1956 Ford Thunderbird

Year:	1956
Make:	Ford
Model:	Thunderbird
Price:	$29,900

Description:

Of the three-year series of the original two-seat Thunderbirds, many enthusiasts consider the 1956 model year as the best of the group:  more refined than the ’55 and less altered than the ’57, and fewer made than in the other two years.  The 1956 typifies Ford’s promotion of the 2-seat Thunderbird as a “personal sports car”.  Our fully-equipped ’56 brought all of the luxury Ford offered together in one very nice package. 

This Thunderbird has had a very recent respray in the original white, with a contrasting black hardtop.  The paint, although not show quality, is shiny and free from any chips or nicks.  The signature “port hole” hardtop is in good condition—inside and out, and the contrasting black finish nicely complements the white body.  This car does not have a soft top or top frame, but since these classics are only driven in nice weather, that shouldn’t be a drawback. 

In 1956 Ford moved the spare tire into a continental kit, thereby adding storage room to the trunk as well as enhancing the looks of the car.  Also included in 1956 were much-appreciated side vents and the routing of the exhaust pipes through each side of the rear bumper.  Completing the exterior trim are fender skirts and wire spoke hubcaps that add a sporty note to the car. 

The interior is finished in the original black and white combination, as confirmed by the car’s data plate.  The upholstery and carpeting is in good condition and the dash pad is free from cracks or splits.  For those who wish to do their own decoding, we have included a photo of the car’s data plate. 

This is a highly optioned Thunderbird, including the 312 cid engine, automatic transmission, A/C—that blows COLD, power steering, power brakes, power windows and a power seat.  The car starts right up, shifts properly, and steers, stops and goes as it should.  This is a nice driver that is equipped with all the options that make a car like this a pleasure to own and to drive. 

The outer rockers and lower fenders were repaired at some point in the past but the inner rockers and the floor pans are all in good condition.  The gaps on the doors, trunk and hood are good, possibly due in part to some special frame strengthening welding that this T-bird has been the beneficiary of.  All of  the frame appears solid with no rust-through.    

This car is a reliable driver, having just completed a trip from Delaware to our facility.  Everything appears to work with the exception of the clock and fuel gauge.  The G78 x 15 bias ply tires are in good condition and speak to the effort to maintain the originality of the car.  The mileage on the working odometer is 69,542, but we do not know if that is correct. A new AM/FM/CD changer has been installed but the original radio will convey with the car as well.  A few minor items need repair:  the wipers are very slow and the fuel gauge and clock need attention. 

This is an attractive car in a popular color combination that features all of the options one could want.  Whether an evening at the local cruise-in, dinner at a special restaurant or a day at the golf course, you can be assured that this car will be noticed and admired by everyone who sees it.