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 a mere59,659
title verified miles and it is backed up by the amazing condition
of the car! As per the build sheet it has nearly every option
available from 1956 including the Continental rear bumper and all
power options, and a convertible top. Bird is the word....
Exterior
Bathed in Sunset Coral, this car was purchased off the dealer lot
in Hollywood Florida in January of 1956. The body panels are
showing some underlying rust, mostly in the rocker wheel well
areas. Also there is peeling of paint, and some cracking where
previous repair efforts have dried out and are now showing. I'll
call it an earlier restoration which retains its shine but has its
faults which can be seen in the close up photos. An egg crate
grille in elongated oval form is fronted by a dual all chrome
"Dagmar" bumper below and a single round headlight with a body
painted visor above on each edge. Between the bumper and the
headlights is a small round turn signal with a shiny bezel. The
stainless trimmings are framing the front wrap around windshield
and are nearly perfect. This car comes with its factory Colonial
White painted hard top. The build sheet says it has a convertible
top, but for some reason it is not photographed so I cannot tell
you about it. A hood scoop, some quarter panel venting and the
round button door handle are just a few of the mid 1950's 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
which is chromed and body matching coral. Tastefully finned rear
quarters culminate in a "flame" shaped backup light topping round
jet engine like rear tail lights. The exhaust is of the through the
rear bumper design and exits are shown on the 45 degree angle at
each rear corner. Turbine style and dog dish centered chromed wheel
coverings and thin whitewall radial tires, which look very much
like the original bias ply tires that came from the factory are on.
A very snazzy yet refined design.... No wonder it outsold the
Corvette!
Interior
A black bench stretches across the passenger compartment. It is
covered in shiny vinyl and has puffy black bolsters and upper back
surrounds with black tuck and roll inserts. It is a power actuated
bench. The door panels it stretches between are black smooth vinyl
on the lowers, black vinyl for elongated armrest and sills and a
middle panel that houses the armrest, power seat toggles, power
window toggles and door actuators which is within a machined swirl
pattern aluminum.This machined swirl pattern aluminum continues
through the center of the dash where some futuristic knobs, pulls
and the factor retro AM town and country radio is 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 speedometer
fan is a horizontal panel with gauges to keep track of other vitals
and fuel level. The large original steering wheel is within this
interior and fronting the dash. On the center of the hump in a sea
of somewhat faded but original black carpeting is the automatic
floor shifter with a black ball topper. This car is not optioned
with seat belts. Classic yet futuristic for this interior, and
certainly worn so I will put it firmly into fair to good condition
overall. In back of the seat, I cannot see a convertible top or the
framing of said structure. Just the power seat actuator bar.
Drivetrain
A flip of the hood, and you will be met with a very clean slightly
patinaed engine bay in black. Within its confines is a 312ci V8
from the factory and is topped by a single 4-barrel carburetor. A
beautiful chromed air cleaner cover tops off the package and a
Ford-O-Matic 3-speed automatic transmission is bolted to the back.
Out back the rear axle is a Dana 44 with 3.31 gears. This has the
factory engine dress up package with the chromed valve valve
coverings and the chromed flying saucer-esque air cleaner covering.
The wipers are vacuum and you'll have some fun with this in the
winter!!
Undercarriage
The underside views on this car show extensive surface rust,
corrosion and patina. I can see invasive rust within the inner
fenders, near the edges of the wheel wells, and some slight
occurrence on the door bottoms. The X frame is sturdy with no signs
of any damage, just plenty of surface rust and road dirt with
corrosion. Dual exhaust, independent coil spring front suspension
with power steering and power drum brakes are noted. And for the
back, power drum brakes and leaf springs.
Drive-Ability
Starting out it ran rough and as it warmed up remained rough, so
I'm attributing it to bad fuel? It runs quietly yet rough, has
smooth shifting and steering is done with ease. The power windows
and seat all are in working condition. The heater blower is
inoperable, the clock does not tick away time, and the radio is
silent.
An earlier restoration now with some cosmetic faults from age and
the weather up north where it has resided for several years.
Wonderful design giving us a "mink coat for father".
P6FH190704
P-312ci V8 4bbl 225hp
6-1956
F-Dearborn, MI Assy Plant
H-Thunderbird Roadster
190704-Sequential Unit Number
WARRANTY TAG
BODY 40A-Thunderbird Roadster
COLOR J-Buckskin Tan
TRIM XG-Brown & White Vinyl
PRODUCTION CODE 27MKJ65-December 27th Build
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 850 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.
