Vehicle Description
1956 Ford Thunderbird Convertible
In 1955, while the production of the first Thunderbirds was nearing
completion Ford had a problem, they lacked a name for their new
sports car. 5,000 names for the vehicle were suggested including
Beaver, Detroiter, Runabout, and Savile. These names were
unimpressive to the team working on the sports car. Crusoe offered
a $250 suit to anyone who could do better. Ford stylist Alden
Giberson stepped up to the challenge and recommended the name that
the team would go with, Thunderbird. Thx to Ford.com
For consignment, a '56 T-bird in all its iconic glory. Very few
cars have the distinguished visual notoriety of the 50's
Thunderbirds. This one presents with just 56,610 title verified
actual miles and is a fine representation with some desirable
options in addition to its standard features.
Exterior
Resprayed in Fiesta Red many years ago, it makes a statement like
no other color can. The long hood is fronted by round headlights
inset in forward leaning surroundings. The bumper, with its rocket
shaped bumperettes is a bold and aggressive design feature, while
the hood scoop adds to the sportiness. The chrome bumpers, front
and rear, are in great shape and most of the brightwork is too.
This car has the optional rear fender skirts, which are enhanced by
a chrome trim piece. The continental kit was standard for '56 and
is still on this car in beautiful condition. While we're back here,
we note the tail lights which contain a reverse light in a
triangular extension of the brake light, topped by a red reflector.
This design would be changed in '57 placing the reverse lights in
the center of the red circles. The '56 configuration accentuates
the fins on the car better and is a nice accent to the continental
kit. The Colonial White fiberglass hardtop, portholes and all, are
in great shape and match the wide whitewall tires which are wrapped
around 15-inch wire wheels. There are numerous imperfections in the
paint including cracks, discolored touch-up, chips, and bubbling.
Despite these flaws, the car shows well as a whole.
Interior
A red and white bench seat with a wrap-around stitched insert is in
excellent condition with the driver's side showing a few very minor
wear marks. The door cards with stylized aluminum inserts and
stitched panels are as pure a 50's piece as you'll find. The
patterns of the red and metal door panels flow continuously through
the dashboard where an arched speedometer mirrors the curvature of
the steering wheel. A tachometer and clock in round red bezels
flank the speedometer, and switches are neatly arranged on the
silver band below. An AM radio is found in the center just below an
interior light which serves in lieu of an overhead dome light. The
entire dash is covered with a padded, stitched red vinyl overlay. A
floor mounted shifter is a small sturdy thing, housed in a small
chrome gate. The red loop style carpet is faded in some areas while
the grates to the fender vents are in excellent shape. The trunk is
lined with a loose fitting plaid mat showing some staining.
Drivetrain
The correct 312ci V8 is present, and these engines were rated at
225 horsepower. This one is connected to a Ford O-Matic 3-speed
automatic transmission which sends power to the rear wheels via a
Dana 44 axle with 3.31 gears. A single 4-barrel carburetor meters
the gas. The painted block, finned Thunderbird valve covers, and
chrome air element box all make for a dramatic presentation in the
engine bay. It's very clean and show ready! Power assisted drum
brakes are found at each wheel.
Undercarriage
Relatively clean underneath with only minor spots of surface rust.
The dual exhaust flows through the X-frame where it meets a pair of
stock style mufflers, then up over the rear axle, turning outward
to meet a funnel that directs the exhaust out of cut outs in the
chrome bumper wrap-around, how cool! Independent suspension up
front with coil spring is found and in back, leaf springs.
Drive-Ability
We left the top on for our test loop and fired up the V8. The low
center of gravity and the open bench seat combine for a pleasant
driving experience. Acceleration was very good, and the power
brakes did a good job at countering the momentum. A longer
wheelbase makes for smooth turns and visibility is good with the
big back window, even the portholes, help with momentary blind spot
checks. We noted the heater blower, radio, clock and reverse lights
were all non functional.
We represent Thunderbirds of every year, condition, and color. This
Fiesta Red is a coral color and a spectacular hue of red. This is a
solid car and a rolling example of 50's style, representing
America's foray into the sports car and "go fast" world of less
than boring pedestrian cars!
P6FH149273
P-312ci 4bbl V8 225hp
6-1956
F-Dearborn, MI Assy Plant
H-Thunderbird
149273-Sequential Unit Number
WARRANTY PLATE
BODY 40-Thunderbird
COLOR K-Fiesta Red
TRIM XB-Red & White Vinyl
PRODUCTION CODE 10L-November 10th
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and
collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate
controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8
acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic
and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the
I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit
www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us
anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in
person.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and
we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host
Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends
in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and
automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune
in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy
listening. You can also watch on YouTube!
