Vehicle Description
When GIs 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 50's
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
(2) Owner Estate Classic is finished in Stunning Peacock Blue with
a Blue and White Interior, White Porthole Hardtop, and White Soft
Top. It has traveled only 18,000 miles from new and has been
regularly maintained. It comes with numerous amenities including:
Ford Automatic Transmission Floor-mounted Locking Button Shift
Selector Low and Drive Range Master Guide Power Steering Astra-Dial
Full Instrumentation Panel Telescopic Lifeguard Steering Wheel
Fully Adjustable Full instrumentation Factory Tachometer
Directional Signals Magicaire Heating and Defrost System AM-FM -
Cass Sound System Original Radio Included Electric Clock
(Non-Functional) Cigar Lighter (Unused) Colonial White Port Hole
Hardtop Fully Disappearing Soft Top Chrome Side View Mirror Wing
Windows Rear Fender Skirts with Fender Shields Seat Belts Radial
Wide Whitewall tires Stunning Continental Kit Factory Scripted
Wheel Covers "THUNDERBIRD" V-8 Engine Chrome Engine Dress-Up Kitt
312 Cubic Inch Displacement 225 Horsepower 9:1 Compression Ratio
3.80 X 3.44 Inch Bore & Stroke Dual Exhaust System Through Rear
Bumper Ports Alternator (Upgraded for improved night lighting) 12
Volt Electrical System Significant Improved Reliability Full - Flow
Oil Filter T'Bird Scripted Floor Mats Side Opening Fresh Air Vents
102 Inch Wheelbase 185 Inch Length Highly Detailed Engine
Compartment Owner's Manual In 1956, driving a Thunderbird
immediately became the cool thing to do. It was considered "A
Personal Car of Distinction." It was a hit with Hollywood
celebrities, the Country Club Set, and Urban Singles. The
popularity of the T'Bird forced Chevy to make changes to the
Corvette to make it more luxurious, more powerful, and thus more
appealing to a larger group of people. The T'Bird was a Sporty Car,
a Boulevard Cruiser, a Luxury Car, and a Personal Car. It sparked a
"Passion in America" that lives on to this day! This Magnificent
Rare Thunderbird in Prized Peacock Blue with Blue and white
Interior, with only 18,000 original miles, is an Absolute Pleasure
to Drive and garners all the "oohs and aahs" anytime out. Many
'Baby Bird' aficionados consider the "56" with the Factory
Continental Kit to be the "Most Beautiful, and Most Desirable of
the "Baby Birds" of the era. It is Truly A Very Good One. It is
Excellent Throughout and Ready for the Next Cruise Night.
