Now you can own a 1956 Thunderbird like the iconic Marilyn Monroe Thunderbird for much, much less! This classic 1956 Ford Thunderbird has been owned since new by one Southern California family and shows original mileage of 98,920; the current Southern California owner purchased this unique vehicle in late 2016 for restoration. The primary goal of the two year frame-up restoration was to retain as much of the original equipment and hardware as possible, while replacing original parts needing repair with quality reproductions, and servicing or rebuilding all drivetrain components to allow for a reliable and driveable classic car. This is one of the finest restored 1956 Thunderbirds in Southern California. You can drive it without worry.
Every component of the drivetrain has been serviced, and rebuilt as necessary for reliability. The original motor was replaced in the early 1970s and has been driven approximately 50,000 miles in California; it runs flawlessly. The original 3-speed manual transmission with overdrive, a rare combination, has been inspected, serviced and the overdrive components have been rebuilt. It shifts like new.
A complete listing of the restored/replaced components is shown below.
- new fuel pump has been installed and the original carburetor has been rebuilt to provide reliable service.
- a digital ignition module has been installed beneath the new distributor cap and a high performance coil has been installed to insure proper starting and performance. A new distributor rotor, spark plug wires and spark plugs have been installed.
- engine cooling system has been upgraded with a new water pump and the original radiator has been cleaned out and restored.
- heating system has been rebuilt with a new heater core; new hoses and belts have been installed.
- the original-style generator has been cleaned, serviced and works perfectly.
- engine bay has been cleaned and repainted.
- original dress-up kit aluminum valve covers have been restored to showroom brilliance.
- braking system has been cleaned and adjusted to meet original specifications.
- front suspension has been rebuilt with new control arm bushings, coil springs, ball joints, stabilizer bar and tie rod ends.
- power steering was added to improve driveability and safety during the restoration process using new/rebuilt original quality parts. This is not a reproduction unit.
- new front and rear heavy duty, original style shock absorbers have been installed.
- rear leaf springs were previously replaced (driven less than 4,000 miles since).
- rear axle was inspected and serviced. It runs quietly.
- new Firestone, original-style whitewall tires were installed with the original hubcaps to complete the popular mid-1950s look. A new Firestone tire was also installed in the continental kit.
- the interior dash has been restored to original quality by a highly respected southern California Thunderbird restoration and parts company. New reproduction aluminum trim and bezels were installed. Dash instruments were cleaned, tested and new instruments light bulbs were installed. The clock has been rebuilt with a quartz movement to eliminate battery drain.
- an electric two-speed windshield wiper motor has been installed to improve safety if you get caught in the rain; the original wiper arms were restored and new wiper blade inserts have been added.
- a modernized Town and Country transistor radio has been added providing AM/FM stereo/Aux input and Bluetooth smartphone capabilities, including handsfree cell phone operations.
- seats were restored with period-correct materials; new foam cushion material has been added for a comfortable ride.
- new interior door panels and kick panels have been installed along with new carpeting.
- new (reproduction) headliner material was installed to complete the repainting of the fiberglass hardtop.
- new seatbelts have been installed for daily driving. The original aircraft-style seat belts have been re-webbed and installed with the rare and original stainless steel buckles. These can be displayed for authenticity at car shows.
- the body was stripped of its original black paint down to the underlying metal, minor imperfections (e.g., parking lot dings) were pulled out and the entire car repainted in the original black color and clear coated. This is a show quality repainting.
- removable hardtop was stripped to the base fiberglass, coated with new resin, and repainted.
- a new tonneau cover was added for use when the top is off and the car is to be parked. The original tonneau is included in the purchase.
- new weather stripping has been installed throughout the car.
- original front and rear bumpers have been re-chromed, and original mounting brackets have been repainted or powder coated.
- the front grill is original and has been re-chromed. Chrome trim around the windshield and the interior adjustable steering column are original to the car and have been re-chromed.
- All stainless trim is original and has been restored to original quality.
I have historical documents and many receipts for work done by the original family owners, and all receipts for the recently completed 2 year restoration. This quality classic will make a sparkling addition to your collection as well as provide a fun and reliable driving experience for many years.
