Vehicle Description
1956 Ford Thunderbird Roadster
Look up classic car in the dictionary and you may very well find a
photo of a 1956 Ford Thunderbird. It is without a doubt, one of the
most iconic American two seater classic cars in history. So much so
that there's a long list of celebrities who have coveted their own
50's Thunderbird. According to the Vintage Thunderbird Club's
website, the list includes Doris Day, Natalie Wood, Jack Lemmon,
Vic Damone, Bing Crosby, Conway Twitty, and Marilyn Monroe to name
just a few.
For consignment, a 1956 Ford Thunderbird roadster in striking
Fiesta Red and having both a soft top and removable hardtop. This
is a very fine example and one to enjoy on weekends, at car shows,
or simply hanging with friends. Few cars have the presence of the
baby bird, it is rolling art in every way.
Exterior
As the third most common color behind Colonial White and Raven
Black, about 15% of 1956 Thunderbirds were Fiesta Red. Starting at
the nose of the bird, two bumper guards have a resounding presence
on the chrome bumper looking like protruding missiles in front of
the egg crate grille. The long front fenders are led by the
headlights set deep in their coves, while engine vents, ornamental
louvers, and the Ford logo adorn the fender on the other side of
the front wheels. The car seems to lean back a bit, a stance
augmented by the rear fender skirts and low rear bumper that houses
a Continental kit. White wall tires on chrome 15-inch wire wheels
complete the package and the porthole windows on the hardtop remain
one of the most recognizable automotive attributes in history.
Overall, the paint is in splendid condition with some minor
imperfections that include a tiny bubble, a touched up scratch, and
some scuffs. The chrome and brightwork is immaculate. The white
canvas soft top has a number of holes and areas of
discoloration.
Interior
A stunning design starts with the door panels which are an angular
combination of a sweeping red vinyl armrest, a white stitched
panel, and an aluminum insert, all clean and tidy. The entire
pattern is picked up by the dash as if one continuous piece with
cohesive lines of red, white, and aluminum. The bench seat is in
beautiful condition with red surrounding a white stitch patterned
insert. A nice red steering wheel is overlaid by a chrome horn ring
with Ford crest in the center while the speedometer mirrors the
rounded top and displays speed in a numerical arch. Symmetrical
round gauges on left and right show RPM's and the time. In the
center and along the aluminum strip we find the AM/FM radio side by
side with the heater controls. Red vinyl tops the dash while red
painted metal forms the bottom and it's all show worthy. Down below
the red loop style carpet shows some age but is a removable piece.
The trunk is clean and lined with a thin plaid mat.
Drivetrain
A 292ci V8 is under the hood and housed in a squeaky clean engine
bay. The finned Thunderbird valve covers tower over an orange block
and a 4-barrel carburetor is perched on an orange intake manifold.
It's good for 202 horsepower and set into motion via the
Ford-O-Matic 3-speed automatic transmission spinning the driveshaft
back to a Dana 44 rear with 3.31 gears. Drum brakes at all four
wheels handle the task of slowing and stopping the car.
Undercarriage
All clean and dry underneath in better than driver quality
appearance. It lacks both surface rust and visible fluid. Dual
exhaust leaves the engine and finds its way to Smithy mufflers and
exits in one of the coolest presentations ever, through oval slots
in the wrap around section of the rear bumpers. Coil springs are
found in the front for suspension and leaf springs are out
back.
Drive-Ability
Our functionality test begins with the push of the gas and a turn
of the key and the 292 lights up without issue. The ride is sporty
and comfortable, and the design of the interior makes it a great
place to be. Plenty of power on demand and the brakes work just
fine. A couple of minor demerits include the radio not working,
right front turn signal bulb is out, and the reverse lights are
inoperable.
The designer must have been pinching themselves when their design
first rolled off the assembly plant floor. And if not for the
competition and the need for back seats, who knows how long this
design would have lasted had Ford committed to it. But perhaps it's
so special because it was so short lived. If you've always dreamed
of having a red 1950's Thunderbird, this one deserves serious
consideration. It will take three steps. Do the deal, sign your
name, then turn the key. Be sure to put the top down and wave
goodbye as you drive off into the Morgantown sunset, Hollywood
style!
M6FH166158
M-292ci 4bbl V8
6-1956
F-Dearborn, MI Assy Plant
H-Thunderbird
166158-Sequential Unit Number
WARRANTY PLATE
BODY 40A-Thunderbird
COLOR K-Fiesta Red
TRIM XB-Red & White Vinyl
PRODUCTION CODE 1MKJ39-December 1st
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
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