Vehicle Description
The fame and heritage of the first generation Thunderbird is well known and without question, well deserved. With many strikingly beautiful examples of the early Tbirds in existence, few can rival and compete with this very special and well known 1956 Thunderbird. This level of perfection alone would place this Tbird in the very top of the Tbird Concours class having earned the highest award obtainable for classic TBirds. Combined with the provenance of this beautiful Bird, this Thunderbird is in a class by itself, there is no other to compare.
The 1956 Thunderbird is especially notable as major design changes included a porthole in the removable hardtop and to improve trunk space, relocated the spare tire to the rear bumper with the addition of a Continental Kit. This also shifted weight to the rear and improved the cars balance. 1956 was the first year that Ford offered a 12 Volt electrical system, two choices of engines, the standard 292 CI with 212 HP and the optional NEW P Code 312 CI engine which produced 245 HP. Ford also offered two choices of manual transmissions, the standard three speed and the optional Borg Warner T85 three speed with Overdrive. Improved air ventilation, door wing windows, Thunderbird emblem design, Ford Lifeguard Design Safety Features and handling upgrades were also popular with consumers that year.
This remarkable Thunderbird was built on March 6, 1956 with the optional 312 CI “P Code” engine, optional overdrive transmission, optional 3.92 rear gear ratio and striking Fiesta Red with matching porthole hardtop.
Considered a highly optioned TBird, this worthy Tbird received an exhaustive and exacting frame off Concours restoration which earned it the Prestigious CTCI (Classic Thunderbird Club International) “GOLD MEDALLION AWARD”. Astoundingly, this immaculate Tbird currently possesses only 345 miles since that restoration. During that time period it was only used for shows and events.
Having been in a private collection for almost 20 years, this remarkable and impressive TBird was also chosen as an “AMERICAN GRAFITTI” Featured Show Car. This very Tbird is the Posterchild of the famous and beloved American Graffiti heritage and reunion held annually in Modesto California. This very Tbird has become “THE” 1956 Tbird adorned on Posters, Tshirts and movie media of Director George Lucas cult classic movie, “AMERICAN GRAFITTI”. Written and directed by Lucas and considered the movie that began Lucas Hollywood fame was a true story about his teen years growing up in a small California town and enjoying his last days of his senior year summer in 1962. With that movie began the worldwide “AMERICAN GRAFITTI” movement that has grown year over year and has become one of the largest and most prominent classic car shows in America today, with one very deserving 1956 Tbird at the forefront.
HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:
Fiesta Red Paint
Original Optional 312 CI P Code V-8 with 4 Barrel Holley Carburetor
Optional Three Speed Transmission with Overdrive -T85 Borg Warner
Optional 3.92 Rear Gear Ratio
Master Guide Power Steering
Telescopic Steering Wheel
Power Brakes
Matching Fiesta Red Hardtop
Matching Tonneau Cover
Wide Whitewall Tires
Deluxe Wire Wheel Covers
Factory Tach
Working Clock
Fender Skirts
Rare Original Gold Thunderbird Silhouette Ignition Key
