Generation 2 · 1953–1956
1955 Ford F-100 Specs: 239 Y-Block, Production & Pricing
- Top Engine
- 239 Y-Block V8 · 132 hp
- Wheelbase
- 110 in
- Original MSRP
- $1,609
- Production
- 124,842
fordf100s.com · Updated
Factory Spec Sheet
MODEL YEAR 1955
| Wheelbase | 110 in |
|---|---|
| Curb Weight | 3,325 lbs |
| Body Styles | pickup, panel |
| Original MSRP | $1,609 |
| Production Numbers | 124,842 |
| Engine | Displacement | Horsepower | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 223 Mileage Maker Six | 223 ci | 118 hp | inline-6 |
| 239 Y-Block V8 | 239 ci | 132 hp | ohv-v8 |
Available Transmissions
- 3-speed manual
- 3-speed manual with overdrive
- Ford-O-Matic automatic
A Distinctive 1955 Refresh
The 1955 Ford F-100 continued to evolve the second-generation platform with model-year-specific grille, hood, and trim changes. Its engine lineup remained within the early truck Y-block era; the larger 272-cubic-inch V8 commonly associated with 1956 F-100s was not the standard 1955 F-100 V8.
The 239 Y-Block V8
The F-100’s Power King V8 remained a 239-cubic-inch Y-block, rated at approximately 132 gross horsepower in period truck literature. Some broader 1955 Ford truck references also list other Y-block displacements for heavier series and specific applications, which is why identification should be based on the truck’s data plate and engine casting rather than a generic 1955 Ford engine list.
The 223 cubic-inch Cost Clipper Six continued as the standard F-100 engine at approximately 118 gross horsepower. Both factory choices were overhead-valve designs, unlike the Flathead V8 used two years earlier.
Exterior Updates
The 1955 F-100 received a redesigned hood that gave the front end a slightly updated appearance. While the overall cab structure and body panels remained consistent with the 1953-1954 trucks, the new hood provided enough visual distinction to mark the 1955 as a mid-cycle refresh. The familiar grille and headlight arrangement continued largely unchanged.
Transmission and Chassis
The transmission lineup carried over from 1954, with the 3-speed manual as standard equipment, overdrive as an option, and the Ford-O-Matic automatic available for those who preferred it. The 110-inch wheelbase and basic chassis architecture remained the same, providing the proven ride and handling characteristics that buyers had come to expect from the second-generation F-100.
Production and Market Position
Ford produced approximately 124,842 F-100 trucks for 1955, reflecting healthy demand for the updated model. The base price started at around $1,609 for a standard pickup, positioning the F-100 competitively against Chevrolet’s Task Force trucks that had debuted the same year with their own new styling.
Collectibility
The 1955 shares its basic cab with the 1953 and 1954, but its grille, hood, and trim deserve model-year-specific inspection. A truck advertised with a 272, 292, or 312 may still be an appealing period-style build, but those engines should not automatically be presented as its original 1955 F-100 powerplant. Documentation, cab and frame condition, and restoration quality matter more than broad claims about a particular engine commanding a premium.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What changed in the 1955 Ford F-100?
For the 1955 model year, notable changes included: New V-notched grille and hood treatment; 223 Cost Clipper Six and 239 Power King Y-block V8 As the third year of the second-generation F-100, the 1955 Ford F100 built on the prior year while setting up what came next in the 1953-1956 run.
Where does the 1955 Ford F100 sit within the 1953-1956 generation?
The 1955 Ford F-100 was the third model year of the second-generation F-100, placing it at the midpoint of the 1953-1956 run. By 1955, the generation had stabilized and buyers benefited from several years of running changes. The 1955 specifically added: New V-notched grille and hood treatment; 223 Cost Clipper Six and 239 Power King Y-block V8
How many 1955 Ford F100 trucks were built?
Ford produced approximately 124,842 units of the 1955 Ford F100. The original MSRP started at $1,609, which put it at the accessible end of the light-duty truck market for 1955. For 1955 production, volumes were modest, which affects collector availability today. Condition, originality, and trim level matter more than raw production numbers when valuing a specific truck.
What motors could you order in a 1955 Ford F-100?
The 1955 Ford F-100 offered 2 engine options: 223 Mileage Maker Six (223 ci, 118 hp); 239 Y-Block V8 (239 ci, 132 hp). The lineup drew from Ford’s OHV Y-block, Ford’s inline-six. The strongest available was the 239 Y-Block V8 at 132 horsepower, while the base engine was the 223 Mileage Maker Six at 118 horsepower. Transmission choices were 3-speed manual, 3-speed manual with overdrive, Ford-O-Matic automatic.
What should I look for when buying a 1955 Ford F100?
Focus your inspection on the 1955-specific items: New V-notched grille and hood treatment; 223 Cost Clipper Six and 239 Power King Y-block V8 With 2 factory engine options spanning 118 to 132 horsepower, verifying that a specific 1955 truck has its original engine matters more for value than for most years before or after. Production of only 124,842 makes a clean 1955 Ford F100 genuinely uncommon today. Prioritize trucks with documented history over cosmetic presentation — a clean 1955 with receipts beats a repainted example with an unknown past.