Vehicle Description
The 1956 Ford Thunderbird is one of those designs that never goes
out of style, and remains an instantly-identifiable icon of the
50s. Beautifully styled, comfortable, and with enough performance
to keep almost any gearhead happy, they are perhaps the best
combination of styling and performance from the 1950s.
This beautiful Fiesta Red example received a quality restoration
about 10 years ago and still looks great. Code X Navajo Gray is
this car's original color, but during the restoration it was bathed
in brilliant Fiesta Red, a high-visibility hue that's particularly
handsome on the '56 Thunderbird. Solving some of 1955's problems,
the spare tire was moved out to the rear bumper to improve trunk
space and simultaneously gave the 'Bird a long, lean look that is
easy to recognize from a distance. Other upgrades include cowl
vents to reduce the heat build-up around your feet (those of you
with melted sneakers know what I'm talking about), and the
ever-popular porthole hardtop to improve visibility. Up close, this
is a very nice 'Bird, and even though it has been driven over the
past few years, it still presents quite well, which speaks highly
of the restoration work. Fit and finish are good and thanks to
modern paint materials, the shine is far deeper than the original
lacquer might have been. Chrome and brightwork are dazzling, from
the eggcrate grille up front to the unique rear bumper with the
exhaust ports in the outside corners. We even like the chromed
headlight bezels that really dress this particular 'Bird up
nicely.
Code XA black and white is the car's original interior combination
and it was accurately re-created when the car was restored. The
black provides a great contrast and prevents red overload, making
for a spectacular look that makes people stop in their tracks when
they see it. The engine-turned panel that runs across the door
panels and dash is like jewelry, and the seat cover design makes
the bench feel like separate buckets. You'll also note that this
car includes power windows and a power seat, and doesn't offer any
of the many modifications and "upgrades" that enthusiasts usually
install. Heck, even the original Town & Country AM radio is still
in the center of the dash! I suppose you could include the manual
choke knob under the dash as a modification, but I doubt many
enthusiasts will complain about such a beneficial change to the
notorious "teapot" carburetor. It also comes with a matching red
porthole hardtop as well as a lovely black canvas folding top, plus
a fully-finished trunk.
Powering most Thunderbirds in 1956 was Ford's Y-block V8 engine,
and the P-code version displaces 292 cubic inches and generates
impressive horsepower thanks to a 4-barrel carburetor and dual
exhaust. The engine bay was detailed when it was restored and while
it shows a few signs of use today, the engine still runs even
better than it looks. From the Ford Red paint on the block to the
stamped steel valve covers (now chrome plated), it certainly looks
the part of Ford's personal/luxury car. It starts easily and runs
superbly, meaning that you can jump in and go any time in your new
'Bird. The undercarriage is clean and solid with no surprises, with
power steering plus a Ford-O-Matic 3-speed automatic transmission
and a 9-inch rear end with 3.00 gears inside, all of which make it
easy to drive for anybody. Flashy wire wheel covers and a set of
wide whites are the perfect finish for a '50s icon.
These Thunderbirds are wonderful performers on the road, and are
just as fun to drive today as they were in 1956. If you've been
searching for a quality 'Bird with no stories, you've just found
it. Call today!