Vehicle Description
After the end of the Second World War, there was a demand for
sports cars in America. The American automobile industry was slow
to recognize this market and foreign companies such as MG and
Triumph were importing and selling two-seat sports cars in large
numbers. General Motors first responded to this demand in 1953 with
the Chevrolet Corvette. Ford responded in 1955 with the all-new
Thunderbird. The 1956 Ford Thunderbirds used the same body as the
1955 models, but there were a few new features that made them
distinctly different. The most visible difference was the outside
location of the spare tire, which collectors refer to as a
Continental Kit as this feature was first seen on the 1940 Lincoln
Continentals. Other stylistic changes seen on the 1956 models
included wind wings, fender mounted cowl vents and a redesigned
rear bumper that provided a neat exit for the dual exhausts. This
example of a 1956 Thunderbird is a largely original car that has
received areas of cosmetic restoration over the years. It is
certainly not a show car, but it is a reliable driver that has been
regularly enjoyed by its current owner. The mileage indicated is
just under 55,000 and the VIN number is M6FH166101. The body shows
some evidence of repair. These repaired areas are mainly the sills
below the doors and the rocker panels, which have evidence of
fillers and visible�rust bubbles in the�paint. Both the driver and
passenger side floor pans also show evidence of old, metal repairs
and a few of the body supports have also been repaired as needed.
These repairs were done many years ago and have survived well. The
trunk pan appears to be solid as does the floor pan behind the
seat. Most importantly, the "X" frame, which is typically damaged
on 1955 through 1957 Thunderbirds, is solid and thick. The
undercarriage appears to be structurally sound and mostly original
with normal surface rust and some original paint. The exterior of
this vehicle is finished in Thunderbird yellow. While the paint is
worn, has overall blemishes and flaws, it shows well from a
distance. The car was originally black from the factory. On the
inside, the black and white interior is very clean and presentable.
The dashboard assembly looks to be mostly original. The working
AM/FM radio is an aftermarket and has a cassette player. There are
rubber floor mats. The power seat assembly moves back and forth but
the up/down function does not operate. The car is equipped with
seat belts. This example is equipped with both the removable
hardtop and the folding, convertible top. Both are in very good
condition. Mechanically, this Thunderbird runs and drives extremely
well. It has been actively used and frequently serviced. The
original 292 cubic inch, Thunderbird V-8 engine starts easily has
been recently tuned. It has never overheated and it does not smoke.
The exhaust system is older and will likely need replacing soon.
The engine is extremely strong and easily propels the car down the
road. The engine is equipped with the optional Thunderbird,
finned-aluminum valve covers. A new fuel tank and sending unit were
installed a few years back. This Thunderbird is equipped with the
seldom seen, three-speed manual transmission, which adds to the
sports car experience. The transmission, clutch, rear end, steering
and suspension appear to be in good working order and the car has a
tight feel when driving down the road. The steering is responsive
and free from excessive play. The brakes have been recently
serviced with new cylinders and hoses. Both the service brakes and
emergency brake operate well. The tires are older but the wheels
have been fitted with new accessory wire basket wheel covers and
new center medallions. The headlights, horn, wiper, heater blower
and rear lights function properly. This Thunderbird is equipped
with an original, dealer installed, air conditioner. The air
conditioner has been recently serviced and filled with R-12. It
blows cold and works well. May need recharging by summer time. Very
few two-seat Thunderbirds are equipped with this desirable option.
Overall, this is a ready to drive Thunderbird that is attractively
priced and ready for its next caretaker. We invite you to come and
see this car personally. We believe you will be pleasantly
surprised.It is a well-equipped car with both tops and air
conditioning. This 1956 Thunderbird can be easily improved upon
while it is driven and enjoyed. It presents an affordable
opportunity for a new or experienced collector to own one of the
most iconic American cars ever built.
