicles already presented.

1959 Ford Full-Sizes

Now riding the longer chassis before reserved to the Fairlane, the full-size Fords are largely modified for 1959, sporting squarer bodies than in the past. Despite a certain elegance, Ford models look somewhat dated when compared to this year’s ground-breaking Chevrolets, though. While the base Custom disappears, Ford adds, two weeks after the introduction of the rest of its range, a new top-of-the-line Galaxie which combines the Fairlane 500’s body with the Thunderbird’s roofline.


Ford Custom 300

● Introduction: October 1956. Construction: body on separate chassis. Engine: water-cooled inline six, 3.7-litre, 145 hp, mounted at the front. Optional engines: V-8, 4.8-litre, 200 hp; V-8, 5.4-litre, 225 hp (automatic only); and V-8, 5.8-litre, 300 hp. Transmission: to the rear wheels through a three-speed manual gearbox. Three-speed automatic gearbox optional. Suspension: independent at the front, rigid axle at the rear. Brakes: hydraulic, to drums on all four wheels. Servo optional. Length: 528 cm. Top speed: 150 to 195 kph. Range: two-door business sedan, two-door “Tudor” sedan, four-door “Fordor” sedan.


Ford Ranch
The Ranch is Ford’s base station wagon, its trim being identical to the Custom 300’s.

● Introduction: October 1956. Construction: body on separate chassis. Engine: water-cooled inline six, 3.7-litre, 145 hp, mounted at the front. Optional engines: V-8, 4.8-litre, 200 hp; V-8, 5.4-litre, 225 hp (automatic only); and V-8, 5.8-litre, 300 hp. Transmission: to the rear wheels through a three-speed manual gearbox. Three-speed automatic gearbox optional. Suspension: independent at the front, rigid axle at the rear. Brakes: hydraulic, to drums on all four wheels. Servo optional. Length: 528 cm. Top speed: 150 to 195 kph. Range: two-door station wagon, four-door station wagon.


Ford Fairlane

● Introduction: October 1956. Construction: body on separate chassis. Engine: water-cooled inline six, 3.7-litre, 145 hp, mounted at the front. Optional engines: V-8, 4.8-litre, 200 hp; V-8, 5.4-litre, 225 hp (automatic only); and V-8, 5.8-litre, 300 hp. Transmission: to the rear wheels through a three-speed manual gearbox. Three-speed automatic gearbox optional. Suspension: independent at the front, rigid axle at the rear. Brakes: hydraulic, to drums on all four wheels. Servo optional. Length: 528 cm. Top speed: 150 to 195 kph. Range: two-door “Club” sedan, four-door “Town” sedan.


Ford Country Sedan
Available as a six-passenger vehicle or with an extra bench for three other persons, the Country Sedan is the wagon version of the Fairlane.

● Introduction: October 1956. Construction: body on separate chassis. Engine: water-cooled inline six, 3.7-litre, 145 hp, mounted at the front. Optional engines: V-8, 4.8-litre, 200 hp; V-8, 5.4-litre, 225 hp (automatic only); and V-8, 5.8-litre, 300 hp. Transmission: to the rear wheels through a three-speed manual gearbox. Three-speed automatic gearbox optional. Suspension: independent at the front, rigid axle at the rear. Brakes: hydraulic, to drums on all four wheels. Servo optional. Length: 528 cm. Top speed: 150 to 195 kph. Range: two-door station wagon, four-door station wagon.


Ford Fairlane 500

● Introduction: October 1956. Construction: body on separate chassis. Engine: water-cooled inline six, 3.7-litre, 145 hp, mounted at the front. Optional engines: V-8, 4.8-litre, 200 hp; V-8, 5.4-litre, 225 hp (automatic only); and V-8, 5.8-litre, 300 hp. Skyliner: 4.8-litre V-8 standard. Transmission: to the rear wheels through a three-speed manual gearbox. Three-speed automatic gearbox optional. Suspension: independent at the front, rigid axle at the rear. Brakes: hydraulic, to drums on all four wheels. Servo optional. Length: 528 cm. Top speed: 150 to 190 kph. Range: two-door “Club” sedan, four-door “Town” sedan, two-door “Club Victoria” hardtop coupe, four-door “Town Victoria” hardtop sedan, two-door “Sunliner” convertible coupe (until November 1958), two-door “Skyliner” retractable-top convertible coupe (until November 1958).


