Vehicle Description
1956 Ford Thunderbird Convertible
Ad men from the 1950's described the car using such terms as "A
Mink Coat for Father" or "Light of Hand" (referring to the ease of
handling and steering) and "6AM Thunderbird Time" featuring a very
nice suburban upper middle-class house, a jacket and tie husband
leaving for work, passing the milkman on the way out as the
family's Irish setter watches his master leave for work.
Quintessential middle-class success, but they had to work for
it.
A pristine restoration example in pale yellow with a white hardtop
and a porthole window within it. Much attention to detail has been
paid during this redux process, which includes fresh paint, fresh
tune up, and an engine dress up kit. This car is an excellent
example of a Ford classic.
Exterior
Step in for a closer look to find all the details firmly in place
and ready for show. At the front, a stainless egg-crate grille
rides between clean headlights, a delicate header emblem and a
sculpted bumper that bends around peaked fenders. Between those
fenders, a classy hood scoop leads the eye to a wraparound
windshield that's reflected by a single chrome mirror, cleared by
satin-finished wipers, and framed by thick chrome trim. When the
weather stops being agreeable, a white cloth convertible top comes
to the rescue while complimenting the body color for a striking
look and clear rear plastic. There is also a white fiberglass
hardtop with this one, allowing you to enjoy this classic bird year
round. Below, sculpted door handles, and stainless-trimmed fender
skirts perfectly complement chrome fender louvers, small Ford
emblems and glowing "Thunderbird" scripts that sit to the front of
fender vents. The 56 has arguably the most memorable rear view of
all the Thunderbirds with finned quarters capped by pointed
taillights. This bird is accentuated by a Continental rear bumper
with an extra bump out that houses a metal covered chrome banded
and center chrome capped spare tire holder. Kelsey Hayes wire
wheels are wrapped by wide whites on all 4 corners.
Interior
Dramatic styling was king in the 1950s and it certainly didn't stop
on the outside. Between the doors of this Ford, a pleated black and
white vinyl interior offers seating for two with plenty of
period-correct charm. Nicely aged door sill plates clamp the
corners of clean black carpet. In the center, a chrome shifter
extends through the floor, free of any type of console. Seating is
provided by a pleated white insert bench seat with jet black
bolsters which shows beautifully. At either side, matching door
panels are dressed with attractive spin pattern aluminum pieces as
well bright window cranks and door pulls. Power seat toggles are
embedded within the aluminum trim. The dash in its padded glory,
comes at you with its curved shape, and is covered in crack free
black vinyl. The factory gauges monitor fuel, rpm, speed,
temperature, and time from within a spin patterned aluminum bezel
that looks great amidst the black paint and wraps to match the
doors. Chrome pull knobs control accessories like lights and wipers
while the Town and Country radio provides all the entertainment
needed. There is also an under dash mounted digital aftermarket
Stereo/CD player for added enjoyment. In front of the driver, a
nice black steering wheel extends forward, offering control over
the front wheels. A lift of the deck lid we find solid pans beneath
a correct plaid floor mat, and no rust here. A pair of fender
skirts are residing in this trunk as well and can easily be
attached when you want.
Drivetrain
Tilt the lightweight hood forward to find one of Ford's overhead
valve 312ci V8s. Factory heads topped with original valve covers,
cast "Thunderbird" and horizontal ribs, frame a factory intake,
while a matte aluminum painted air cleaner assembly tops the 4
barrels. This nicely restored engine, correct for this car, is
backed by the 3-speed Ford-O-Matic automatic transmission, and an
incorrect Dana 44 rear axle.
Undercarriage
The original X frame structure is strong and true, with little to
no surface rust. Some patina of surfaces is noted on this now 65
year old cruiser. A few new parts put on recently such as shocks
and some suspension parts show newer but are functioning in
conjunction with the originals just fine. Some peel off of the
undercoating is noted in a few areas. Door bottoms also present
with surface rust.
Drive-Ability
A slip inside the 50's styling and we are wrapped in black and
white heaven. This car started easily and ran very smoothly. It
corners without creaks or rattles and has snappy acceleration. A
very nice all-weather cruiser.
This beautiful bird with a hardtop and soft top shows well for its
age. A few minor faults certainly do not detract from its awesome
1956 design, a favorite among T-Bird collectors. If you are into
having a 1 car parade down main street when you go to pick up the
dry cleaning, then this very nice restoration. They call me mellow
yellow! Quite Right!!
VIN DECODE
P6FH348733
P-312ci V8 4bbl 225hp
6-1956
F-Dearborn, MI Assy Plant
H-Thunderbird
348733-Sequential Unit Number
WARRANTY TAG
BODY 40A-Thunderbird
COLOR M-Golden Glow Yellow
TRIM XA-Raven Black, Colonial White
3HCE171- August 3rd
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 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.
