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1956 Ford Country Sedan: A Family Classic with a Sporting Edge

The 1956 Ford Country Sedan is a vehicle that encapsulates the spirit of mid-century America—a time when cars were not just modes of transportation but symbols of freedom and family adventure. Born from the assembly lines of the Ford Motor Company, this station wagon was designed to offer practicality without sacrificing style. The Country Sedan was part of Ford's broader lineup of full-size cars and stood out for its blend of utility and aesthetics. A unique fact that car enthusiasts might find fascinating is that the '56 model was among the first to feature Ford's innovative Lifeguard safety package, which included options like a deep-dish steering wheel and safety door latches.

Design and Innovation

The exterior of the 1956 Ford Country Sedan boasted a balanced silhouette with clean lines that exuded understated elegance. The front grille presented a simple yet bold statement, flanked by two round headlights that became an iconic look of the era. Inside, passengers were greeted with a spacious cabin, where functionality met comfort. The quality of materials—from the durable upholstery to the polished chrome accents—reflected Ford's commitment to craftsmanship. Technologically, it featured advancements such as optional power steering and power brakes, which were quite sophisticated for its time.

Color options ranged from classic shades to more vibrant tones, with Raven Black and Bermuda Blue being among the popular choices. The body styles included a six or eight-passenger configuration, with the latter being particularly iconic due to its additional row of seats and rear liftgate that made it ideal for larger families or group outings.

Historical Significance

The 1956 Ford Country Sedan played a pivotal role in shaping the American station wagon segment. It offered a compelling alternative to traditional sedans by providing ample cargo space without compromising on style or performance. This model helped solidify the station wagon as a mainstay in American car culture, influencing future designs and setting standards for family vehicles for decades to come.

Performance and Handling

Under the hood, the '56 Country Sedan was available with several engine options, including the robust Thunderbird V8 engine that could propel this sizable wagon to impressive speeds for its class. While exact top speed and acceleration figures vary depending on the engine configuration, it was known for delivering solid performance. On winding roads or over bumps, the car's suspension system provided a comfortable ride quality, absorbing shocks effectively. Drivers often praised the V8's rumble as part of an engaging driving experience that connected them to the road.

Ownership Experience

As versatile as it was attractive, the 1956 Ford Country Sedan served many roles—from daily driver to weekend show car. Its reliability was one of its strong suits, making it a practical choice for families at that time. Maintenance was relatively straightforward by modern standards, allowing average owners to perform basic repairs without specialized knowledge or tools.

Fun Facts

A lesser-known tidbit about this classic is that some models were equipped with an overdrive transmission option, which was quite rare and sought after by enthusiasts. While not known for breaking speed records, it did set benchmarks in sales within its category during its heyday. Criticisms were few but typically centered around fuel economy—a common concern for vehicles of this size during that era.

Collector's Information

Today, collectors cherish the 1956 Ford Country Sedan for its nostalgic appeal and historical significance. While production numbers were substantial—tens of thousands were made—finding one in pristine condition can be challenging. Values range significantly based on condition, originality, and options; well-maintained examples can fetch anywhere from $15,000 to $40,000 or more at auction or private sale. The market trend shows appreciation for this model as interest in mid-century Americana continues to grow.

Conclusion

The 1956 Ford Country Sedan stands as a testament to an era when cars were built with purpose and pride. It combined family-friendly practicality with an allure that appealed to those who desired more than just basic transportation—they wanted a vehicle with character and capability. As we reflect on this classic's journey through time, it remains not just a relic of automotive history but also a cherished memory lane cruiser that continues to captivate enthusiasts around the world.

1956 Ford Country Sedan Shock Absorber Grommet. 1" bottom O.D-BN 11Shock Absorber Grommet. 1" bottom O.D., 3/4" high, with 5/8" I.D. Each

1956 Ford Country Sedan Spring and Shackle Bushing. 7/8" bottom O.D-BN 19Spring and Shackle Bushing. 7/8" bottom O.D. X 1-1/4" high, with 1/2" I.D. Each

1956 Ford Country Sedan Stabilizer Bar Bushing. 1-1/2" high, 3/4" I.D. Pair-BN 27Stabilizer Bar Bushing. 1-1/2" high, 3/4" I.D. Pair

1956 Ford Country Sedan Shock Absorber Grommet. 1" bottom O.D-BN 6Shock Absorber Grommet. 1" bottom O.D. X 1/2" high, with 3/8" I.D. Each

1956 Ford Country Sedan Clutch and Brake Pedal Pads-CB 90-BClutch and Brake Pedal Pads. For models with standard transmission. 2-1/4" wide X 3-1/4" long. Pair

1956 Ford Country Sedan Brake Pedal Pad. Correct reproduction of a difficult part-CB 90-CBrake Pedal Pad. Correct reproduction of a difficult part. 2-1/2" wide X 4-1/2" long. Each

1956 Ford Country Sedan Hood Bumper. Each-HF 8Hood Bumper. Each

1956 Ford Country Sedan Door Handle Pads. 2-1/2" long & 1-1/2" long. Set R&L-MP 716Door Handle Pads. 2-1/2" long & 1-1/2" long. Set R&L

1956 Ford Country Sedan Mirror-on-door mounting pad. Fits models with 6-3/8 in-MP 996-RMirror-on-door mounting pad. Fits models with 6-3/8 in. long mirror base. 1-1/2 in. W x 6-5/8 in. L. Each.

1956 Ford Country Sedan Clutch and Brake Arm Bumpers. Top quality reproduction-RP 31-KClutch and Brake Arm Bumpers. Top quality reproduction. Pair

1956 Ford Country Sedan Spark Plug Wire Retainer Grommet. Each-SM 30-BSpark Plug Wire Retainer Grommet. Each

1956 Ford Country Sedan Trunk Drain Grommets. Set of four-SMK 64-ITrunk Drain Grommets. Set of four

1956 Ford Country Sedan Rear roll-up Seal. Two 18" sections sliced into metal track-VS 4Rear roll-up Seal. Two 18" sections sliced into metal track. this foot with no steel insert. Pair

1956 Ford Country Sedan Vertical Seals for Vent Window. Each piece is 17" long-VS 6Vertical Seals for Vent Window. Each piece is 17" long. Pair

1956 Ford Country Sedan Vertical Seal for Vent Window. Sold by the foot.-VS 6/FTVertical Seal for Vent Window. Sold by the foot.

1956 Ford Country Sedan Flexible window sweeper. Made with stainless steel bead-WC 7-96Flexible window sweeper. Made with stainless steel bead. 96 in. long. Each. NOTE: $20 special shipping charge applies for domestic orders. Call or email for overseas shipping costs. Part can be sectioned in two or three equal lengths to reduce overseas shipping costs.