In terms of two-seat American convertibles, there is a sports car over at Chevy that tends to dominate the headlines. But before the Corvette was the only game in town, it was getting its tailpipes kicked by the illustrious Ford Thunderbird in the 1950s. Dubbed, "A personal car of distinction" by the marketing department, one look at this 1956 Ford Thunderbird and it's hard to disagree with that slogan. This car has everything from its repainted glossy black exterior to its chrome bumpers, white wall tires, side skirts, and rear continental kit. The 1956 model also represents the rarest of the three T-Bird years, with less than 16,000 produced. While this car does not come with a soft top, it does, however, come with a removable hard top to make driving during brisker weather no problem.
We find a beautiful two-tone interior with aluminum trim along the dash and door panels. The three-spoke steering wheel is flanked by a three-gauge dashboard displaying RPMs, time, and speed. The engine temperature and fuel sit neatly under the expansive speedometer, almost unnoticed. The only modernized bit of the interior is the digital AM/FM stereo head unit that fits neatly into the original radio's place.
Under the front-hinged hood, we find a period-correct 312 cubic-inch V-8 engine sporting a Y-Block and two-bolt main caps. A single four-barrel carburetor feeds that small block V-8, while a stock-style exhaust manifold and dual exhaust do away with spent gasses. Power is then sent through a two-speed automatic transmission before being sent to the fifteen-inch rear wheels, where 205/75R-15 whitewall tires wait to put it to the pavement.
Highlights:
*Lowest Production First Gen T-Bird
*Removeable Hardtop
*312 CID V8
*Y Block
*Two Bolt Mains
*Two Speed Auto
*Continental Kit
*Side Skirts
*White Wall Tires
*Power Steering
*Service Manuals
*Owner's Manual
In the annals of automotive history, some cars are called 'cult classics' because everyone does not like them. But, some cars, like this 1956 Ford Thunderbird, have such universal appeal that they draw a crowd from enthusiasts and non-enthusiasts everywhere they go. So, if you have been searching for that "personal car of distinction," then search no more because this is the one you've been waiting for. Call today!
