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 nice restoration and with the Continental
rear bumper it is a sports car ready to go out for a classy night
on the town. A documented 104,850 miles the calculates to a mere 4K
miles a year, so yes low mileage. A hardtop means you can take it
out on the town all year.
Exterior
Bathed in Raven Black, this car has had a respray to match code A
of the original. The paint is not perfect with small areas of
cracking, and some scratching and underlying rust below the rear
hardtop on the trunk deck edge. The 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. A mostly rust-free car from down
south y'all, now finding its way east. The porthole windowed top is
in black, and when it's mounted with the body, the car is really
all dressed up and ready to go out. All chrome and brite-work show
nicely, including the front egg crate and extra Dagmar adorned
grille which also has a few scratches here and there when you
inspect it closely, but it is good. On the hood is a bird beak,
(appropriate), shaped chromed edge hood scoop. A Continental spare
and bumper option have been affixed and also show minor wear in
places. A bald spare tire is within the tire casing. Fender skirts
are on this car and help show off the classy wide white sidewall
tires with chromed flat plate hubcaps.
Interior
Very nice and mostly original looking with a chromed circular spun
pattern on the trim strip of aluminum in the center of a black sill
and a white ribbed vinyl lower. Get a load of the swooping
futuristic arm rest in black. In the stainless we see the actuator
and power seat toggles and the power window toggles are below. This
stainless wraps around the dash center as well where we find the
knobs and pulls, ignition, climate controls, and radio. Above is a
black padded dash top and it has a crescent speedo in the center
with a single round gauge flanking it on either side. A power bench
seat is seen, and it is white tuck and roll inserts with black
bolsters, all clear and free of any cracks. Sitting in front of the
bench is the original shift lever in its 1956 8 ball style. On the
bottom of the dash above the black carpeting is an AC unit. The
trunk is clean and lined with original rubber patterned to fit
exactly within the confines of the trunk.
Drivetrain
A flip of the hood, and you will be met with a very clean red
painted 312ci V8 topped by a single 4-barrel carburetor under a
beautiful chromed pith helmet shaped air cleaner cover. A
Ford-O-Matic 3-speed automatic transmission is bolted to the back
and sends power rearward to a Dana 44 3.31 geared rear axle. The
engine and bay are looking very nicely restored.
Undercarriage
Underside is very clean, and surface rust free. The X frame is
sturdy, and no signs of any damage from the weather exist. The
bottom of doors are in good condition as well with very minor
surface rust on the passenger door at the bottom. Independent coil
springs are in front and leaf springs for the back. Power drum
brakes are all around.
Drive-Ability
Slipping inside I was in 1956 and encircled with the wrap-around
glass and corresponding dash. The car came right to life and off to
the test track I went. Here it performed very nicely, handled well
and came to an abrupt stop. I noticed the passenger window did not
move,the power seat tilt function was not working and the radio did
not play any tunes.
A mostly original, low mileage per year bird with turnkey
attributes. Classy black and chrome and that continental rear
bumper on this small sports car is pure tuxedo. No restoration
needed, just get in and drive, and you'll have fun, fun, fun till
her daddy takes the T bird away!
P6FH192791
P-312ci 4bbl V8 225hp
6-1956
F-Dearborn, MI Assy Plant
H-Thunderbird
192791-Sequential Unit Number
WARRANTY PLATE
BODY 40-Thunderbird
COLOR A-Raven Black
TRIM XA-Black & White Vinyl
PRODUCTION CODE 13C-March 13th
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.
