1956 Ford Thunderbird
1956 Ford Thunderbird
HIGHLIGHTS
- Beautiful show-quality T-Bird
- Rare and one-year-only Fiesta Red
- Matching red & white interior
- Professionally restored
- Award winner at Newport Beach Concours d’Elegance
SPECIFICATIONS
- Equipped with optional 312 ci / 225 hp engine
- Automatic floor shift transmission
- Master guide power steering
- Power brakes
- Continental kit
- Porthole hardtop
- Vintage air-conditioning
THE FIRST-GENERATION FORD THUNDERBIRD
Ford produced the first generation of the Ford Thunderbird from 1955 to 1957 as their response to the introduction of the Corvette. All Thunderbirds were two seat convertibles offered with fender skirts and removable hardtops as standard equipment.
The 1956 model was the lowest production of the three years, and included a number of key performance and styling updates. The higher-performance 312 cubic inch engine was added as an option. Air vents were added behind the front wheels to improve ventilation, exhaust tips were relocated to the ends of the bumpers for unique and stylish design, and more trunk space was added by moving the spare tire out of the trunk. Porthole windows were also added to the hardtop to improve visibility.
THIS CAR
This 1956 Thunderbird roadster was acquired in August, 2006 and has been part of a small Southern California collection since. The car is finished in rare Fiesta Red, a one year-only color, with red and white vinyl interior. It is powered by the optional Y-block 312 CI, 225 hp V8 engine with a three-speed automatic transmission. This is a one-top car that was ordered with the porthole hardtop and no soft top. Additional equipment includes power steering, power brakes, town and country radio, continental kit and vintage air conditioning.
The car received a complete ground-up restoration in 2006 and still shows amazingly well today, having been lightly used and stored away from the elements and sun for the past 17 years. The car has been properly maintained but used sparingly under current ownership, having traveled only 175 miles and kept clean and dry in a temperature-controlled display environment. The car was rarely (if ever) wet-washed, having been cared for with Adams Waterless Detail spray, which has preserved the quality and luster of the paint.
The interior features a red steering wheel with chrome horn ring, and the dash has engine-turned trim. The red and white vinyl seats with pleated inserts are clean with no rips, tears or signs of wear. Gauges include a 150 mph speedometer, a tachometer, clock, fuel gauge and coolant temperature gauge. The center of the dash features a Thunderbird logo, and the locking glove box has a V8 emblem.
The original identification plate was expertly retained during the restoration, and includes the following information:
VIN P6FH356267
| Engine Code | P | V8 312 ci OHV 4V carb, 225 hp |
| Production Year | 6 | 1956 |
| Assembly Plant | F | Dearborn, Michigan |
| Body Style | H | Thunderbird |
| Production Sequence | 356267 | 356267 |
Data Plate Information
| Body Type | 40A | Thunderbird |
| Paint Color Code | K | Fiesta Red |
| Interior Trim Code | XB | Red and White Vinyl |
| Production Code | 16HS1244 | August 16, 1956 |
The car was shown at the Newport Beach Concours in 2006, where it received 3rd place award. Following this show, the items that were noted as point deductions were addressed, including installing a correct OEM Holley Carburetor, correct air cleaner, throttle linkage, fuel lines and vacuum hoses and choke tubes. The car has not been shown since these items were corrected.
In 2022 the car received a mechanical refurbishment which included a rebuild and recore of the radiator, rebuild of the fuel pump, rebuild of the carburetor, new battery, new spark plugs, changing the engine oil and filter, and changing the differential gear oil. An electronic choke was also added to improve cold driving performance. The car has brand-new Auburn Deluxe Radial tires installed January 2024. Vintage air conditioning blows cool but not ice-cold air. Known issues include the Town & Country radio works but has static, the right turn signal is not working, and the driver’s door inside door handle is lose and needs to be pushed in to open the door. The car comes with a clean California title in the dealer owner’s name and a fitted car cover.
PRICE: See auction listing on Bring A Trailer