Ford Galaxie

● Introduction: October 1956 for this generation of Ford cars, November 1958 for the Galaxie. Construction: body on separate chassis. Engine: water-cooled inline six, 3.7-litre, 145 hp, mounted at the front. Optional engines: V-8, 4.8-litre, 200 hp; V-8, 5.4-litre, 225 hp (automatic only); and V-8, 5.8-litre, 300 hp. Skyliner: 4.8-litre V-8 standard. Transmission: to the rear wheels through a three-speed manual gearbox. Three-speed automatic gearbox optional. Suspension: independent at the front, rigid axle at the rear. Brakes: hydraulic, to drums on all four wheels. Servo optional. Length: 528 cm (all models except Skyliner), 529 cm (Skyliner). Top speed: 150 to 190 kph. Range: two-door “Club” sedan, four-door “Town” sedan, two-door “Club Victoria” hardtop coupe, four-door “Town Victoria” hardtop sedan, two-door “Sunliner” convertible coupe, two-door “Skyliner” retractable-top convertible coupe.


Ford Country Squire
The Country Squire combines the body of the Country Sedan, flanked by side woodgrain decoration, with the trim of the Fairlane 500 and Galaxie.

● Introduction: October 1956. Construction: body on separate chassis. Engine: water-cooled inline six, 3.7-litre, 145 hp, mounted at the front. Optional engines: V-8, 4.8-litre, 200 hp; V-8, 5.4-litre, 225 hp (automatic only); and V-8, 5.8-litre, 300 hp. Transmission: to the rear wheels through a three-speed manual gearbox. Three-speed automatic gearbox optional. Suspension: independent at the front, rigid axle at the rear. Brakes: hydraulic, to drums on all four wheels. Servo optional. Length: 528 cm. Top speed: 150 to 195 kph. Range: four-door station wagon.


Any mistake you’ve just spotted? A detail to add? A suggestion? Don’t hesitate to leave a comment!

Click to jump to another model year of the same car: 1957 – 1958 – 1959
Click here to return to a list of all Ford U.S. vehicles presented on this blog.
Click here to return to this blog’s initial post, featuring a list of all vehicles already presented.

1958 Ford Full-Sizes

Though this year’s Ford models are basically the same cars as last year’s, they are deeply modified to adjust to new fashions, incorporating quad headlights and larger fins. The Fairlane, Fairlane 500 and all station wagons can receive the new pneumatic suspension developed by Ford’s engineers, the Ford-Aire. Though the Ford-O-Matic gearbox remains the base automatic transmission, the new Cruise-O-Matic is available exclusively on cars equipped with the “Interceptor Special ” 5.4- or 5.8-litre V-8s.


Ford Custom 300
As the Custom disappears from Ford’s U.S. range, the Custom 300 is now considered the standard trim.

● Introduction: October 1956. Construction: body on separate chassis. Engine: water-cooled inline six, 3.7-litre, 145 hp, mounted at the front. Optional engines: V-8, 4.8-litre, 205 hp; and V-8, 5.4-litre, 265 hp. Transmission: to the rear wheels through a three-speed manual gearbox. Three-speed automatic gearbox optional. Suspension: independent at the front, rigid axle at the rear. Brakes: hydraulic, to drums on all four wheels. Servo optional. Length: 513 cm. Top speed: 150 to 185 kph. Range: two-door business sedan, two-door “Tudor” sedan, four-door “Fordor” sedan.


Ford Ranch
The Ranch is Ford’s base station wagon, with a simplified its trim. A four-door Ranch is now offered.

