I have a 1956 Ford station wagon with a 312 Thunderbird engine and transmission still in the car. The car belonged to my wife's grandfather and was running when he parked it in the back field around 1964. I had plans to restore it, many years ago, but I have too many projects.

If I sold the engine and transmission what might I expect to get for them?

Well, it's probably not a T-Bird engine if it's in a wagon. The engine hasn't been started since 64, parked in a field which means it probably wasn't prepared properly for "storage" and is very likely seized or worse. If the engine doesn't turn over, I'd offer a little more than scrap value. If it does turn over, maybe $200 - $300. That's what I personally would offer. Doesn't mean it's the value. It might be worth more to someone else.


Lawrenceville, GA

As Charlie asks, does the engine turn over?  If not, then it will need to be torn down to see just what is salvageable or rebuildable.  Once you determine this and you do want to put it up for sale, just post it in the classifieds section. 

 

I’ll add that the Thunderbird V8 emblem on the fender is indicative of either a 292 or 312 on those cars while a V8 emblem was indicative of a 272.  The big selling point in 1956 and 1957 was the Thunderbird V8 sales pitch for the cars.  The 292 and 312's were called Thunderbird V8's when put into the Ford cars.  The 272 was the Ford V8.  With all that being said, has this particular engine been verified as actually being a 312?  The VIN is a good place to start assuming the engine hasn’t been swapped out.

Lorena, Texas (South of Waco)

I was under the impression 312 engines were rare in passenger vehicles in 56. They were suposedly available starting mid year. My info is sketchey at best, others may know better.

312s weren't available in Ford passenger cars until late March of 56 and from everything I've found,only about 3-4 percent of the full size cars came with 312s.

 

Paul,

Boonville,MO

As I recall the '56 312 was a P code in a passenger. First wife had a '56 Victoria that was a factory 312 and I think it was a P. Ran prety good for a teapot carb and small valve heads.

I have a '56 with the "P" code on the vin/data plate and a 312 engine. The car was built late in the year, assembled on June 22, 1956.



Larry

$200 if it is a 312, $100 if 292, or nonverified 312.  Cracked block and or heads are real possibilities.  It has been sitting almost 50 years! 

Mike, located in the Siskiyou mountains, Southern, OR 292 powered 1946 Ford 1/2 ton, '62 Mercury Meteor, '55 Country Squire (parting out), '64 Falcon, '54 Ford 600 tractor.

where are you located? someone might be interested in the whole car for parts. it would save you from haveing to remove the engine.

 lincoln/merc. y-blocks &mel's                                                               bucyrus, ohio.