--- title: "1956 Ford F-100: Wraparound Windshield, 272 V8 & Specs | fordf100s.com" description: "The 1956 Ford F-100 closed the second generation with a wraparound windshield, 12-volt electrical system, 223 Six, and 167-hp 272 Y-block V8." canonical_url: "https://www.fordf100s.com/1956-ford-f100/" last_updated: "2026-07-17" --- 1. [ Home ](/) 2. / [ Generations ](/generations/) 3. / [ 1953-1956 Ford F-100 (2nd Gen): Specs, Engines, Values ](/generations/1953-1956/) 4. / 1956 Ford F-100: Wraparound Windshield, 272 V8 & Specs Generation 2 · 1953–1956 # 1956 Ford F-100: Wraparound Windshield, 272 V8 & Specs Top Engine 272 Y-Block V8 · 167 hp Wheelbase 110 in Original MSRP $1,639 Production 163,398 fordf100s.com · Updated July 17, 2026 Jump to Year [ 1953 ](/1953-ford-f100/)[ 1954 ](/1954-ford-f100/)[ 1955 ](/1955-ford-f100/)[ 1956 ](/1956-ford-f100/) Factory Spec Sheet MODEL YEAR 1956 __General Specifications__ | Wheelbase | 110 in | | ------------------ | ------------- | | Curb Weight | 3,360 lbs | | Body Styles | pickup, panel | | Original MSRP | $1,639 | | Production Numbers | 163,398 | __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 Sources & Editorial ReviewSource reviewed Reviewed by the [FordF100s.com editorial team](/about/#editorial-standards) on July 17, 2026. The model-year engine applications, horsepower ratings, major design changes, and identification claims were reconciled against period literature and year-specific specialist references. Full-line F-Series applications were excluded when the source did not support an F-100 application. References used 1. [Ford Heritage Vault](https://fordheritagevault.com/) — Ford Motor Company · Factory literaturePeriod brochures, sales literature, and manuals used to check model-year claims. 2. [1953-1956 Ford F-100 buyer guide](https://www.hemmings.com/stories/buyers-guide-ford-f100/) — Hemmings · Specialist reference 3. [1954 Ford F-100 sales brochure](https://xr793.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/1954-Ford-F100.pdf) — Ford Motor Company · Factory literature Horsepower changed from SAE gross to SAE net reporting for 1972, so figures on opposite sides of that change are not directly comparable. Production totals, weights, prices, option availability, and midyear changes can vary by source and configuration; treat them as reference points, not proof of a specific truck's original equipment. Found a conflict in factory literature or have a better source? See our [corrections process](/about/#corrections). ## The Final Second-Generation F-100 The 1956 Ford F-100 represented the culmination of everything Ford had learned since launching the second-generation truck in 1953\. As the last year of this generation, the 1956 received the most significant visual and mechanical updates since the platform’s debut, resulting in what many enthusiasts consider the most desirable of the four-year run. ## Wraparound Windshield The most immediately visible change for 1956 was the introduction of a wraparound windshield. Borrowing a styling cue that had become fashionable in Ford’s passenger car line, the new windshield dramatically improved forward and peripheral visibility while giving the cab a more modern, open feel. The wraparound glass was a genuine departure from the flat windshield used from 1953 through 1955 and remains one of the most recognizable features of the 1956 F-100. ## 12-Volt Electrical System Underneath the skin, Ford made a critical infrastructure change by upgrading from a 6-volt to a 12-volt electrical system. This was not a glamorous update, but it was enormously practical. The 12-volt system provided more reliable starting, brighter headlights, and a stronger electrical foundation for accessories. For modern owners, the 12-volt system is a significant advantage, as it eliminates one of the most common upgrades performed on earlier second-generation trucks. ## Engine Lineup