● Introduction: October 1956. Construction: body on separate chassis. Engine: water-cooled inline six, 3.7-litre, 145 hp, mounted at the front. Optional engines: V-8, 4.8-litre, 205 hp; V-8, 5.4-litre, 240 hp (manual only); V-8, 5.4-litre, 265 hp; and V-8, 5.8-litre, 300 hp. Transmission: to the rear wheels through a three-speed manual gearbox. Three-speed automatic gearbox optional. Suspension: independent at the front, rigid axle at the rear. Brakes: hydraulic, to drums on all four wheels. Servo optional. Length: 515 cm. Top speed: 150 to 190 kph. Range: two-door station wagon, four-door station wagon.


Ford Del Rio
The Del Rio is a two-door wagon that receives the same trim as the Custom 300.

● Introduction: October 1956. Construction: body on separate chassis. Engine: water-cooled inline six, 3.7-litre, 145 hp, mounted at the front. Optional engines: V-8, 4.8-litre, 205 hp; V-8, 5.4-litre, 240 hp (manual only); V-8, 5.4-litre, 265 hp; and V-8, 5.8-litre, 300 hp. Transmission: to the rear wheels through a three-speed manual gearbox. Three-speed automatic gearbox optional. Suspension: independent at the front, rigid axle at the rear. Brakes: hydraulic, to drums on all four wheels. Servo optional. Length: 515 cm. Top speed: 150 to 190 kph. Top speed: 150 to 180 kph. Range: two-door station wagon.


Ford Country Sedan
Available as a six-passenger vehicle or with an extra bench for three other persons, the Country Sedan is the four-door version of the Del Rio.

● Introduction: October 1956. Construction: body on separate chassis. Engine: water-cooled inline six, 3.7-litre, 145 hp, mounted at the front. Optional engines: V-8, 4.8-litre, 205 hp; V-8, 5.4-litre, 240 hp (manual only); V-8, 5.4-litre, 265 hp; and V-8, 5.8-litre, 300 hp. Transmission: to the rear wheels through a three-speed manual gearbox. Three-speed automatic gearbox optional. Suspension: independent at the front, rigid axle at the rear. Brakes: hydraulic, to drums on all four wheels. Servo optional. Length: 515 cm. Top speed: 150 to 190 kph. Range: four-door station wagon.


Ford Fairlane
The Fairlane is a plush version of the Ford Custom based on an extended chassis.

● Introduction: October 1956. Construction: body on separate chassis. Engine: water-cooled inline six, 3.7-litre, 145 hp, mounted at the front. Optional engines: V-8, 4.8-litre, 205 hp; and V-8, 5.4-litre, 265 hp. Transmission: to the rear wheels through a three-speed manual gearbox. Three-speed automatic gearbox optional. Suspension: independent at the front, rigid axle at the rear. Brakes: hydraulic, to drums on all four wheels. Servo optional. Length: 526 cm. Top speed: 150 to 185 kph. Range: two-door “Club” sedan, four-door “Town” sedan, two-door “Club Victoria” hardtop coupe, four-door “Town Victoria” hardtop sedan.


Ford Fairlane 500

● Introduction: October 1956. Construction: body on separate chassis. Engine: water-cooled inline six, 3.7-litre, 145 hp, mounted at the front. Optional engines: V-8, 5.4-litre, 265 hp; and V-8, 5.8-litre, 300 hp. Skyliner: 5.4-litre V-8 standard. Transmission: to the rear wheels through a three-speed manual gearbox. Three-speed automatic gearbox optional. Suspension: independent at the front, rigid axle at the rear. Brakes: hydraulic, to drums on all four wheels. Servo optional. Length: 526 cm (all models except Skyliner), 536 cm (Skyliner). Top speed: 150 to 190 kph. Range: two-door “Club” sedan, four-door “Town” sedan, two-door “Club Victoria” hardtop coupe, four-door “Town Victoria” hardtop sedan, two-door “Sunliner” convertible coupe, two-door “Skyliner” retractable-top convertible coupe.


Ford Country Squire
The Country Squire combines the body of the Country Sedan, flanked by side woodgrain decoration, with the trim of the Fairlane 500.

