The 1956 Ford Station Wagon Power and Performance
Speed-Trigger Fordomatic delivers instant response at the touch of a toe!
The recessed Safety-Sequence Drive Selector is handsomely mounted in a cover plate located in the dash over the steering column. Placing the selector lever in drive (DR) position permits maximum acceleration from standing starts, or in speeds below 18 mph simply by pressing the accelerator down to the floor.
1. Combined range torque converter and automatic transmission to provide a wide range of fully automatic power delivery, for extreme flexibility and smoothest performance.
2. Instantaneous low-gear starts...and instantaneous low-gear acceleration for safe passing on the road and a quick getaway.
3. Automatic intermediate gear for smooth, rapid starts without excessive engine speeds.
4. Safe engine braking (with selector in "LO" position) through intermediate gear above 17-23 mph.
5. Instant acceleration in every speed range.
6. Instant return to intermediate gear at speeds below 65-68 mph (by pressing the accelerator all the way down) for extra hill-climbing or accelerating ability.
7. The Safety-Sequence Selector eliminates the need of going though any forward-speed position when shifting to reverse for greater safety and convenience. Selector is illuminated for night-driving convenience.
8. Three-element torque converter delivers high efficiency because of its simplified construction.
9. Torque converter is effectively air-cooled, eliminating need for complicated, bothersome water-cooling type heat exchanger and water lines.
10. Complete hydraulic mechanical operation and control requires no involved vacuum or electrical connections and provides greater reliability.
Ford's new Thunderbird Y-8 engine is featured as optional equipment in all Station Wagons. It's the engine that has achieved fame in the illustrious Ford Thunderbird. And it gives you agile, long-lived performance with breath-taking response for every power demand. The outstanding 202-horsepower Thunderbird Y-8 with Fordomatic (200-horsepower with Conventional or Overdrive) has all three most-wanted engine characteristics: exceptionally smooth performance, quiet operation, and long life.
Ford's new 137-horsepower I-6 provides truly modern design for those who prefer a six-cylinder power plant. 223 cubic inches big, it features an 8.0:1 compression ratio when teamed with Conventional, Overdrive, or Fordomatic transmissions. The I-6 is standard on all 1956 Ford Station Wagons.
