1956 Ford Thunderbird

1956 Ford Thunderbird Roadster The Thunderbird and the Corvette have a long and sorted history, with both initially competing for the same customer space. Eventually the Corvette went to racing, and the Thunderbird became the boulevard king. The ultimate getaway car from the kids with only 2 seats, as well as the option to have a hardtop traveler, or a convertible cruiser, it became the it car for mid-1950s suburbia. If youre looking for a sweet 50s-era classic thats valuable, fun to drive and has the ability to turn Main Street into an instant classic car show then this is it for you. An all Raven Black exterior with black and white interior and a white convertible, you will think you are driving down the street in your own tuxedo! Oh, dont forget we will be bringing up the rear with that Continental rear bumper complete with covered rear tire. Exterior Glossy Raven Black covers the entire bodywork and hardtop, which have some crazing and cracking on various surfaces. A continental kit has been added to the rear, which presents in good condition. Chrome and brite work are noteworthy in that they present in very nice condition. A hood scoop with chromed intake peeks out from the top and adds flair to the long hood. Front bumper is straight and true, and 2 mini dagmars are attached in front of a smiling grille. On the rear, small fins sprout from the rear quarter panels, and end at the large chromed continental bumper, and tire cover. Medium wide white sidewall tires wrap the wheels with their smooth and wire finish caps. Fender skirts with chrome accents adorn the rear and add to the thin body look of this car. The top sports a porthole window and a white convertible top is seen tucked behind the interior bench seat and presents with some minor soiling of the canvas and wrinkling of the plastic rear window. Interior A very nicely restored interior begins with a bench seat with white vertical tuck and roll inserts surrounded by smooth black vinyl bolsters. This motif creates the illusion of 2 seats, when in fact there is just one. Door panels are draped with machined aluminum and white tuck and roll horizontal vinyl, and smooth black armrest and are in very nice condition. The black topped dash has the machined aluminum as well but in a swirl pattern and houses a Town and Country AM radio. The gauge cluster is neat and clean and is fronted by an original steering wheel. The floor shifter resides in a sea of slightly faded condition black carpeting, with black rubber Thunderbird logo floor mats. The white perforated headliner in the hardtop shows with some staining and wrinkling particularly toward the rear. Drivetrain A 312ci V8 mill sits nicely in a clean engine bay. It is topped with a rebuilt 4-barrel carburetor and chromed air cleaner cover. Other highlights include black Thunderbird logo emblazoned valve covers, pristine hoses, and a newly painted engine block in red. A 3-speed Ford-O-Matic automatic transmission is attached and bringing up the rear is a Dana 44 axle weighing in with a 3.31 ratio. We note the rebuilt brake master cylinder and power booster also. Undercarriage A few areas of surface rust, but mostly strong solid steel X frame and buttoned up floor pans in black with a spattering of road dirt. Body hangers are strong, and rockers show no rust. Power drum brakes are on all 4 corners as well as power steering. Dual exhaust with stock style mufflers handles the exhale of spent fossils and end within the corners of the shiny chrome rear bumper. Drive-Ability She lit right up with the turn of our key, and we were off. It drove smoothly, exhibited bias free braking and handled well for a car of its era. The radio works but has no reception, which could be due to our location but all else was working fine. A good cruiser that turns heads no matter where you go. Classic Auto Mall presents this fabulous 1956 Thunderbird Convertible Raven Black beauty. Whether you are taking it to your local car show or youre just cruising around town this car is a real head turner. You can drive it with the hardtop on or soft top up, or just cruise in luxury with the top down. Either way this T-bird oozes cool! This classic bird runs and drives great, all it needs is a new home and some slight TLC. VIN DECODE P6FH310197 P-312ci V8 225hp 6-1956 F-Dearborn, MI Assy Plant H-Thunderbird 310197-Sequential Unit Number WARRANTY TAG BODY 40A-Thunderbird COLOR A-Raven Back TRIM XA-Black & White Vinyl PRODUCTION CODE 12F1379-June 12th Build