1956 Mercury Montclair base v8 engine?

[49clubcoupe]

I picked up a 56' Mercury Montclair for a parts car for my 55' Monterey. Im wondering if the Montclair may have a 312 instead of the 292.

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[dmsfrr]

The original engine for (all) '56 Mercury's was a 312,
if it still has the original engine.
https://www.hemmings.com/magazine/hmn/2015/02/1956-Mercury-Montclair/3747071.html

Here's a couple links to help ID the engine block...
http://www.ford-y-block.com/Block%20identification.htm

...and 312 displacement.
http://www.ford-y-block.com/identify312.htm
.

 

[49clubcoupe]

That's great news. I will be pulling the motor when I get it home. It looks like I will be pulling the pan once it's on the stand. I'm wondering if the Merc o matic trans is identical from 55'-56'. I know they went from 6v to 12v in 56', any electronics at all on these trans?

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[dmsfrr]

. . .
I'm wondering if the Merc o matic trans is identical from 55'-56'. I know they went from 6v to 12v in 56', any electronics at all on these trans?

I know nothing about Mercury specific automatic transmissions.
Ford-o-matics changed from air cooled to fluid cooled in the middle of the '56 model year, no electrical on them. IIRC (?) the neutral safety & back-up light switch is on the steering column.
.

 

[mercman from oz]

The above picture that you posted is of a 1955 Mercury Montclair. Is this the "56" Parts Car that you are referring to? If it is, it won't have a 312 Engine. Sad ending for once was a nice car.

 

[scicala]

I agree. Sad ending for a rare and nice car. Looks like possible original paint with very little surface rust. Especially sad for me, since a '55 Montclair 2 door hard top was my first car.


Sal

 

[49clubcoupe]

The owner told me the car was a 56', he must be mistaken on the year. What are you seeing that identifys it as a 55' instead of a 56'?

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[Kahuna]

Google 56 Mercury. You'll see the difference immediately.

 

[dmsfrr]

mercman is correct, here's a couple photos. (click them to enlarge)
The most obvious clues are the round emblem above the front wheels, hood emblem, chrome trim at the rear of the doors, and shape/style of the front bumper.

 

[scicala]

Love the teal and white '55. That is my first car exactly as I received it, down to the fender skirts. Don't ask me what a dumb teenager (me) did to it.


Sal

 

[49clubcoupe]

I see it now, yes defenitly a 55' parts car. I guess I know now that the trans will be identical.

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[mercman from oz]

Here are the two pictures enlarged that dmsfrr Posted so that you can see the differences between these two models, the 55 at the top and the 56 below. Hope that this helps. In 1955, only the Montclair got the low roof line. In 1956, the low roof line was on applied to all models.