Vehicle Description
To be OFFERED AT AUCTION WITHOUT RESERVE at RM Sotheby's Santa
Monica event, June 24, 2017.
Estimate:
$25,000 - $30,000 US
Two owners from new; original owner from 1956 until 2002
Recently discovered in a Northern California collection
Original owner reportedly worked at Ford and purchased car directly
from the factory
Well-optioned example including hardtop, wire wheels, and
continental kit
This very attractive black 1956 Thunderbird has an equally
interesting and intriguing history to go with it. Included in its
file are copies of a Ford Motor Company Statement of Motor Vehicle
Sale - direct from the factory in Dearborn, Michigan - and dated
December 19th, 1955. The car was invoiced to Mr. Willard Dann in
Huntington Woods, Michigan, complete with $427.69 in factory
installed extras.
It is understood from the consignor that Dann had been an engineer
at Ford Motor Company and as such, was afforded the opportunity to
purchase one of the early cars off the assembly line. The consignor
had been told that this was the first 1956 Thunderbird off the
assembly line, though RM Sotheby's have not been able to verify
this as fact. What is known is that Mr. Dann retained his
Thunderbird even after a move west to Northern California, until
his death in 2002. Later that year, the car was sold from Dann's
estate to its current private owner, as a package deal with Dann's
house. It is understood that the Thunderbird has seen very little
if any use in its current ownership, remaining in its California
garage for many years.
The Thunderbird is a wonderful color combination of black over a
two-tone red and white interior. It is fitted with desirable extras
such as a hardtop with porthole, wire wheels, and a continental
kit.
Please note, though, that this vehicle has been sitting for an
extended period and will need some recommissioning to make it run
again, as it has not been on the road in many years.
To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction,
please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/.