Vehicle Description
1956 Ford Thunderbird Roadster
The Thunderbird was Ford's response to the comparatively crude
Corvette and, when introduced in 1955, it outsold the Chevrolet 24
to 1. Behind that success was the car's versatile mix of American
substance and European aesthetics. While the styling is certainly a
highpoint, the unibody construction, which lacks fender or
quarter-panel seams, can make for a challenging restoration. The
Ford Thunderbirds are truly one of the most collectible cars of the
1950's. This '56 is a special survivor showing only a consigner
stated 40,317 miles which is believed to be actual, and it is
backed up by the amazing condition of the car! Bird is the
word....
For consignment, a slice of Ford history to serve up with this
beautiful bird from 1956. Seems that Ford execs were given a car to
drive for the year as a bonus and a promotion, this car was given
to and driven by Chase Morsley Jr. The car comes with the original
invoice to Mr. Morsley. Save for power brakes this car is equipped
with every option that could be had that year. Mr. Morsley also is
the author of "The Man Who Saved the V8" and a copy of this book
comes with the car. And as they say the rest is history!
Exterior
Bathed in Raven Black, this car has had a frame off restoration on
and around 1998. Body panels are very straight and true with good
gaps. Looking down the side of the car, the sheet metal is
respectably straight, and the car shows with an overall sense of
authenticity. An egg crate grille on elongated oval form is fronted
by a dual "Dagmar" bumper below and a single round headlight with a
visor above. Between the bumper and the headlights is a small round
turn signal with a shiny bezel. The stainless trimmings wrapping
the front wrap around windshield are nearly perfect, and this car
comes with the black body matching porthole hardtop. A hood scoop,
some quarter panel venting and the round button door handle are
just a few of the design highlights that are on this car. It is
equipped with a continental rear bumper with the encased spare tire
coming along for the ride. Tastefully finned rear quarters
culminate in a "flame shaped backup light topping round jet engine
like rear taillights. The exhaust is a through the rear bumper
design. Fender skirts, chromed wire wheels, wide whites and new
radial tires which look very much like the original bias ply tires
that came from the factory are on. The convertible top is new from
1998 and is now in back canvas. It sports a clear plastic rear
window and a black tonneau covering makes it nearly seamless when
the top is down and hidden. A very snazzy design and no wonder is
outsold the Corvette!
Interior
A black and white two tone bench stretches across the passenger
compartment. It is covered in shiny vinyl and has puffy black
bolsters and upper backs and white inserts. It is a power actuated
bench. The door panels it stretches between are white ribbed vinyl
on the lowers, black vinyl for elongated armrest and sills and a
middle panel that houses the power seat toggles and door actuators
is a machined swirl pattern aluminum. The window toggles are within
the lower white vinyl. This machined swirl pattern aluminum
continues through the center of the dash where some knobs, pulls
and the upgraded but still retro AM/FM now transistor radio and
climate sliders are located. The top of the dash is padded black
vinyl and in front of the driver is a nice fan design speedometer,
flanked on either side by a round tachometer and clock on the other
side. Underneath the speedo fan is a horizontal panel with gauges
to keep track of other vitals and fuel level. A smaller more
manageable steering wheel replaces the original but maintains its
retro look. The larger original steering wheel will come with the
car. On the center of the hump in a sea of black carpeting is the
floor shifter with a black ball topper. This car is optioned with
seat belts. Classic yet futuristic for this interior, and certainly
nearly perfect. A shout to the trunk which shows as fully restored
and linked in ribbed rubber which is all pristine.
Drivetrain
A flip of the hood, and you will be met with a very clean red
painted block 312ci V8 topped by a single 4-barrel carburetor,
beautiful chromed air cleaner cover, and a Ford-O-Matic 3-speed
automatic transmission. On the back the rear axle is a Dana 44 with
3.31 gears. This has the factory engine dress up package with the
cast ribbed valve coverings and the chromed flying saucer-esque air
cleaner covering. Right down to the FoMoCo plastic window washer
bag all is very authentic. The wipers have gone from vacuum to
electric.
Undercarriage
Underside is very clean, and surface rust free. The frame is
sturdy, and no signs of any damage from the weather exist. The
bottom of the doors are in good condition as well, all in shiny
black paint overall, a new exhaust, drum brakes, power steering and
independent front suspension and leaf sprung for the back.
Drive-Ability
Not a ton of room in these early birds, but once in, they are
comfy. This car fired right up and took off for the test track
where it flew around in circles with ease. A strong accelerator,
and good stopper are also good qualities to have in such an early
car and they are there. All the functions were working during my
drive, and I especially love the updated radio with FM
capability.
A nicely restored '56 bird with some Ford Exec history, plenty of
options and a nice looking example which has won many shows
including a few best of show badges. A convertible, hardtop and
nice history come with this car which is raring to take flight and
make more history and memories.
VIN DECODE
P6FH135988
P-312ci V8 4bbl 225hp
6-1956
F-Dearborn, MI Assy Plant
H-Thunderbird
135988-Sequential Unit Number
WARRANTY TAG
BODY 40A-Thunderbird
COLOR A-Raven Black
TRIM XA-Black & White Vinyl
PRODUCTION CODE 28K027-October 28th
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 650 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.