The 223 cubic-inch Mileage Maker Six continued as the standard engine with 133 gross horsepower. The optional F-100 V8 was the 272-cubic-inch [Y-block](/glossary/y-block/), rated at 167 gross horsepower. The 292 and 312 Y-blocks often found in restored 1956 pickups are popular later swaps or passenger-car engines, not additional factory F-100 choices in the period truck references used for this review. ## Custom Cab and Trim Ford introduced the Custom Cab trim level for 1956, offering buyers a more refined interior with upgraded upholstery, additional chrome trim, and a generally more finished appearance. The Custom Cab package acknowledged that a growing number of F-100 buyers were choosing the truck as personal transportation, not just a work vehicle. A redesigned grille and updated exterior trim pieces further distinguished the 1956 from its predecessors. ## Last of the Line As the final year of the second generation, the 1956 F-100 holds a special place among collectors. Its 12-volt electrical system, wraparound windshield, model-year-specific cab, and optional large rear window make it easy to distinguish from 1953-1955 trucks. When originality matters, confirm a claimed factory engine from the serial-number data and casting details; do not treat a 292 or 312 swap as proof of a rare factory option. Condition and documentation remain stronger value signals than engine folklore. Next useful step ## Inspect before you buy a 1956 F-100 Use the matching buyer guide for rust locations, configuration checks, and questions to ask before money changes hands. [ Open the buyer guide → ](/buying-a-1956-ford-f100/) [ Decode a VIN ](/vin-decoder/) [← 1955 Ford F-100 Specs](/1955-ford-f100/)[1957 Ford F-100 →](/1957-ford-f100/) ## Build a 1956 F-100 [Restoration7.3L Godzilla Swap Guide for Ford F-100 TrucksSwap Ford's 7.3L Godzilla V8 into your F-100 for 430+ hp with pushrod simplicity. Covers engine sourcing, swap kits, wiring, and transmissions.](/restoration/godzilla-swap-guide/)[RestorationF100 Interior Restoration GuideA practical guide to restoring your Ford F100 interior, covering seats, headliners, door panels, dashboards, gauges, and parts sources.](/restoration/interior-restoration/)[RestorationF-100 Power Steering Conversion GuideEPAS electric kits, hydraulic box swaps, and rack-and-pinion conversions compared for every F-100 generation. Costs, suppliers, and installation tips.](/restoration/power-steering-conversion/)[PartsFord Flathead V8: Complete Specs, History & HP GuideFord Flathead V8 (1932-1953) -- displacement, horsepower by year, common problems, performance upgrades, and its role in F-100 and hot rod history.](/parts/flathead-v8-engine-guide/)[PartsFord F-100 Insurance & Registration GuideInsure your Ford F-100 with agreed-value coverage, register with antique plates, and handle lost titles for classic truck ownership.](/parts/insurance-registration-guide/)[PartsFord F-100 Value Guide: What Is Your Truck Worth?F-100 market values by generation and condition, auction trends, what drives value up or down, and how to get an accurate appraisal.](/parts/market-value-guide/) ## Keep Exploring [Generation Guide1953-1956 Ford F-100 (2nd Gen): Specs, Engines, ValuesFull generation overview — design changes, engines, and buying advice](/generations/1953-1956/)[Buyer's GuideBuying a 1956 Ford F100: Complete Buyer's GuideWhat to inspect, what to pay, and what to avoid](/buying-a-1956-ford-f100/)[ComparisonCrown Vic vs Mustang II: F-100 Front Suspension ChoicesCompare Crown Vic, Mustang II, and narrowed Crown Vic suspension for an F-100: donor years, wheel fit, steering, fabrication, and complete project costs.](/crown-vic-vs-mustang-ii/)[ReferenceF-100 Timeline 1948–1983Every model year and generation in one view](/history/f100-timeline/)[ToolVIN DecoderVerify the year, engine, and plant on any 1956 F-100](/vin-decoder/) ## Frequently Asked Questions