56 Courier

Gerry

Senior Member
What should the body style be on a 56 courier? Is there a web site that would decode the vin? Have a friend that would like the information Thanks. Gerry
 
If my memory is working correctly, a '56 courier is what is commonly called a sedan delivery. A friend of mine has a '56 courier that has an upgraded power train.
I believe Ford used the "Courier" name again on the '57-60 Ford F-100 panels that were specially configured to look like a suburban, many of which were converted to emergency vehicles.
Yes... there was also a Courier pick up in the late 70's/80's that was reputedly made by Mazda.
 
I couldn't find a code specifically for a '56 Courier, nor could I find a listing for the nameplate "Courier". But a 1956 Sedan Delivery is listed as body style 78A. Only listing for a Courier in my car Parts Book (dated 1964) for a "Courier" is 1959, and they're body style 59E. Don't think I've ever seen one of them.

The mini pickups in the 70s were indeed mostly Mazda, but badged as Ford Couriers. I was a Ford Parts Manager during some of that decade and I had numerous Couriers as department delivery trucks. Thrifty little econo-pickups, good for what they were.

Nice pic of a '56 S/D - thanks Dog427435!:

858.jpg
 
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My 53 - 57 Body Parts Catalogue lists Courier,Mainline,Sedan Delivery and Custom all as 78A Body Type.

Oldmics
 
It is possible that Ford only used the "Courier" designation on the '52-54 sed delivery's. I say this because until just a couple of years ago I knew of a '52-53 Ford Courier sitting in a grove of trees in Central Nevada.
I drive through that part of Nevada several times a year traveling to a place I have in Idaho. During one of my trips I happened to stop near an abandoned ranch for a break, noting some vehicles sitting in the clump of trees I walked over to take a look. There were two 36 Dodge pickups and a '52-53 Ford Courier. As I recall, the Courier had a swinging door that opened on the right, swinging to the left, on the rear fenders there were two script emblems that said "Courier".
I have pictures of the cars, however, they are prior to digital and are buried away in one of my albums.
Until last fall the Dodges were still there but someone got the Courier about three years ago.
 
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