● Introduction: October 1956. Construction: body on separate chassis. Engine: water-cooled inline six, 3.7-litre, 145 hp, mounted at the front. Optional engines: V-8, 4.8-litre, 205 hp; V-8, 5.4-litre, 240 hp (manual only); V-8, 5.4-litre, 265 hp; and V-8, 5.8-litre, 300 hp. Transmission: to the rear wheels through a three-speed manual gearbox. Three-speed automatic gearbox optional. Suspension: independent at the front, rigid axle at the rear. Brakes: hydraulic, to drums on all four wheels. Servo optional. Length: 515 cm. Top speed: 150 to 190 kph. Range: four-door station wagon.


Any mistake you’ve just spotted? A detail to add? A suggestion? Don’t hesitate to leave a comment!

Click to jump to another model year of the same car: 1957 – 1958 – 1959
Click here to return to a list of all Ford U.S. vehicles presented on this blog.
Click here to return to this blog’s initial post, featuring a list of all vehicles already presented.

1957 Ford Full-Sizes

After only two years, Ford completely restyles its line of cars, which are now even longer and lower than before, but somewhat not as graceful as the 1956 models were. The range is also totally reorganized around four lines, plus a series of station wagons. The Skyliner model with its plexiglass top is dropped, but the name is retained for a new model, a convertible with a metal top that can be electrically retracted into the boot. Though touted as a brand new invention, it copies a similar concept pioneered by Peugeot two decades earlier, itself based on Georges Paulin’s patents.


Ford Custom

● Introduction: October 1956. Construction: body on separate chassis. Engine: water-cooled inline six, 3.7-litre, 144 hp, mounted at the front. Optional engines: V-8, 4.5-litre, 190 hp; and V-8, 4.8-litre, 212 hp. Transmission: to the rear wheels through a three-speed manual gearbox. Three-speed automatic gearbox optional. Suspension: independent at the front, rigid axle at the rear. Brakes: hydraulic, to drums on all four wheels. Servo optional. Length: 512 cm. Top speed: 150 to 165 kph. Range: two-door business sedan, two-door “Tudor” sedan, four-door “Fordor” sedan.


Ford Ranch
The Ranch is Ford’s base station wagon, its trim being identical to the Custom’s.

● Introduction: October 1956. Construction: body on separate chassis. Engine: water-cooled inline six, 3.7-litre, 144 hp, mounted at the front. Optional engines: V-8, 4.5-litre, 190 hp; V-8, 4.8-litre, 212 hp; and V-8, 5.1-litre, 245 hp. Transmission: to the rear wheels through a three-speed manual gearbox. Three-speed automatic gearbox optional. Suspension: independent at the front, rigid axle at the rear. Brakes: hydraulic, to drums on all four wheels. Servo optional. Length: 517 cm. Top speed: 150 to 180 kph. Range: two-door station wagon.


Ford Custom 300

● Introduction: October 1956. Construction: body on separate chassis. Engine: water-cooled inline six, 3.7-litre, 144 hp, mounted at the front. Optional engines: V-8, 4.5-litre, 190 hp; and V-8, 4.8-litre, 212 hp. Transmission: to the rear wheels through a three-speed manual gearbox. Three-speed automatic gearbox optional. Suspension: independent at the front, rigid axle at the rear. Brakes: hydraulic, to drums on all four wheels. Servo optional. Length: 512 cm. Top speed: 150 to 165 kph. Range: two-door “Tudor” sedan, four-door “Fordor” sedan.


Ford Del Rio
The Del Rio is a two-door wagon that receives the same trim as the Custom 300.

● Introduction: October 1956. Construction: body on separate chassis. Engine: water-cooled inline six, 3.7-litre, 144 hp, mounted at the front. Optional engines: V-8, 4.5-litre, 190 hp; V-8, 4.8-litre, 212 hp; and V-8, 5.1-litre, 245 hp. Transmission: to the rear wheels through a three-speed manual gearbox. Three-speed automatic gearbox optional. Suspension: independent at the front, rigid axle at the rear. Brakes: hydraulic, to drums on all four wheels. Servo optional. Length: 517 cm. Top speed: 150 to 180 kph. Range: two-door station wagon.


