Vehicle Description
1956 Thunderbird Roadster When GI's who fought in the European
Theater of World War II returned home, they brought with them fond
memories of the British two-seaters that were a common sight over
there. Some even managed to buy some and have them shipped home. It
was clear to Detroit that there just might be a market for an
American-made version of the famed two-seater open car. The two
most famous of these were the MG-TC (and the later TD) and the
incredibly handsome Jaguar XK-120. Kaiser introduced the famed
Kaiser-Darrin in the early 50s and Chevrolet would follow next with
the legendary Corvette. Ford was not blind to Chevrolet's new car
but chose to develop a car along a different path. It was decided
their car would be made of metal instead of fiberglass; that it
would be powered by a V-8 engine unlike the Corvette's Blue Flame
Six"; and that it would feature roll-down windows and an optional
hardtop, unlike the Corvette's snap-on curtains. They further
decided that it would, as much as possible, utilize the same
tooling and parts interchangeability with the big Fords of that
era. This Magnificent Example is finished in Beautiful Fiesta Red
with Beautiful Red + White Interior & Colonial White Hardtop. This
Classic underwent a comprehensive frame off restoration including
Exterior, Interior, Brightwork, Top, and Mechanics. It comes with a
comprehensive complement of amenities including: Fordmatic
Automatic Transmission Floor-mounted Locking Button Shift Selector
Low and Drive Range Master Guide Power Steering Full
instrumentation Factory Tachometer Telescopic Lifeguard Steering
Wheel Fully Adjustable Directional Signals Magicaire Heating and
Defrost System Signal Seeking Town and Country Radio? Electric
Clock Cigar Lighter (Unused) Lifeguard Seat Belts? Tinted Windows
Lifeguard Padded Sun Visors Backup Lamps Wing Windows Chrome Engine
Dress-Up Kit Rear Fender Shields Rear Continental Kit Rear Fender
Skirts Wide Whitewall Tires "Ford" Scripted Wheel Covers Auto-Wipe
Windshield Washers? "THUNDERBIRD" V-8 Engine 4 Barrel Carburation
312 Cubic Inch Displacement 225 Horsepower 8.4:1 Compression Ratio
3.75 X 3.30 Inch Bore & Stroke Dual Exhaust System 12 Volt
Electrical System Full - Flow Oil Filter 102 Inch Wheelbase 185
Inch Length 3088 lb. Weight 71 Inch Width Highly Detailed Engine
Compartment and Undercarriage All Matching Numbers This Magnificent
Rare Thunderbird is an Absolute Pleasure to Drive and garners all
the "oohs and aahs" anytime out. Many 'Baby Bird' aficionados
consider the "56" to be amongst the Most Beautiful, and Most
Desirable of the "Baby Birds" of the era, with the Continental Kit.
It is in excellent condition throughout. It is ready for Show or
Tour.
