Generation 2
1955 Ford F-100 Specs: 272 V8, Production & Pricing
Published by fordf100s.com · Last updated
| General Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Wheelbase | 110 in |
| Curb Weight | 3,325 lbs |
| Body Styles | pickup, panel |
| Original MSRP | $1,609 |
| Production Numbers | 124,842 |
| Engine Options | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | Displacement | Horsepower | Type |
| 223 Mileage Maker Six | 223 ci | 133 hp | inline-6 |
| 272 Y-Block V8 | 272 ci | 167 hp | ohv-v8 |
| Available Transmissions |
|---|
| 3-speed manual |
| 3-speed manual with overdrive |
| Ford-O-Matic automatic |
More Power for 1955
The 1955 Ford F-100 continued to evolve the second-generation platform with a focus on increased performance. Ford understood that the light-duty truck market was becoming more competitive, and the answer was straightforward: more horsepower. The 1955 model year delivered exactly that, offering the most powerful engine yet available in an F-100.
The 272 Y-Block V8
The headline engine for 1955 was the new 272 cubic-inch Y-block V8, rated at 167 horsepower. This was a significant jump from the 239 Y-block’s 130 horsepower in 1954, giving the F-100 genuinely strong performance for a truck of its era. The larger displacement came from increases in both bore and stroke, and the additional power was immediately noticeable behind the wheel. The 272 made the F-100 one of the quickest-accelerating trucks available from any manufacturer in 1955.
The 223 cubic-inch Mileage Maker Six continued as the standard engine, now producing 133 horsepower — up from 115 the previous year. Ford’s engineers extracted the additional output through revised intake and exhaust manifolds and updated tuning, making the six-cylinder a more capable base engine than ever before.
Exterior Updates
The 1955 F-100 received a redesigned hood that gave the front end a slightly updated appearance. While the overall cab structure and body panels remained consistent with the 1953-1954 trucks, the new hood provided enough visual distinction to mark the 1955 as a mid-cycle refresh. The familiar grille and headlight arrangement continued largely unchanged.
Transmission and Chassis
The transmission lineup carried over from 1954, with the 3-speed manual as standard equipment, overdrive as an option, and the Ford-O-Matic automatic available for those who preferred it. The 110-inch wheelbase and basic chassis architecture remained the same, providing the proven ride and handling characteristics that buyers had come to expect from the second-generation F-100.
Production and Market Position
Ford produced approximately 124,842 F-100 trucks for 1955, reflecting healthy demand for the updated model. The base price started at around $1,609 for a standard pickup, positioning the F-100 competitively against Chevrolet’s Task Force trucks that had debuted the same year with their own new styling.
Collectibility
The 1955 F-100 occupies a strong position in the collector market. The 272 V8 is widely considered the sweet spot of second-generation performance — powerful enough to be genuinely enjoyable to drive, yet still simple and reliable. The 1955 shares its basic body with the 1953 and 1954, so many trim and body parts interchange, which helps with restoration parts sourcing. As the middle year of the second generation, the 1955 sometimes flies under the radar compared to the first-year 1953 and last-year 1956, which can translate to slightly more accessible pricing for buyers entering the market.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What changed in the 1955 Ford F-100?
For the 1955 model year, notable changes included: undefined As the third year of the second-generation F-100, the 1955 Ford F100 built on the prior year while setting up what came next in the 1953-1956 run.
Where does the 1955 Ford F100 sit within the 1953-1956 generation?
The 1955 Ford F-100 was the third model year of the second-generation F-100, placing it at the midpoint of the 1953-1956 run. By 1955, the generation had stabilized and buyers benefited from several years of running changes. The 1955 specifically added: undefined
How many 1955 Ford F100 trucks were built?
Ford produced approximately 124,842 units of the 1955 Ford F100. The original MSRP started at $1,609, which put it at the accessible end of the light-duty truck market for 1955. For 1955 production, volumes were modest, which affects collector availability today. Condition, originality, and trim level matter more than raw production numbers when valuing a specific truck.
What motors could you order in a 1955 Ford F-100?
The 1955 Ford F-100 offered 2 engine options: 223 Mileage Maker Six (223 ci, 133 hp); 272 Y-Block V8 (272 ci, 167 hp). The lineup drew from Ford’s OHV Y-block, Ford’s inline-six. The strongest available was the 272 Y-Block V8 at 167 horsepower, while the base engine was the 223 Mileage Maker Six at 133 horsepower. Transmission choices were 3-speed manual, 3-speed manual with overdrive, Ford-O-Matic automatic.
What should I look for when buying a 1955 Ford F100?
Focus your inspection on the 1955-specific items: undefined With 2 factory engine options spanning 133 to 167 horsepower, verifying that a specific 1955 truck has its original engine matters more for value than for most years before or after. Production of only 124,842 makes a clean 1955 Ford F100 genuinely uncommon today. Prioritize trucks with documented history over cosmetic presentation — a clean 1955 with receipts beats a repainted example with an unknown past.