Ford Country Sedan
Available as a six-passenger vehicle or with an extra bench for three other persons, the Country Sedan is the four-door version of the Del Rio.

● Introduction: October 1956. Construction: body on separate chassis. Engine: water-cooled inline six, 3.7-litre, 144 hp, mounted at the front. Optional engines: V-8, 4.5-litre, 190 hp; V-8, 4.8-litre, 212 hp; and V-8, 5.1-litre, 245 hp. Transmission: to the rear wheels through a three-speed manual gearbox. Three-speed automatic gearbox optional. Suspension: independent at the front, rigid axle at the rear. Brakes: hydraulic, to drums on all four wheels. Servo optional. Length: 517 cm. Top speed: 150 to 180 kph. Range: four-door station wagon.


Ford Fairlane
The Fairlane is now a plush version of the Ford Custom based on an extended chassis. During spring 1958, a new optional “Country Club” trim adds a golden flame at the centre of the standard side chrome trim.

● Introduction: October 1956. Construction: body on separate chassis. Engine: water-cooled inline six, 3.7-litre, 144 hp, mounted at the front. Optional engines: V-8, 4.5-litre, 190 hp; V-8, 4.8-litre, 212 hp; and V-8, 5.1-litre, 245 hp. Transmission: to the rear wheels through a three-speed manual gearbox. Three-speed automatic gearbox optional. Suspension: independent at the front, rigid axle at the rear. Brakes: hydraulic, to drums on all four wheels. Servo optional. Length: 528 cm. Top speed: 150 to 180 kph. Range: two-door “Club” sedan, four-door “Town” sedan, two-door “Club Victoria” hardtop coupe, four-door “Town Victoria” hardtop sedan.


Ford Fairlane 500

● Introduction: October 1956. Construction: body on separate chassis. Engine: water-cooled inline six, 3.7-litre, 144 hp, mounted at the front. Optional engines: V-8, 4.5-litre, 190 hp; V-8, 4.8-litre, 212 hp; and V-8, 5.1-litre, 245 hp. Skyliner: 4.5-litre V-8 standard. Transmission: to the rear wheels through a three-speed manual gearbox. Three-speed automatic gearbox optional. Suspension: independent at the front, rigid axle at the rear. Brakes: hydraulic, to drums on all four wheels. Servo optional. Length: 528 cm (all models except Skyliner), 535 cm (Skyliner). Top speed: 150 to 180 kph. Range: two-door “Club” sedan, four-door “Town” sedan, two-door “Club Victoria” hardtop coupe, four-door “Town Victoria” hardtop sedan, two-door “Sunliner” convertible coupe, two-door “Skyliner” retractable-top convertible coupe.


Ford Country Squire
The Country Squire combines the body of the Country Sedan, flanked by side woodgrain decoration, with the trim of the Fairlane 500.

● Introduction: October 1956. Construction: body on separate chassis. Engine: water-cooled inline six, 3.7-litre, 144 hp, mounted at the front. Optional engines: V-8, 4.5-litre, 190 hp; V-8, 4.8-litre, 212 hp; and V-8, 5.1-litre, 245 hp. Transmission: to the rear wheels through a three-speed manual gearbox. Three-speed automatic gearbox optional. Suspension: independent at the front, rigid axle at the rear. Brakes: hydraulic, to drums on all four wheels. Servo optional. Length: 517 cm. Top speed: 150 to 180 kph. Range: four-door station wagon.


Any mistake you’ve just spotted? A detail to add? A suggestion? Don’t hesitate to leave a comment!

Click to jump to another model year of the same car: 1957 – 1958 – 1959
Click here to return to a list of all Ford U.S. vehicles presented on this blog.
Click here to return to this blog’s initial post, featuring a list of all vehicles already presented.

1954 Ford Full-Sizes

Evolution of the Ford models is more technical than cosmetic in 1954. Two years after the six-cylinder engine, a new short-stroke OHV V-8 offers more performance. New power equipments placed on the options list include power windows, power brakes and power seats. An attractive new model is the Skyliner hardtop coupe, in which the front half of the roof is made of green translucent plexiglass.


