Drivetrain
Chassis
Body
Released in 1955, the Thunderbird had created a new vehicle niche; the personal luxury car. Equipped with performance motors, lots of standard features, plush interiors and comfortable suspensions, the Thunderbird was in a class all its own. For many, it was the quintessential road trip car for two. As with most automakers in the 50s, the car was drastically updated every year, with new sheet metal and features. The 1956 model debuted with the spare tire absent from the inner trunk and mounted as a continental style spare for additional trunk space, along with the exhaust now existing through the rear bumper at the corners. Hardtops were now available with optional porthole windows for better visibility when in use. And for added cabin comfort, a side vent was incorporated to the front fender to flow air into the cabin on hot days, along with side wind wings, sun visors, 12-volt electrical system, and round heater control knobs. Sales totaled only 15,631, fewest of all baby Birds, making them highly collectible to this day!
Featured here is a 1956 Ford Thunderbird Convertible finished in factory code E- Colonial White over XA-interior code of Black & White. A wonderful host of options start with a powerful P-code 312ci V8 offering 225 horsepower mated to an automatic transmission and 3.31:1 rear axle ratio! Optional equipment includes under dash VintageAir air conditioning, Master-Guide power steering, Swift-Sure power brakes, 4-way power seat, aftermarket cloth soft top in black, porthole auxiliary hardtop, all tinted glass, back-up lights, outside rearview mirrors, Magic-Aire heater/defrost with manual shut-off, wide whitewall tires updated to Coker Classic radials measuring 205/75R15, and modernized Town & Country radio with AM/FM/Bluetooth by Antique Automobile!
This example was frame-up restored both cosmetically and mechanically by its former owner of 24 years, along with some modern improvements to improve safety, driver comfort, and overall mechanical operation. Beginning in 2003, the 312ci V8 engine was fully overhauled with hardened valve seats and updated 1957 intake with modern Holley 4150 carburetion, replacing the finicky Ford teapot style carburetor and oil bath air cleaner. It would be further upgraded with a modern Ford Automatic Overdrive (AOD) 4-speed transmission, front disc brakes with dual master brake cylinder and DOT 5 fluid, 1957 distributor fitted with Pertronix electronic ignition & coil, electric fuel pump, electric windshield wipers, 140-amp alternator charging system, Walker Z-Series brass & cooper performance radiator with Cooling Components electric fan & shroud, KYB front shocks and rear air shocks with added sway bar. The entire car was fully rewired with an American Autowire 22-circuit panel system, as well as having the double-sided foil insulation installed from the firewall through the trunk to help with both interior sound quality and aiding in keeping the cabin cooler in the summer. Even the exhaust system was heat-wrapped underneath. The restoration was completed in 2004.
The exterior paint was finished professionally in 2-stage fashion with all chrome re-plated and stainless trim polished for a show quality presentation. Inside, the carpet & interior upholstery appear as new. The under-hood presentation has been beautifully detailed with a factory chrome engine dress-up kit and polished finned aluminum valve covers. We noted several of the factory original inspection stampings still remain visible today! Showing 46,801 miles on the odometer, it is believed to be actual, although no formal documentation was provided to support such a claim. It runs and drives exceptionally well and would make for a terrific investment for any driver or tour enthusiast, especially with the AOD transmission! This special T-Bird cruises 70mph while turning only 2,200 rpms!
A wonderful color combination that will never last long in this market, so please act quickly. It will come with an owner's manual, 2 sets of keys, radio instructions, restoration records, complete wiring diagrams, storage dust cover, spare wire wheel, and factory tire changing equipment. You would be hard-pressed to find or build one of equal caliber for the price! Please feel free to call with additional questions. Thanks for looking!
1956 Ford
Thunderbird Convertible
Quick Specs
Highlights
- Outstanding Thunderbird with modern improvements and upgrades!
- Restored professionally with power front disc brakes, air conditioning, and 4-speed automatic transmission!
- Show quality paint and chrome with all new interior!