What changed in the 1956 Ford F-100? For the 1956 model year, notable changes included: Wraparound windshield, 12-volt electrical system, new grille, 272 Y-block V8, and optional big rear window As the final year of the second-generation F-100, the 1956 Ford F100 built on the prior year while setting up what came next in the 1953-1956 run. What makes the 1956 Ford F100 the last year of its generation? The 1956 Ford F-100 closed out the second-generation F-100 (1953-1956). Final-year trucks represent the most fully developed version of the generation, with 4 years of refinement. The 1956 specifically is marked by Wraparound windshield, 12-volt electrical system, new grille, 272 Y-block V8, and optional big rear window After 1956, Ford moved to an entirely new design for the following generation. What engines were available in the 1956 Ford F-100? The 1956 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 does a 1956 Ford F100 weigh and measure? The 1956 Ford F-100 had a wheelbase of 110 in and a curb weight of 3,360 lbs. Factory body styles included pickup and panel. It was part of the second-generation F-100 (1953-1956), a generation defined by the debut of the F-100 nameplate and the Y-block OHV V8\. What should I look for when buying a 1956 Ford F100? Focus your inspection on the 1956-specific items: Wraparound windshield, 12-volt electrical system, new grille, 272 Y-block V8, and optional big rear window With 2 factory engine options spanning 133 to 167 horsepower, verifying that a specific 1956 truck has its original engine matters more for value than for most years before or after. Production of only 163,398 makes a clean 1956 Ford F100 genuinely uncommon today. Prioritize trucks with documented history over cosmetic presentation — a clean 1956 with receipts beats a repainted example with an unknown past. Model Years - [1953 Ford F-100: The First F-100 Ever Built](/1953-ford-f100/) - [1954 Ford F-100: Y-Block V8 Debut, OHV Six Specs & Values](/1954-ford-f100/) - [1955 Ford F-100 Specs: 239 Y-Block, Production & Pricing](/1955-ford-f100/) - [1956 Ford F-100: Wraparound Windshield, 272 V8 & Specs](/1956-ford-f100/) Model Years - [1953 Ford F-100: The First F-100 Ever Built](/1953-ford-f100/) - [1954 Ford F-100: Y-Block V8 Debut, OHV Six Specs & Values](/1954-ford-f100/) - [1955 Ford F-100 Specs: 239 Y-Block, Production & Pricing](/1955-ford-f100/) - [1956 Ford F-100: Wraparound Windshield, 272 V8 & Specs](/1956-ford-f100/) On this page - [The Final Second-Generation F-100](#the-final-second-generation-f-100) - [Wraparound Windshield](#wraparound-windshield) - [12-Volt Electrical System](#12-volt-electrical-system) - [Engine Lineup](#engine-lineup) - [Custom Cab and Trim](#custom-cab-and-trim) - [Last of the Line](#last-of-the-line) On this page - [The Final Second-Generation F-100](#the-final-second-generation-f-100) - [Wraparound Windshield](#wraparound-windshield) - [12-Volt Electrical System](#12-volt-electrical-system) - [Engine Lineup](#engine-lineup) - [Custom Cab and Trim](#custom-cab-and-trim) - [Last of the Line](#last-of-the-line) VIN Decoder Decode supported F-100 VIN formats, or use the 1961-1983 data plate decoder for source-backed paint, trim, axle, and transmission codes. [Decode a VIN → ](/vin-decoder/) [1961-1983 Data Plate Decoder → ](/data-plate-decoder/) ### Guides for This Era - Restoration [ 7.3L Godzilla Swap Guide for Ford F-100 Trucks ](/restoration/godzilla-swap-guide/) - Restoration [ F100 Interior Restoration Guide ](/restoration/interior-restoration/) - Restoration [ F-100 Power Steering Conversion Guide ](/restoration/power-steering-conversion/) - Parts [ Ford Flathead V8: Complete Specs, History & HP Guide ](/parts/flathead-v8-engine-guide/) - Parts [ Ford F-100 Insurance & Registration Guide ](/parts/insurance-registration-guide/) - Parts [ Ford F-100 Value Guide: What Is Your Truck Worth? ](/parts/market-value-guide/)