Vehicle Description
Very nicely optioned and fully restored 1956 Ford Thunderbird!
Fitted with original 312ci V8, Ford -O-Matic, air conditioning,
power steering, power brakes, power windows, 4-way power seat, and
both tops! Factory coded Fiesta Red over Red/White interior! A
solid, rust free southern California car all its life!! Introduced
in 1955, Fords Thunderbird was arguably a response to Chevrolets
Corvette that dazzled the country in 1953. Although instead on
competing directly in the sports car market, Ford instead strived
to steal attention and launched the car in a new niche category,
the Personal Luxury Car. These cars were, from the beginning,
intended not for practicality but rather for function-follows-form
touring. These buyers were wealthy and demanded the style, options,
and ease of drivability, all without sacrifice to comfort or
reliability. As a result, it was customary to find cushioned rides
and big V8 power plants with automatic transmissions, and full
power accessories as optional equipment. None did this better than
the original 1955-57 Baby bird that remains a style icon from Ford
almost 60 years later! We are excited to offer this 1956 Ford
Thunderbird Convertible finished in a stunning shade of factory
code correct K- Fiesta Red complimented by a matching non-porthole
auxiliary hardtop and correct XB- Red/White combination vinyl
interior, with white vinyl soft top. The car is powered by a
completely rebuilt 312ci V8 and Fordomatic automatic transmission,
with factory appointed 3.31:1 rear axle ratio. This car is fitted
with great options such as Mark IV under dash air conditioning
system, power steering, power brakes, power windows, 4-way power
seat, added seatbelts for safety, engine dress-up kit, aftermarket
AM/FM/8-track player, dual outside mirrors, heater/defrost,
windshield washer, telescoping steering column, reverse lights, and
fender skirts! The car rides on wide whitewall radial tires
measuring 205/75R15 all around, finished with period correct wire
spoke wheel covers. This beautiful, California owned 1956 Ford
Thunderbird was delivered new to a Los Angeles ordering district
sales office and stayed in California through 2018! Our
registration records date back to the late-1970s when owned by
Homer E. Garrett of San Diego, CA who cosmetically restored this
car to its original, factory condition before finally selling it in
April 2008 with only 52,005 miles on the odometer. The new owners,
also from San Diego, CA, would hold onto their new treasure for the
next 10 years! They would show it regularly in the area including
Motorcars on Main Street in Coronado, CA and becoming a 2-time
winner at the Good Guys Hot Rods & Classics car show in Del Mar,
CA! Always cared for with an as-needed basis, it recently routine
servicing with only limited mileage added to the odometer. This
included a complete brake job in November 2008 at 52,204 miles to
include all new wheel cylinders/shoes, turned drums, & brake fluid
by Kearny Mesa Ford. A new aluminum radiator, hi-output water pump,
coolant recovery kit, and thermostat provided through Thunderbird
specialist CASCO were installed along with a complete transmission
rebuild in 2013. This included copper lined clutches, planetary
bushings, stator bushings, trans case bushing and mount, along with
all new gaskets & seals. The mileage at this time totaled 53,526
miles. Thunderbird Headquarters supplied a completely rebuilt,
factory carburetor assembly,fuel pump, fuel lines, and gaskets in
June 2014. Routine tune ups and oil changes have kept this low
mileage example in outstanding mechanical condition. Today, the
odometer reads just 54,319 miles! The exterior paint, chrome,
interior upholstery, and undercarriage can all be described as very
good to excellent condition. This car shows careful attention to
detail with nearly everything, on every surface, restored to an
original look was the priority, and as a result, the car will
impress T-Bird enthusiasts all the while enabling the driver to
enjoy the convenience and benefits of an alternator charging
system, Classic Consoles center armrest with cup holders, and R134s
conversion to the air conditioning system. The engine bay is highly
detailed with all new hoses & clamps, completely rebuilt
carburetor, new brake booster assembly, new exhaust system, etc.
The car comes complete with factory jack & lug wrench, trunk mat,
tire changing instructions on trunk lid, original owners manual,
shop manual, and part catalogs. A very difficult car to criticize
in person, it would be nearly impossible to duplicate the results
for our asking price. We would welcome inspections or additional
questions. We look forward to your business!