- Power steering, power seat, and modern T&C radio incorporating FM and Bluetooth!
- Kelsey Hayes style chrome wire wheels with Coker radial whitewall tires!
- Super impressive restoration that must be seen to appreciate!
Description
Released in 1955, the Thunderbird had created a new vehicle niche; the personal luxury car. Equipped with performance motors, lots of standard features, plush interiors and comfortable suspensions, the Thunderbird was in a class all its own. For many, it was the quintessential road trip car for two. As with most automakers in the 50s, the car was drastically updated every year, with new sheet metal and features. The 1956 model debuted with the spare tire absent from the inner trunk and mounted as a continental style spare for additional trunk space, along with the exhaust now existing through the rear bumper at the corners. Hardtops were now available with optional porthole windows for better visibility when in use. And for added cabin comfort, a side vent was incorporated to the front fender to flow air into the cabin on hot days, along with side wind wings, sun visors, 12-volt electrical system, and round heater control knobs. Sales totaled only 15,631, fewest of all baby Birds, making them highly collectible to this day!
Featured here is a 1956 Ford Thunderbird Convertible finished in factory code E- Colonial White over XA-interior code of Black & White. A wonderful host of options start with a powerful P-code 312ci V8 offering 225 horsepower mated to an automatic transmission and 3.31:1 rear axle ratio! Optional equipment includes under dash VintageAir air conditioning, Master-Guide power steering, Swift-Sure power brakes, 4-way power seat, aftermarket cloth soft top in black, porthole auxiliary hardtop, all tinted glass, back-up lights, outside rearview mirrors, Magic-Aire heater/defrost with manual shut-off, wide whitewall tires updated to Coker Classic radials measuring 205/75R15, and modernized Town & Country radio with AM/FM/Bluetooth by Antique Automobile!
This example was frame-up restored both cosmetically and mechanically by its former owner of 24 years, along with some modern improvements to improve safety, driver comfort, and overall mechanical operation. Beginning in 2003, the 312ci V8 engine was fully overhauled with hardened valve seats and updated 1957 intake with modern Holley 4150 carburetion, replacing the finicky Ford teapot style carburetor and oil bath air cleaner. It would be further upgraded with a modern Ford Automatic Overdrive (AOD) 4-speed transmission, front disc brakes with dual master brake cylinder and DOT 5 fluid, 1957 distributor fitted with Pertronix electronic ignition & coil, electric fuel pump, electric windshield wipers, 140-amp alternator charging system, Walker Z-Series brass & cooper performance radiator with Cooling Components electric fan & shroud, KYB front shocks and rear air shocks with added sway bar. The entire car was fully rewired with an American Autowire 22-circuit panel system, as well as having the double-sided foil insulation installed from the firewall through the trunk to help with both interior sound quality and aiding in keeping the cabin cooler in the summer. Even the exhaust system was heat-wrapped underneath. The restoration was completed in 2004.
The exterior paint was finished professionally in 2-stage fashion with all chrome re-plated and stainless trim polished for a show quality presentation. Inside, the carpet & interior upholstery appear as new. The under-hood presentation has been beautifully detailed with a factory chrome engine dress-up kit and polished finned aluminum valve covers. We noted several of the factory original inspection stampings still remain visible today! Showing 46,801 miles on the odometer, it is believed to be actual, although no formal documentation was provided to support such a claim. It runs and drives exceptionally well and would make for a terrific investment for any driver or tour enthusiast, especially with the AOD transmission! This special T-Bird cruises 70mph while turning only 2,200 rpms!
A wonderful color combination that will never last long in this market, so please act quickly. It will come with an owner's manual, 2 sets of keys, radio instructions, restoration records, complete wiring diagrams, storage dust cover, spare wire wheel, and factory tire changing equipment. You would be hard-pressed to find or build one of equal caliber for the price! Please feel free to call with additional questions. Thanks for looking!
1956 Ford
Thunderbird Convertible
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