Drivetrain
Chassis
Body
After the end of the Second World War, there was a demand forsports cars in America. The American automobile industry was slowto recognize this market and foreign companies such as MG andTriumph were importing and selling two-seat sports cars in largenumbers. General Motors first responded to this demand in 1953 withthe Chevrolet Corvette. Ford responded in 1955 with the all-newThunderbird. The 1956 Ford Thunderbirds used the same body as the1955 models, but there were a few new features that made themdistinctly different. The most visible difference was the outsidelocation of the spare tire, which collectors refer to as aContinental Kit as this feature was first seen on the 1940 LincolnContinentals. Other stylistic changes seen on the 1956 modelsincluded wind wings, fender mounted cowl vents and a redesignedrear bumper that provided a neat exit for the dual exhausts. Thisexample of a 1956 Thunderbird is a largely original car that hasreceived areas of cosmetic restoration over the years. It iscertainly not a show car, but it is a reliable driver that has beenregularly enjoyed by its current owner. The mileage indicated isjust under 55,000 and the VIN number is M6FH166101. The body showssome evidence of repair. These repaired areas are mainly the sillsbelow the doors and the rocker panels, which have evidence offillers and visiblerust bubbles in thepaint. Both the driver andpassenger side floor pans also show evidence of old, metal repairsand a few of the body supports have also been repaired as needed.These repairs were done many years ago and have survived well. Thetrunk pan appears to be solid as does the floor pan behind theseat. Most importantly, the "X" frame, which is typically damagedon 1955 through 1957 Thunderbirds, is solid and thick. Theundercarriage appears to be structurally sound and mostly originalwith normal surface rust and some original paint. The exterior ofthis vehicle is finished in Thunderbird yellow. While the paint isworn, has overall blemishes and flaws, it shows well from adistance. The car was originally black from the factory. On theinside, the black and white interior is very clean and presentable.The dashboard assembly looks to be mostly original. The workingAM/FM radio is an aftermarket and has a cassette player. There arerubber floor mats. The power seat assembly moves back and forth butthe up/down function does not operate. The car is equipped withseat belts. This example is equipped with both the removablehardtop and the folding, convertible top. Both are in very goodcondition. Mechanically, this Thunderbird runs and drives extremelywell. It has been actively used and frequently serviced. Theoriginal 292 cubic inch, Thunderbird V-8 engine starts easily hasbeen recently tuned. It has never overheated and it does not smoke.The exhaust system is older and will likely need replacing soon.The engine is extremely strong and easily propels the car down theroad. The engine is equipped with the optional Thunderbird,finned-aluminum valve covers. A new fuel tank and sending unit wereinstalled a few years back. This Thunderbird is equipped with theseldom seen, three-speed manual transmission, which adds to thesports car experience. The transmission, clutch, rear end, steeringand suspension appear to be in good working order and the car has atight feel when driving down the road. The steering is responsiveand free from excessive play. The brakes have been recentlyserviced with new cylinders and hoses. Both the service brakes andemergency brake operate well. The tires are older but the wheelshave been fitted with new accessory wire basket wheel covers andnew center medallions. The headlights, horn, wiper, heater blowerand rear lights function properly. This Thunderbird is equippedwith an original, dealer installed, air conditioner. The airconditioner has been recently serviced and filled with R-12. Itblows cold and works well. May need recharging by summer time. Veryfew two-seat Thunderbirds are equipped with this desirable option.Overall, this is a ready to drive Thunderbird that is attractivelypriced and ready for its next caretaker. We invite you to come andsee this car personally. We believe you will be pleasantlysurprised.It is a well-equipped car with both tops and airconditioning. This 1956 Thunderbird can be easily improved uponwhile it is driven and enjoyed. It presents an affordableopportunity for a new or experienced collector to own one of themost iconic American cars ever built.
1956 Ford
Thunderbird Convertible
Quick Specs
Description
After the end of the Second World War, there was a demand forsports cars in America. The American automobile industry was slowto recognize this market and foreign companies such as MG andTriumph were importing and selling two-seat sports cars in largenumbers. General Motors first responded to this demand in 1953 withthe Chevrolet Corvette. Ford responded in 1955 with the all-newThunderbird. The 1956 Ford Thunderbirds used the same body as the1955 models, but there were a few new features that made themdistinctly different. The most visible difference was the outsidelocation of the spare tire, which collectors refer to as aContinental Kit as this feature was first seen on the 1940 LincolnContinentals. Other stylistic changes seen on the 1956 modelsincluded wind wings, fender mounted cowl vents and a redesignedrear bumper that provided a neat exit for the dual exhausts. Thisexample of a 1956 Thunderbird is a largely original car that hasreceived areas of cosmetic restoration over the years. It iscertainly not a show car, but it is a reliable driver that has beenregularly enjoyed by its current owner. The mileage indicated isjust under 55,000 and the VIN number is M6FH166101. The body showssome evidence of repair. These repaired areas are mainly the sillsbelow the doors and the rocker panels, which have evidence offillers and visiblerust bubbles in thepaint. Both the driver andpassenger side floor pans also show evidence of old, metal repairsand a few of the body supports have also been repaired as needed.These repairs were done many years ago and have survived well. Thetrunk pan appears to be solid as does the floor pan behind theseat. Most importantly, the "X" frame, which is typically damagedon 1955 through 1957 Thunderbirds, is solid and thick. Theundercarriage appears to be structurally sound and mostly originalwith normal surface rust and some original paint. The exterior ofthis vehicle is finished in Thunderbird yellow. While the paint isworn, has overall blemishes and flaws, it shows well from adistance. The car was originally black from the factory. On theinside, the black and white interior is very clean and presentable.The dashboard assembly looks to be mostly original. The workingAM/FM radio is an aftermarket and has a cassette player. There arerubber floor mats. The power seat assembly moves back and forth butthe up/down function does not operate. The car is equipped withseat belts. This example is equipped with both the removablehardtop and the folding, convertible top. Both are in very goodcondition. Mechanically, this Thunderbird runs and drives extremelywell. It has been actively used and frequently serviced. Theoriginal 292 cubic inch, Thunderbird V-8 engine starts easily hasbeen recently tuned. It has never overheated and it does not smoke.The exhaust system is older and will likely need replacing soon.The engine is extremely strong and easily propels the car down theroad. The engine is equipped with the optional Thunderbird,finned-aluminum valve covers. A new fuel tank and sending unit wereinstalled a few years back. This Thunderbird is equipped with theseldom seen, three-speed manual transmission, which adds to thesports car experience. The transmission, clutch, rear end, steeringand suspension appear to be in good working order and the car has atight feel when driving down the road. The steering is responsiveand free from excessive play. The brakes have been recentlyserviced with new cylinders and hoses. Both the service brakes andemergency brake operate well. The tires are older but the wheelshave been fitted with new accessory wire basket wheel covers andnew center medallions. The headlights, horn, wiper, heater blowerand rear lights function properly. This Thunderbird is equippedwith an original, dealer installed, air conditioner. The airconditioner has been recently serviced and filled with R-12. Itblows cold and works well. May need recharging by summer time. Veryfew two-seat Thunderbirds are equipped with this desirable option.Overall, this is a ready to drive Thunderbird that is attractivelypriced and ready for its next caretaker. We invite you to come andsee this car personally. We believe you will be pleasantlysurprised.It is a well-equipped car with both tops and airconditioning. This 1956 Thunderbird can be easily improved uponwhile it is driven and enjoyed. It presents an affordableopportunity for a new or experienced collector to own one of themost iconic American cars ever built.
1956 Ford
Thunderbird Convertible
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