Vehicle Description
1956 Ford Thunderbird Convertible
A young Ford designer won $250 when his idea for naming the car was
selected over Hep Cat, Flag-liner, and Beaver. He was inspired by
the image on a mug he had from New Mexico which depicted a Native
American mythological bird that created thunder, lightning, and
rain.
For consignment, a 1956 Ford Thunderbird showing 35,794 miles, but
the true miles are unknown. Of the baby birds, the 1956 is the
least common, with just 15,631 being produced, about 500 less than
1955 and nearly 6,000 less than 1957.
Exterior
There were eight exterior colors available in 1956 and mid-year,
Ford introduced two more. But Colonial White was one of the
original colors and covers our car from stem to stern and includes
the hardtop. Torpedo shaped bumperettes are likely more esthetic
than safety feature, and who doesn't love the look? Coupled with
the single headlights that have extended brows, and the rising hood
scoop on the hood creates an attractive and aggressive face coming
at you. On the side, ornamental trim and duct door on the fender
combine with a gravel guarded fender skirt, 15-inch chrome wire
wheels with white wall tires to create a dramatic and exciting
profile. How can you not love the deeply curved windshield and
iconic porthole window? The elegant tail carries a Continental kit
with wire wheel, afterburner tail lights, and a wrap around chrome
bumper with exhaust ports. We note just a few scratches and a crack
in the paint as the only imperfections.
Interior
The monochromatic exterior gives way to a colorful interior, one of
five combinations available, red and white begins with the door
panel that also includes spun aluminum inserts and all of the color
classically flows near seamlessly onto the dashboard. Both doors
are in great shape and serve as attractive gateways to the red
vinyl bench seat with a white pleated insert that defines the
sitting areas and connects with a bridge of white material in the
middle. A bright red steering wheel is adorned with a reflective
horn ring, all leading to a well designed dash that places an
arching speedometer between round gauges and horizontal meters. The
metallic mid panel houses the AM radio and vent controls while an
A/C unit is mounted under the dash. The stitched red dash pad, like
the rest of the interior, is in fine condition, certainly show
worthy at a minimum. Red loop carpet on the floor surrounds the
modest shifter shining with chrome coverage and the trunk is clean,
topped with a plaid vinyl mat.
Drivetrain
Fantastically clean and also show worthy is the engine bay, housing
a 312ci V8 with dual 4-barrel carburetors. Behind it sits a
Ford-O-Matic 3-speed automatic transmission that sends power to the
legendary Dana 44 axle with 3.70 gears. This performance oriented
car comes with power brakes, front discs and rear drums.
Undercarriage
The party continues underneath where very clean conditions are
found. We note some residual oil and a light film of oil on the
X-frame from blow back, but the entirety of the rest is about as
clean as you can get an underside. The dual exhaust flows through
stock style muffler and resonators before masterfully exiting
through the ports in the bumper. Suspension consists of coil
springs up front and leaf springs in the rear, and the car has
power steering.
Drive-Ability
The sporty interior is compact and the steering wheel is well
within reach, as we crank the 312 to life and start the flow to the
carbs. Riding out on the loop, the car displays very good power and
provides a comfortable ride with decent visibility and a scoop up
front to point the way. There is a canvas convertible top but we're
unable to undo the latches for the hardtop to remove it as the rear
latches are frozen. We also note the wipers and clock are not
working. All other functions afforded driver and passenger operate
as intended. 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.
The designers must have been pinching themselves when the '56 first
rolled off the assembly plant floor. If not for the competition and
the need for back seats, who knows how long this design would have
lasted. But perhaps it's so special because it was so short lived.
If you've always dreamed of having a 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!
P6FH202183
P-312ci 4bbl 225hp V8
6-1956
F-Dearborn, MI Assy Plant
H-Thunderbird
202183-Sequential Unit Number
WARRANTY PLATE
BODY 40A-Thunderbird
COLOR E-Colonial White
TRIM XB-Red & White Vinyl
PRODUCTION CODE 13ALP647-January 13th, Los Angeles
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
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