Vehicle Description
1956 Ford Thunderbird Roadster
The Thunderbird and the Corvette have a long and sorted history,
with both initially competing for the same customer space.
Eventually the Corvette went to racing, and the Thunderbird became
the boulevard king. The ultimate getaway car from the kids with
only 2 seats, as well as the option to have a hardtop traveler, or
a convertible cruiser, it became the "it" car for mid-1950's
suburbia.
If you're looking for a sweet 50s-era classic that's valuable, fun
to drive and has the ability to turn Main Street into an instant
classic car show then this is "it" for you. An all Raven Black
exterior with black and white interior and a white convertible, you
will think you are driving down the street in your own tuxedo! Oh,
don't forget we will be bringing up the rear with that Continental
rear bumper complete with covered rear tire.
Exterior
Glossy Raven Black covers the entire bodywork and hardtop, which
have some crazing and cracking on various surfaces. A continental
kit has been added to the rear, which presents in good condition.
Chrome and brite work are noteworthy in that they present in very
nice condition. A hood scoop with chromed intake peeks out from the
top and adds flair to the long hood. Front bumper is straight and
true, and 2 mini dagmars are attached in front of a smiling grille.
On the rear, small fins sprout from the rear quarter panels, and
end at the large chromed continental bumper, and tire cover. Medium
wide white sidewall tires wrap the wheels with their smooth and
wire finish caps. Fender skirts with chrome accents adorn the rear
and add to the "thin body" look of this car. The top sports a
porthole window and a white convertible top is seen tucked behind
the interior bench seat and presents with some minor soiling of the
canvas and wrinkling of the plastic rear window.
Interior
A very nicely restored interior begins with a bench seat with white
vertical tuck and roll inserts surrounded by smooth black vinyl
bolsters. This motif creates the illusion of 2 seats, when in fact
there is just one. Door panels are draped with machined aluminum
and white tuck and roll horizontal vinyl, and smooth black armrest
and are in very nice condition. The black topped dash has the
machined aluminum as well but in a swirl pattern and houses a Town
and Country AM radio. The gauge cluster is neat and clean and is
fronted by an original steering wheel. The floor shifter resides in
a sea of slightly faded condition black carpeting, with black
rubber Thunderbird logo floor mats. The white perforated headliner
in the hardtop shows with some staining and wrinkling particularly
toward the rear.
Drivetrain
A 312ci V8 mill sits nicely in a clean engine bay. It is topped
with a rebuilt 4-barrel carburetor and chromed air cleaner cover.
Other highlights include black Thunderbird logo emblazoned valve
covers, pristine hoses, and a newly painted engine block in red. A
3-speed Ford-O-Matic automatic transmission is attached and
bringing up the rear is a Dana 44 axle weighing in with a 3.31
ratio. We note the rebuilt brake master cylinder and power booster
also.
Undercarriage
A few areas of surface rust, but mostly strong solid steel X frame
and buttoned up floor pans in black with a spattering of road dirt.
Body hangers are strong, and rockers show no rust. Power drum
brakes are on all 4 corners as well as power steering. Dual exhaust
with stock style mufflers handles the exhale of spent fossils and
end within the corners of the shiny chrome rear bumper.
Drive-Ability
She lit right up with the turn of our key, and we were off. It
drove smoothly, exhibited bias free braking and handled well for a
car of its era. The radio works but has no reception, which could
be due to our location but all else was working fine. A good
cruiser that turns heads no matter where you go.
Classic Auto Mall presents this fabulous 1956 Thunderbird
Convertible Raven Black beauty. Whether you are taking it to your
local car show or you're just cruising around town this car is a
real head turner. You can drive it with the hardtop on or soft top
up, or just cruise in luxury with the top down. Either way this
T-bird oozes cool! This classic bird runs and drives great, all it
needs is a new home and some slight TLC.
VIN DECODE
P6FH310197
P-312ci V8 225hp
6-1956
F-Dearborn, MI Assy Plant
H-Thunderbird
310197-Sequential Unit Number
WARRANTY TAG
BODY 40A-Thunderbird
COLOR A-Raven Back
TRIM XA-Black & White Vinyl
PRODUCTION CODE 12F1379-June 12th Build
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.
