1956 Ford Mainline

Ford's entry-level model for 1956 was the Mainline available as a 2- or 4-passenger sedan, or a Business Sedan, with power sourced from either a six- or eight-cylinder engine. Most of the 1956 Ford models wore similar bodies to its 1955 siblings with modifications that included oval parking lights, larger taillights with chrome rings around the lenses, and a completely redesigned instrument panel with optional padding and padded sun visors. The Mainline Series had a horn button in place of the horn ring, one sun visor, and an armrest only on the driver's door.

The eggcreate grille was widened in 1956 into a series of rectangles, and a 12-volt electrical system was adopted across the Ford line.

The overhead-valve six-cylinder engine displaced 223 cubic-inches and delivered 137 horsepower at 4,200 RPM. The OHV V8 displaced 2929 CID and offered 200 horsepower. The standard transmission was a three-speed unit with a semi-centrifugal-type clutch and synchronizers for second and third gears. Prices began at $1,850 for the two-door sedan, $1,900 for the 4-door sedan, and $1,750 for the business sedan.

Ford's intermediate-level option was the Customline and the Fairline was the top-off-the-line. Over 164,000 examples of the Mainline were sold that year, with many being put into service as fleet vehicles and police departments. Motor Trend named the entire Ford line its 'Car of the Year' for 1956. On February 24, 1956, the Ford Motor Company became a publically owned company, and they immediately gained around 350,000 additional stockholders.

by Daniel Vaughan | Jul 2020