The 1956 Mercury Custom Station Wagon is among the final examples of the Mercury Custom nameplate, which was introduced in 1952 and discontinued after the 1956 model year as Mercury repositioned itself upmarket for 1957. The Custom occupied the second tier of Mercury’s four-level 1956 model hierarchy — above the newly introduced mid-year Medalist and below the Monterey and Montclair — making the Custom Station Wagon the entry-level wagon in the 1956 Mercury lineup. It was available in both 6-passenger and 8-passenger four-door configurations. Notably, the Custom station wagon did not carry faux wood bodyside trim, distinguishing it visually from wagons in competing lines. All 1956 Mercury passenger cars shared a common 118-inch wheelbase.

The 1956 model year brought the most significant mechanical update in the Custom’s history. The 292 cu. in. Y-block V8 carried over from 1955 was replaced entirely by a new 312 cu. in. overhead-valve Y-block V8 — the same displacement used across all 1956 Mercury models. Mercury also adopted a 12-volt electrical system for 1956, enabling expanded comfort and accessory options. Exterior updates included a new “Big M” hood emblem replacing the previous crest badge and a revised full-length multi-tier chrome side spear.

Engine Options: All 1956 Mercury Custom engines are 312 cu. in. Y-block V8s with overhead valves, cast iron block, and five main bearings. Three states of tune were offered. The base 2-barrel version produces 210 horsepower at 8.0:1 compression, paired with manual or overdrive transmission. The Merc-O-Matic automatic version produces 215 horsepower at 8.4:1 compression. An optional 4-barrel carburetor version produces 225 horsepower at 9.0:1 compression. Introduced for 1956, the top “Maximum Duty” option added dual 4-barrel carburetors for 260 horsepower — available with manual transmission only.

Transmission Options: 3-speed manual (standard); Touch-O-Matic 3-speed manual with overdrive (optional); Merc-O-Matic 3-speed automatic (optional). Approximately 90 percent of all 1956 Mercury models left the factory with the Merc-O-Matic automatic.

Chassis & Suspension: Independent ball-joint front suspension with coil springs. Live rear axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs. Four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes. Wheelbase: 118 inches. Overall length: approximately 206.4 inches. Width: approximately 76.4 inches. Tires: 7.10 x 15.

Standard Custom Equipment: Broadcloth upholstery, rubber floor mats, electric clock, luggage compartment light, chrome window surrounds, cloth-and-vinyl interior. Chrome window trim was the primary exterior distinction between the Custom and the base Medalist series.

Available Options: Heater and windshield defroster, AM radio with antenna, power steering, power brakes, and the 225 hp or 260 hp engine upgrades.

Total Mercury production for 1956 was 327,943 units across all models and trim lines.

This 1956 Mercury Custom Station Wagon will be offered at auction exclusively on GuyswithRides.bid, the dealer-free classic and collector car auction platform.

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