Vehicle Description
1956 Ford Thunderbird Convertible
The Thunderbird and the Corvette have a long and sorted history,
with both initially competing for the same customer space.
Eventually the Corvette went to racing, and the Thunderbird became
the boulevard king. The ultimate getaway car from the kids with
only 2 seats, as well as the option to have a hardtop traveler or a
convertible cruiser, it became the "it" car for mid 1950's
suburbia.
For consignment, a 1956 Ford Thunderbird convertible showing 72,882
miles but the true miles are unknown. We love baby birds here at
Classic Auto Mall and have had the honor of representing many of
the years, so we take notice when one comes in that veers even
slightly from stock appearance or configuration.
Exterior
Our consignor states the paint is newer and was applied as two
stage Raven Black, and the porthole adorned accessory hardtop wears
the same color. What strikes us almost immediately after the pitch
black paint, is the front which lacks the torpedo shaped bumper
guards usually associated with 1956 Thunderbirds and it replaces
elegance with a bit of aggression, as the gaping eggcrate grille is
on full display, side markers become more obvious, and the hood
scoop somehow looms larger, all with a simple change. Out back, the
lack of a Continental kit creates a more streamlined tail which
retains the finned tail lights but loses the pierced bumper for a
simple wrap around unit. Fender gills are still here accompanied by
the Ford crest but powder coated 15-inch Rocket Racing wheels are
an exciting detour from the typical hubcaps normally found on
Thunderbirds, and these have knock off spinner center caps.
Metalwork, paint, and lenses are all excellent on the car and the
sole imperfection we note is a scratch over a wheel opening.
Interior
The newer interior begins with alternating panels of Peacock Blue,
White vinyl, and textured aluminum on the door panels, a dramatic
break from the black exterior and both doors are in excellent
condition. White vinyl pleated panels are surrounded by the Peacock
Blue on the bench and it's in immaculate shape. Patina graces the
blue steering wheel which leads to the dashboard taking on the
pattern, colors, and materials of the door, although the aqua dash
pad is padded and stitched where the door's header is painted
metal. A tachometer and clock flank the arching speedometer with
perfect symmetry while black knobs occupy the metal mid panel,
along with an AM radio and vent lever panel. A simple shifter rises
from the floor which is covered by a blue looped carpet while fresh
air panels occupy the footwell with chrome housing. Up top, the
white perforated headliner of the accessory hardtop is in good
shape, and the trunk is lined in a period plaid vinyl mat that
presents cleanly.
Drivetrain
Finned Thunderbird valve covers top a driver quality 312ci V8,
fueled by a rebuilt 4-barrel carburetor and mated to a Ford-O-Matic
3-speed automatic transmission. This combination is sending power
to a Dana 44 axle with 3.31 gears. Drum brakes are front and rear
provide the whoah factor. Our consignor states the following have
been rebuilt: the mechanical fuel pump, the starter, and the brake
system. An auxiliary electric fuel pump has been added along with a
new fuel tank.
Undercarriage
Here we find the new gas tank and generally clean conditions all
around. There's a drop or two of oil but does not appear to be an
active leak. Dual exhaust, colored by some typical surface rust,
encounters stock style mufflers before leading to tailpipes that
exit under the car and are painted black. Suspension is made up of
coil springs up front and leaf springs in back.
Drive-Ability
A quick starter and the car's interior provides a bright and
energetic control center from which to pilot this black beauty. The
312 delivers good power from its 225 horsepower rating, and the
tires provide straight tracking and good handling. We note the
clock, radio, and heater blower are not working, but all other
functions operate as they should. While Classic Auto Mall
represents that these functions were working at the time of our
test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at
the time of your purchase.
This slight deviation from some Thunderbird norms creates a unique
and exciting version of the classic baby bird, and one that may
appeal to someone looking for one to drive and enjoy rather than
scoring points at a concours event. The bronze wheels just seem to
work here and the stripped down exterior creates a more tossable
profile while retaining its important Thunderbird character.
P6FH314289
P-312ci 4bbl 225hp V8
6-1956
F-Dearborn, MI Assy Plant
H-Thunderbird
314289-Sequential Unit Number
WARRANTY PLATE
BODY 40A-Thunderbird
COLOR LE-Peacock Blue & Colonial White
TRIM XC-Peacock Blue & White Vinyl
PRODUCTION CODE 18FSD458-June 18th, Boston DSO, 458th Car Scheduled
To Be Built That Day
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.
There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee
is not included in the advertised price.
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!
