1956 Ford Thunderbird

1956 Ford Thunderbird Convertible For consignment, a 1956 Ford Thunderbird convertible showing 72,882 miles but the true miles are unknown. We love baby birds here at Classic Auto Mall and have had the honor of representing many of the years, so we take notice when one comes in that veers even slightly from stock appearance or configuration. Exterior Our consignor states the paint is newer and was applied as two stage Raven Black, and the porthole adorned accessory hardtop wears the same color. What strikes us almost immediately after the pitch black paint, is the front which lacks the torpedo shaped bumper guards usually associated with 1956 Thunderbirds and it replaces elegance with a bit of aggression, as the gaping eggcrate grille is on full display, side markers become more obvious, and the hood scoop somehow looms larger, all with a simple change. Out back, the lack of a Continental kit creates a more streamlined tail which retains the finned tail lights but loses the pierced bumper for a simple wrap around unit. Fender gills are still here accompanied by the Ford crest but powder coated 15-inch Rocket Racing wheels are an exciting detour from the typical hubcaps normally found on Thunderbirds, and these have knock off spinner center caps. Metalwork, paint, and lenses are all excellent on the car and the sole imperfection we note is a scratch over a wheel opening. Interior The newer interior begins with alternating panels of Peacock Blue, White vinyl, and textured aluminum on the door panels, a dramatic break from the black exterior and both doors are in excellent condition. White vinyl pleated panels are surrounded by the Peacock Blue on the bench and its in immaculate shape. Patina graces the blue steering wheel which leads to the dashboard taking on the pattern, colors, and materials of the door, although the aqua dash pad is padded and stitched where the doors header is painted metal. A tachometer and clock flank the arching speedometer with perfect symmetry while black knobs occupy the metal mid panel, along with an AM radio and vent lever panel. A simple shifter rises from the floor which is covered by a blue looped carpet while fresh air panels occupy the footwell with chrome housing. Up top, the white perforated headliner of the accessory hardtop is in good shape, and the trunk is lined in a period plaid vinyl mat that presents cleanly. Drivetrain Finned Thunderbird valve covers top a driver quality 312ci V8, fueled by a rebuilt 4-barrel carburetor and mated to a Ford-O-Matic 3-speed automatic transmission. This combination is sending power to a Dana 44 axle with 3.31 gears. Drum brakes are front and rear provide the whoah factor. Our consignor states the following have been rebuilt: the mechanical fuel pump, the starter, and the brake system. An auxiliary electric fuel pump has been added along with a new fuel tank. Undercarriage Here we find the new gas tank and generally clean conditions all around. Theres a drop or two of oil but does not appear to be an active leak. Dual exhaust, colored by some typical surface rust, encounters stock style mufflers before leading to tailpipes that exit under the car and are painted black. Suspension is made up of coil springs up front and leaf springs in back. Drive-Ability A quick starter and the cars interior provides a bright and energetic control center from which to pilot this black beauty. The 312 delivers good power from its 225 horsepower rating, and the tires provide straight tracking and good handling. We note the clock, radio, and heater blower are not working, but all other functions operate as they should. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at the time of your purchase. This slight deviation from some Thunderbird norms creates a unique and exciting version of the classic baby bird, and one that may appeal to someone looking for one to drive and enjoy rather than scoring points at a concours event. The bronze wheels just seem to work here and the stripped down exterior creates a more tossable profile while retaining its important Thunderbird character. P6FH314289 P-312ci 4bbl 225hp V8 6-1956 F-Dearborn, MI Assy Plant H-Thunderbird 314289-Sequential Unit Number WARRANTY PLATE BODY 40A-Thunderbird COLOR LE-Peacock Blue & Colonial White TRIM XC-Peacock Blue & White Vinyl PRODUCTION CODE 18FSD458-June 18th, Boston DSO, 458th Car Scheduled To Be Built That Day Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (thats more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person. There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee is not included in the advertised price. 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