Opps both were automatics. The power kit was recommended for 312 manual and manual overdrive transmissions only, but once you bought it who knows here they went plus the ones left over into 1957 which they did not could not sell. I heart that some were advertised at $200.00 in 57. That kit was rated at 260 hp when installed.

56 Vic, B'Ville 200 MPH Club Member, So Cal.

Drylakes Racer. 182HP is what i recall my car came factory rated at. in my previous post i was suggesting that a person could pretty much order what they wanted in 1955. I did install an overdrive in my crown and IT WILL RUN 110 MPH in second gear overdrive!  the car looks to have never been touched but who knows over the years! Not trying to get off topic with the power pack post guys. I have seen a tropical rose and white 55 crown with a straight six!! lots of combinations in those days! 

I am almost certain dad told me he had to order a automatic to get the 4 bbl motor but the salesman could of told him a bunch of b/s and this has been a long time ago so my memory of what he said could be wrong,to be honest I never seen very many 4 bbl motors and if I did I think all were automatics and when I did see a manual trans it was usually a 2 bbl motor. I do know someone with a 55 sunliner with a 4 bbl motor and 3 speed o/d but I think he built it that way. So just what did Ford call the 4 bbl option.


Butchering up everything I can get my hands on in Dayton Ohio

That 55 Crown 64B with the 6 cyl I tried to buy about 20 years ago, only 64B with a 6 cyl ever built, I wanted to restore it (talk about rare) Someone beat me to it, several years later at the Ford Nationals In Carlisle I heard the guy who bought it put a V8 in it. I don't know who the guys talking about it were as I was eavesdropping but the general idea i got was they thought putting a V8 in was a really dumb move.
I have to agree. 

I remember seeing a convertible that came with a six.


Butchering up everything I can get my hands on in Dayton Ohio

most likely the same car i am thinking of! I remember hearing it was the only one ever produced!! Im a Y-Guy but would have left the six for sure!! As for the 182HP option and what FORD called it I dont have a clue! Hopefully Someone with more info will chime in soon!! Its been several years but I think I recall the car being Automatic with the six and ZERO OPTIONS! no heater, no radio, clock. Doesnt really matter! the owner had a CROWN VICTORIA!!! Cool in my book!

A friend of mine had a '57 convertible back in the day that was a 6. Thought that was an odd one at the time. I have a '55 44 barrel intake and carb that needs to be rebuilt that I would part with if anyone is interested.

I don't mean to get off the original subject but how would you prove you had the only six cylinder Crown Vic? Those records don't exist do they?

willowbilly: I am sure you can by the id number on the plate. The "M" in my 56 indicates a 292, a 312 would have been a "P" and an "A" indicated a 6. A 1955 had 120HP and a 1956 had 137HP . There are also letters for the 272 in 1956 since it was mostly used in the custom lines. I do not recall seeing a 272 in a 56 Fairlane model it would have had the V8 symbol on the fender like the 55's instead of the red bird. That however does not mean by any means they were not built.

56 Vic, B'Ville 200 MPH Club Member, So Cal.

Whoever was selling the 6 cylinder sunliner claimed it was the only one made too.


Butchering up everything I can get my hands on in Dayton Ohio