1956 Ford Thunderbird Roadster
The Thunderbird was Ford's response to the comparatively crude Corvette and, when introduced in 1955, it outsold the Chevrolet 24 to 1. Behind that success was the car's versatile mix of American substance and European aesthetics. While the styling is certainly a highpoint, the unibody construction, which lacks fender or quarter-panel seams, can make for a challenging restoration.
The Ford Thunderbirds are truly one of the most collectible cars of the 1950's. This '56 is a nice restoration and with the Continental rear bumper it is a sports car ready to go out for a classy night on the town. A documented 104,850 miles the calculates to a mere 4K miles a year, so yes low mileage. A hardtop means you can take it out on the town all year.
Exterior
Bathed in Raven Black, this car has had a respray to match code A of the original. The paint is not perfect with small areas of cracking, and some scratching and underlying rust below the rear hardtop on the trunk deck edge. The body panels are very straight and true with good gaps. Looking down the side of the car, the sheet metal is respectably straight, and the car shows with an overall sense of authenticity. A mostly rust-free car from down south y'all, now finding its way east. The porthole windowed top is in black, and when it's mounted with the body, the car is really all dressed up and ready to go out. All chrome and brite-work show nicely, including the front egg crate and extra Dagmar adorned grille which also has a few scratches here and there when you inspect it closely, but it is good. On the hood is a bird beak, (appropriate), shaped chromed edge hood scoop. A Continental spare and bumper option have been affixed and also show minor wear in places. A bald spare tire is within the tire casing. Fender skirts are on this car and help show off the classy wide white sidewall tires with chromed flat plate hubcaps.
Interior
Very nice and mostly original looking with a chromed circular spun pattern on the trim strip of aluminum in the center of a black sill and a white ribbed vinyl lower. Get a load of the swooping futuristic arm rest in black. In the stainless we see the actuator and power seat toggles and the power window toggles are below. This stainless wraps around the dash center as well where we find the knobs and pulls, ignition, climate controls, and radio. Above is a black padded dash top and it has a crescent speedo in the center with a single round gauge flanking it on either side. A power bench seat is seen, and it is white tuck and roll inserts with black bolsters, all clear and free of any cracks. Sitting in front of the bench is the original shift lever in its 1956 8 ball style. On the bottom of the dash above the black carpeting is an AC unit. The trunk is clean and lined with original rubber patterned to fit exactly within the confines of the trunk.
Drivetrain
A flip of the hood, and you will be met with a very clean red painted 312ci V8 topped by a single 4-barrel carburetor under a beautiful chromed pith helmet shaped air cleaner cover. A Ford-O-Matic 3-speed automatic transmission is bolted to the back and sends power rearward to a Dana 44 3.31 geared rear axle. The engine and bay are looking very nicely restored.
Undercarriage
Underside is very clean, and surface rust free. The X frame is sturdy, and no signs of any damage from the weather exist. The bottom of doors are in good condition as well with very minor surface rust on the passenger door at the bottom. Independent coil springs are in front and leaf springs for the back. Power drum brakes are all around.
Drive-Ability
Slipping inside I was in 1956 and encircled with the wrap-around glass and corresponding dash. The car came right to life and off to the test track I went. Here it performed very nicely, handled well and came to an abrupt stop. I noticed the passenger window did not move, the power seat tilt function was not working and the radio did not play any tunes.
A mostly original, low mileage per year bird with turnkey attributes. Classy black and chrome and that continental rear bumper on this small sports car is pure tuxedo. No restoration needed, just get in and drive, and you'll have fun, fun, fun till her daddy takes the T bird away!
P6FH192791
P-312ci 4bbl V8 225hp
6-1956
F-Dearborn, MI Assy Plant
H-Thunderbird
192791-Sequential Unit Number
WARRANTY PLATE
BODY 40-Thunderbird
COLOR A-Raven Black
TRIM XA-Black & White Vinyl
PRODUCTION CODE 13C-March 13th
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 850 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display. This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.
