1956 Ford F-100
F-series second gen · 1953-1956 generation considered most beautiful Ford truck de... · The golden era Ford truck — timeless styling at its peak
Highly Collectible
Production & Overview
Total Production
167,522
Original MSRP
N/A
Assembly Plants
Dearborn, MI · Dallas, TX · Norfolk, VA · Twin Cities, MN
Wheelbase
110 inches
Body Styles
Pickup · Panel Delivery
Curb Weight
3,200 lbs
Notable Packages & Production
Big Rear Window — BigRearWindow
Wraparound rear window — most desirable visual option
1.4-1.8x base
35,000
produced
Two-Tone Paint — TwoTone
Two-tone exterior paint — highly desirable period option
1.2-1.4x base
42,000
produced
Available Engines
A 223ci — inline-6
Base six-cylinder
137 hp
C 272ci — V8
Y-block V8 — most popular engine
167 hp
E 292ci — V8
Optional larger Y-block
198 hp
Buyer Checklist
⚠ Clone warning: Matching numbers desirable but less critical than muscle cars. Original Y-block engine adds value. Most trucks have been engine-swapped over 70 years.. Always verify with cowl tag, engine stamp, and registry before purchase.
Full frame inspection — 70-year-old trucks have significant rust risk
Cab floor rust — check under mat and carpet thoroughly
Rocker panels and cab corners — primary rust locations
Bed floor — original wood floors almost always rotted
Firewall warranty plate — confirms original build specs
Big rear window — verify original vs replaced
Y-block engine — check for cracks around valve cover area (known issue)
Brake system — original hydraulics should be fully rebuilt
Door fit and alignment — indicates prior collision or frame sag
Two-tone paint — verify original via warranty plate color codes
Known Problem Areas
Frame and cab rust — age makes this universal
Y-block head gasket and valve cover issues
Brake system deterioration
Original wiring deterioration — fire risk
Wood bed floor rot
Door and body panel rust at seams
What Drives Value
↑ Increases Value
Big rear window original
Two-tone paint documented
Short bed pickup
Original Y-block matching numbers
Solid rust-free body
↓ Decreases Value
Frame rust
Body rust through
Missing warranty plate
Non-original engine without documentation
Restoration Overview
Difficulty
Hard
Parts Availability
Good — strong aftermarket for popular 1953-1956 generation
Driver Quality Cost
$20,000 – $45,000
Show Quality Cost
$55,000 – $110,000
Key Suppliers
LMC Truck · Dennis Carpenter Ford Parts · Rick's Camaros (crossover parts) · National Parts Depot
Pop Culture & Legacy
Considered the most beautiful Ford truck ever designed
1953-1956 generation defined the golden era of American truck design
Frequently featured in custom and hot rod builds
Strong crossover appeal between truck collectors and hot rodders
Other Ford F-100 Years