I think the first car my parents ever had was a 49 Ford (I’ll have to double check) and yes, we had a 56 Pontiac (GM)at one time. So that is a strange coincidence!
My dad turned the ‘49 Ford over to me when I got my drivers license in 1955. I remember the ignition was so worn out you had to giggle the key a certain way to get the old girl to start. I loved it! Up until then my transportation was a horse.