Vehicle Description
Released in 1955, the Thunderbird had created a new vehicle niche;
the personal luxury car. Equipped with performance motors, lots of
standard features, plush interiors and comfortable suspensions, the
Thunderbird was in a class all its own. For many, it was the
quintessential road trip car for two. As with most automakers in
the 50s, the car was drastically updated every year, with new sheet
metal and features. The 1956 model debuted with the spare tire
absent from the inner trunk and mounted as a continental style
spare for additional trunk space, along with the exhaust now
existing through the rear bumper at the corners. Hardtops were now
available with optional porthole windows for better visibility when
in use. And for added cabin comfort, a side vent was incorporated
to the front fender to flow air into the cabin on hot days, along
with side wind wings, sun visors, 12-volt electrical system, and
round heater control knobs. Sales totaled only 15,631, fewest of
all baby Birds, making them highly collectible to this day!
Featured here is a 1956 Ford Thunderbird Convertible finished in
factory code E- Colonial White over XA-interior code of Black &
White. A wonderful host of options start with a powerful P-code
312ci V8 offering 225 horsepower mated to an automatic transmission
and 3.31:1 rear axle ratio! Optional equipment includes under dash
VintageAir air conditioning, Master-Guide power steering,
Swift-Sure power brakes, 4-way power seat, aftermarket cloth soft
top in black, porthole auxiliary hardtop, all tinted glass, back-up
lights, outside rearview mirrors, Magic-Aire heater/defrost with
manual shut-off, wide whitewall tires updated to Coker Classic
radials measuring 205/75R15, and modernized Town & Country radio
with AM/FM/Bluetooth by Antique Automobile!
This example was frame-up restored both cosmetically and
mechanically by its former owner of 24 years, along with some
modern improvements to improve safety, driver comfort, and overall
mechanical operation. Beginning in 2003, the 312ci V8 engine was
fully overhauled with hardened valve seats and updated 1957 intake
with modern Holley 4150 carburetion, replacing the finicky Ford
teapot style carburetor and oil bath air cleaner. It would be
further upgraded with a modern Ford Automatic Overdrive (AOD)
4-speed transmission, front disc brakes with dual master brake
cylinder and DOT 5 fluid, 1957 distributor fitted with Pertronix
electronic ignition & coil, electric fuel pump, electric windshield
wipers, 140-amp alternator charging system, Walker Z-Series brass &
cooper performance radiator with Cooling Components electric fan &
shroud, KYB front shocks and rear air shocks with added sway bar.
The entire car was fully rewired with an American Autowire
22-circuit panel system, as well as having the double-sided foil
insulation installed from the firewall through the trunk to help
with both interior sound quality and aiding in keeping the cabin
cooler in the summer. Even the exhaust system was heat-wrapped
underneath. The restoration was completed in 2004.
The exterior paint was finished professionally in 2-stage fashion
with all chrome re-plated and stainless trim polished for a show
quality presentation. Inside, the carpet & interior upholstery
appear as new. The under-hood presentation has been beautifully
detailed with a factory chrome engine dress-up kit and polished
finned aluminum valve covers. We noted several of the factory
original inspection stampings still remain visible today! Showing
46,801 miles on the odometer, it is believed to be actual, although
no formal documentation was provided to support such a claim. It
runs and drives exceptionally well and would make for a terrific
investment for any driver or tour enthusiast, especially with the
AOD transmission! This special T-Bird cruises 70mph while turning
only 2,200 rpms!
A wonderful color combination that will never last long in this
market, so please act quickly. It will come with an owner's manual,
2 sets of keys, radio instructions, restoration records, complete
wiring diagrams, storage dust cover, spare wire wheel, and factory
tire changing equipment. You would be hard-pressed to find or build
one of equal caliber for the price! Please feel free to call with
additional questions. Thanks for looking!
