1956 Ford Thunderbird Convertible
Original 312ci 225hp 3spd Ford-O-Matic Automatic Transmission
FLAWLESS Three Year Frame-Off Restoration to Perfection
This show quality TBird may be the nicest in existence. After a 3 year frame-off restoration and an $80,000 investment, this is the most beautiful TBird we have ever seen. After seeing this TBird, we are sure you will agree. Every piece on this car has either been completely restored or replaced with NOS replacement parts. The entire restoration is documented with a 2" folder full of receipts & photos from various stages of the restoration (see last 4 photos). Best of all, this TBird has been restored to all original specs with a limited few modifications to enhance safety and road worthiness.
The original window sticker is included with the paperwork. It reflects its sale to Orens Garage in Brundidge Alabama on August 9th, 1956. That date would indicate that this was one of the last of that model year. The new '57s were no more than a month away. The list price was $3064.62 including delivery. It notes delivery was by "Convoy". They would write a very popular song about the Convoy 20 years later. (Funny Stuff!)
Other documentation includes a professional appraisal valued at well over our asking price from back in 2010, a letter from the Dales Rod & Restoration Shop, where this Tbird was frame-off restored in 2003. If you look at the car today, you would think the restoration was done yesterday. The Ebay ad written by the 80yr old second owner in 2013 describes the car in his own words highlighting its First place Senior Class Award from the International Thunderbird Club Nationals receiving 148 out of 150 points in 2011 in Charleston SC. This TBird has traveled less than 200 miles since its sale to the third and last owner in 2013.
The body, paint and chrome are Perfect after nearly 2 decades. The same is true for the interior, trunk, engine bay and powder coated undercarriage. The Ford "Z" color code reflects the Sage Green paint. BOTH factory tops are still on the car and in flawless condition as well. The Port hole hardtop is white as it was when it left the factory. The convertible soft top is like new. Upgraded 2" Wide White Wall tires and Kelsey Hayes rims are on the car. The original rims, original hubcaps and 4 new tires are also included in the sale as shown in the photos.
The 312ci 225hp engine and 3-speed Ford-O-Matic automatic transmission is the factory original. The engine was completely rebuilt top to bottom and runs perfectly. The original Holley 4 barrel carburetor is also original and was recently rebuilt as well. Over the past few weeks, the car has been fully serviced to include an oil lube and filter change, the original Holley carburetor, cleaned fuel pump, new power steering pump, new brakes, a complete check of all fluids and more.... She is ready for the open road.
The 50s & early 60s Tbirds were notorious for what is called "Vapor Lock". Vapor Lock would cause these cars to overheat and stall leaving you stuck at a traffic light until the engine cooled down a bit. (Usually 5-10 minutes depending on outside temperature) They would then start right up again. Quite embarrassing! To avoid that, THIS TBird was fitted with an oversized radiator and other cooling system modifications that have resolved that issue completely. Today, this TBird can cross the desert in July without an issue.
The interior is as good as new in every respect and everything works including the clock. She is equipped with power steering, power brakes, heater & defroster, radio and Positive Action wipers and tachometer. As a standard feature, the speedometer has a clear top which reflects light into it making it easily visible at any time.
This is a true #1 show room quality classic '56 Thunderbird that is absolutely stunning to look at from any angle. A guaranteed show winner at Any show with absolutely NO Disappointments!
