A visually stunning marriage of luxury, raw power and chic sophistication wed to the sleek, dramatic lines of an iconic, Americana classic, this 56-T-Bird is the quintessential example of a Euro-styled, two-seat sports roadster.
Last restored in 2012 and recently showcased in the Main Pavillion of the 2025 GoodGuys DelMar Nationals, this meticulously maintained classic captures the sleek, aerodynamic mood and spirited performance that signatured the dawning of America’s space age.
Mirror finish, black lacquer exterior touts a factory correct, bumper-mounted Continental kit with wide, white wall tire and true, spoked wheel. Its dual porthole hardtop -- lightweight and easily removed -- hides a black, retractable soft top. Removable fender skirts, detailed with stainless steel accents, emphasize its fluid, aero-dynamic lines. Its hi-gloss exterior is complemented by flawlessly maintained chrome bumpers and trim.
Two-tone, black and white interior is detailed with burnished, aluminum dash and accent trim. White, tuck & roll seat insets and door panels counterpoint the black seat and carpet. Adjustable, tinted glass wind-wings deflect incoming, cabin wind.
Original, “Town and Country” radio has been professionally updated to contemporary, AM-FM reception. All original analog engine gauges have been rebuilt and are fully operational, including 150 mph speedometer, odometer, factory tach and analog clock. Likewise, turn signals, high beam headlight switch and all door and interior lights have been rebuilt and are fully functional.
Windshield, door window glass and hard-top porthole glass are all in near-mint condition.
On warm, summer days, an under-dash AC unit assures a comfy cabin temp. Telescoping steering column combined with adjustable seat, delivers ease of entry and exit and assures personalized, seating and driving comfort. Seat belts provide added safety.
Including the continental kit, 5 wide, white-wall radial ply tires wrap the 5, chromed, Kelsey Hayes, “straight laced” spoked wire wheels, each accented with center “knock offs.” Front brakes tout a disc brake conversion. Rear brakes and steering are both manual.
Under the hood, the 312ci engine has been stroked to 348ci and features a Crower, hi-lift cam topped with a rebuild of the original, “tea pot” 4bbl carb finished with chromed air filter, collectively boost its original, 215 hp to an estimated 245 hp that delivers an exhilarating driving performance package.
Upgraded cooling system includes a new, 6-blade fan replacing the 3-blade original, along with a new hi-capacity radiator and water pump. Fuel travels from a new gas tank via electric fuel pump with under-dash, anti-theft kill switch. Power is delivered to the 3.90 geared rear-wheels via a rare, 3-speed manual transmission with electric overdrive. Exhaust discreetly passes though rear, in-bumper outlets.
Listed at $44,500 to $49,500, this rare and meticulously maintained hard-top-to-convertible roadster classic, offers an affordable opportunity to own an iconic piece of Americana’s famed, hi-performance sports car history.