Ford Mainline

● Introduction: February 1952. Construction: body on separate chassis. Engine: water-cooled inline six, 3.7-litre, 115 hp, mounted at the front. Optional engine: V-8, 3.9-litre, 130 hp. Transmission: to the rear wheels through a three-speed manual gearbox. Three-speed automatic gearbox optional. Suspension: independent at the front, rigid axle at the rear. Brakes: hydraulic, to drums on all four wheels. Servo optional. Length: 503 cm (station wagon), 504 cm (passenger cars). Top speed: 135 to 140 kph. Range: two-door business coupe, two-door “Tudor” sedan, four-door “Fordor” sedan, two-door “Ranch” station wagon.


Ford Customline

● Introduction: February 1952. Construction: body on separate chassis. Engine: water-cooled inline six, 3.7-litre, 115 hp, mounted at the front. Optional engine: V-8, 3.9-litre, 130 hp. Transmission: to the rear wheels through a three-speed manual gearbox. Three-speed automatic gearbox optional. Suspension: independent at the front, rigid axle at the rear. Brakes: hydraulic, to drums on all four wheels. Servo optional. Length: 503 cm (station wagon), 504 cm (passenger cars). Top speed: 135 to 140 kph. Range: two-door club coupe, two-door “Tudor” sedan, four-door “Fordor” sedan, two-door “Ranch” station wagon, four-door “Country Sedan” station wagon.


Ford Crestline

● Introduction: February 1952. Construction: body on separate chassis. Engine: water-cooled inline six, 3.7-litre, 115 hp, mounted at the front. Optional engine: V-8, 3.9-litre, 130 hp. Transmission: to the rear wheels through a three-speed manual gearbox. Three-speed automatic gearbox optional. Suspension: independent at the front, rigid axle at the rear. Brakes: hydraulic, to drums on all four wheels. Servo optional. Length: 503 cm (station wagon), 504 cm (passenger cars). Top speed: 135 to 140 kph. Range: four-door “Fordor” sedan, two-door “Victoria” hardtop coupe, two-door “Skyliner” hardtop coupe, two-door “Sunliner” convertible coupe, four-door Country Squire” station wagon.


Any mistake you’ve just spotted? A detail to add? A suggestion? Don’t hesitate to leave a comment!

Click to jump to another model year of the same car: 1952 – 1953 – 1954
Click here to return to a list of all Ford U.S. vehicles presented on this blog.
Click here to return to this blog’s initial post, featuring a list of all vehicles already presented.

1953 Ford Full-Sizes

Ford celebrates its fiftieth anniversary this year, adding a commemorative badge at the centre of the steering wheel of every car built this year. The said steering wheel is easier than ever to turn, at least in cars equipped with the new optional power steering.


Ford Mainline

● Introduction: February 1952. Construction: body on separate chassis. Engine: water-cooled inline six, 3.5-litre, 101 hp, mounted at the front. Optional engine: V-8, 3.9-litre, 110 hp. Transmission: to the rear wheels through a three-speed manual gearbox. Three-speed automatic gearbox optional. Suspension: independent at the front, rigid axle at the rear. Brakes: hydraulic, to drums on all four wheels. Length: 502 cm. Top speed: 135 to 140 kph. Range: two-door business coupe, two-door “Tudor” sedan, “Fordor” four-door sedan, two-door “Ranch” station wagon.


Ford Customline

● Introduction: February 1952. Construction: body on separate chassis. Engine: water-cooled inline six, 3.5-litre, 101 hp, mounted at the front. Optional engine: V-8, 3.9-litre, 110 hp (standard with station wagon). Transmission: to the rear wheels through a three-speed manual gearbox. Three-speed automatic gearbox optional. Suspension: independent at the front, rigid axle at the rear. Brakes: hydraulic, to drums on all four wheels. Length: 502 cm. Top speed: 135 to 140 kph. Range: two-door club coupe, two-door “Tudor” sedan, four-door “Fordor” sedan, four-door “Country Sedan” station wagon.


Ford Crestline

● Introduction: February 1952. Construction: body on separate chassis. Engine: water-cooled V-8, 3.9-litre, 110 hp, mounted at the front. Transmission: to the rear wheels through a three-speed manual gearbox. Three-speed automatic gearbox optional. Suspension: independent at the front, rigid axle at the rear. Brakes: hydraulic, to drums on all four wheels. Length: 502 cm. Top speed: 140 kph. Range: two-door “Victoria” hardtop coupe, two-door “Sunliner” convertible coupe, four-door Country Squire” station wagon.


Any mistake you’ve just spotted? A detail to add? A suggestion? Don’t hesitate to leave a comment!

Click to jump to another model year of the same car: 1952 – 1953 – 1954
Click here to return to a list of all Ford U.S. vehicles presented on this blog.
Click here to return to this blog’s initial post, featuring a list of all vehicles already presented.

1952 Ford Full-Sizes

The introduction of its brand new cars being delayed, Ford extends the 1951 model year to the first weeks of 1952.


Ford Deluxe

● Introduction: June 1948. Construction: body on separate chassis. Engine: water-cooled inline six, 3.7-litre, 95 hp, mounted at the front. Optional engine: V-8, 3.9-litre, 100 hp. Transmission: to the rear wheels through a three-speed manual gearbox. Three-speed automatic gearbox optional. Suspension: independent at the front, rigid axle at the rear. Brakes: hydraulic, to drums on all four wheels. Length: 500 cm (passenger cars), 528 cm (station wagon). Top speed: 130 to 135 kph. Range: two-door business coupe, two-door “Tudor” sedan, four-door “Fordor” sedan.


Ford Custom Deluxe

● Introduction: June 1948. Construction: body on separate chassis. Engine: water-cooled inline six, 3.7-litre, 95 hp, mounted at the front. Optional engine: V-8, 3.9-litre, 100 hp (standard with hardtop coupe and convertible). Transmission: to the rear wheels through a three-speed manual gearbox. Three-speed automatic gearbox optional. Suspension: independent at the front, rigid axle at the rear. Brakes: hydraulic, to drums on all four wheels. Length: 500 cm (passenger cars), 528 cm (station wagon). Top speed: 130 to 135 kph. Range: two-door club coupe, two-door “Tudor” sedan, four-door “Fordor” sedan, two-door “Victoria” hardtop coupe, two-door convertible coupe, two-door “Country Squire” station wagon.


Ford Custom Deluxe Crestliner
The Crestliner coupe offers a specific two-tone decoration, extra chrome, special hubcaps and steering wheel, and a vinyl-covered roof.
● Introduction: June 1948. Construction: body on separate chassis. Engine: water-cooled V-8, 3.9-litre, 100 hp, mounted at the front. Transmission: to the rear wheels through a three-speed manual gearbox. Suspension: independent at the front, rigid axle at the rear. Brakes: hydraulic, to drums on all four wheels. Length: 500 cm. Top speed: 135 kph. Range: two-door sedan.


1952 models:

Ford reverts to the central “air scoop” grille theme on its 1952 models, which are totally redesigned. Windshields are now made of one piece of glass, while the large rear windows are of the wraparound type. Powered by slightly more powerful engines, three series are now offered.


Ford Mainline

● Introduction: February 1952. Construction: body on separate chassis. Engine: water-cooled inline six, 3.5-litre, 101 hp, mounted at the front. Optional engine: V-8, 3.9-litre, 110 hp. Transmission: to the rear wheels through a three-speed manual gearbox. Three-speed automatic gearbox optional. Suspension: independent at the front, rigid axle at the rear. Brakes: hydraulic, to drums on all four wheels. Length: 502 cm. Top speed: 135 to 140 kph. Range: two-door business coupe, two-door “Tudor” sedan, four-door “Fordor” sedan, two-door “Ranch” station wagon.


Ford Customline

● Introduction: February 1952. Construction: body on separate chassis. Engine: water-cooled inline six, 3.5-litre, 101 hp, mounted at the front. Optional engine: V-8, 3.9-litre, 110 hp (standard with station wagon). Transmission: to the rear wheels through a three-speed manual gearbox. Three-speed automatic gearbox optional. Suspension: independent at the front, rigid axle at the rear. Brakes: hydraulic, to drums on all four wheels. Length: 502 cm. Top speed: 135 to 140 kph. Range: two-door club coupe, two-door “Tudor” sedan, four-door “Fordor” sedan, four-door “Country Sedan” station wagon.


Ford Crestline

● Introduction: February 1952. Construction: body on separate chassis. Engine: water-cooled V-8, 3.9-litre, 110 hp, mounted at the front. Transmission: to the rear wheels through a three-speed manual gearbox. Three-speed automatic gearbox optional. Suspension: independent at the front, rigid axle at the rear. Brakes: hydraulic, to drums on all four wheels. Length: 502 cm. Top speed: 140 kph. Range: two-door “Victoria” hardtop coupe, two-door “Sunliner” convertible coupe, four-door Country Squire” station wagon.


Any mistake you’ve just spotted? A detail to add? A suggestion? Don’t hesitate to leave a comment!

Click to jump to another model year of the same car: 1949 – 1950 – 1951 – 1952
Or click here for the new generation of Ford full-sizes: 1952 – 1953 – 1954
Click here to return to a list of all Ford U.S. vehicles presented on this blog.
Click here to return to this blog’s initial post, featuring a list of all vehicles already presented.

1951 Ford Full-Sizes

Nineteen fifty-one sees all Fords lose their trademark “air scoop” at the centre of the grille. Both a hardtop version and a Ford-O-Matic automatic transmission are offered at last.


Ford Deluxe

● Introduction: June 1948. Construction: body on separate chassis. Engine: water-cooled inline six, 3.7-litre, 95 hp, mounted at the front. Optional engine: V-8, 3.9-litre, 100 hp. Transmission: to the rear wheels through a three-speed manual gearbox. Three-speed automatic gearbox optional. Suspension: independent at the front, rigid axle at the rear. Brakes: hydraulic, to drums on all four wheels. Length: 500 cm (passenger cars), 528 cm (station wagon). Top speed: 130 to 135 kph. Range: two-door business coupe, two-door “Tudor” sedan, four-door “Fordor” sedan.


Ford Custom Deluxe

● Introduction: June 1948. Construction: body on separate chassis. Engine: water-cooled inline six, 3.7-litre, 95 hp, mounted at the front. Optional engine: V-8, 3.9-litre, 100 hp (standard with hardtop coupe and convertible). Transmission: to the rear wheels through a three-speed manual gearbox. Three-speed automatic gearbox optional. Suspension: independent at the front, rigid axle at the rear. Brakes: hydraulic, to drums on all four wheels. Length: 500 cm (passenger cars), 528 cm (station wagon). Top speed: 130 to 135 kph. Range: two-door club coupe, two-door “Tudor” sedan, four-door “Fordor” sedan, two-door “Victoria” hardtop coupe, two-door convertible coupe, two-door “Country Squire” station wagon.


Ford Custom Deluxe Crestliner
The Crestliner coupe offers a specific two-tone decoration, extra chrome, special hubcaps and steering wheel, and a vinyl-covered roof.
● Introduction: June 1948. Construction: body on separate chassis. Engine: water-cooled V-8, 3.9-litre, 100 hp, mounted at the front. Transmission: to the rear wheels through a three-speed manual gearbox. Suspension: independent at the front, rigid axle at the rear. Brakes: hydraulic, to drums on all four wheels. Length: 500 cm. Top speed: 135 kph. Range: two-door sedan.


Any mistake you’ve just spotted? A detail to add? A suggestion? Don’t hesitate to leave a comment!

Click to jump to another model year of the same car: 1949 – 1950 – 1951 – 1952
Click here to return to a list of all Ford U.S. vehicles presented on this blog.
Click here to return to this blog’s initial post, featuring a list of all vehicles already presented.