1956 Ford Thunderbird
Classic Auto Mall
6180 Morgantown Road
Morgantown, PA
610|901|3804
MILEAGE
215
YEAR
1956
ENGINE
8
LOCATION
Morgantown, PA
STOCK
6526
FULL SPECS
DESCRIPTION
1956 Ford Thunderbird Convertible
For consignment, a 1956 Ford Thunderbird convertible that was the recipient of an older restoration. 15,631 Thunderbirds were produced in 1956, their second year, and about 3,800 of them were painted black.
Exterior
Our car and its hardtop are painted Raven Black which is contrasted nicely by the 15-inch wheel covers, each branded with the Ford shield. That hardtop represents the only top the car comes with and of course, contains that legendary porthole added in 1956. Other design cues that make these early Thunderbirds special include the front fascia with torpedo-like bumper guards, inset headlights, and a rising air scoop on the hood. Side gill trim mimics fender vents and the straight shoulder line of the car terminates at the top of a rear fin over round taillights. Fender skirts obscure part of the rear wheels and were originally conceived as a streamlining tool but probably do more for the style profile of a car. A spare tire is encased in a hard cover as part of the Continental kit, which debuted on the Edsel. Metal work is a mix of very good and some that need some more polishing, while one bumper has some surface rust in place of some missing plating. Imperfections in the paint include various cracks and scratches, touched up scratches, and a rust through under one of the exhaust outlets, which are embedded in the rear bumper.
Interior
White vinyl panels with black painted headers and black armrests are enhanced by a patterned aluminum panel on the door cards, an interesting and artful design that shows a bit of wear but is intact. As always with the early Thunderbirds, the color and material patterns flow to the dashboard and a rising windowed speedometer arches over the driver\'s side, flanked by a round clock and tachometer. An AM/FM/Cassette radio is under the dash courtesy light and climate controls are to the right of center, but still reachable by the driver. The bench seat has connecting white pleated inserts connected in the middle and defines the two seats, also showing some wear here that could benefit from a detailing. A floor mounted shifter has a loose and somewhat tattered boot, situated amongst black loop carpet, looking just a bit tired but protected by older floor mats. The white perforated headliner of the hardtop is intact but could use a good cleaning.
Drivetrain
Lifting the reverse opening hood we note some bubbling on the underside and possibly some repair filler. The engine itself is in driver quality condition and consists of a 292ci V8 rated at 202 horsepower and fueled by a 4-barrel carburetor. The 3-speed manual transmission sends power to the rear wheels and a Dana 44 with 3.73 gears. Drum brakes are found front and rear.
Undercarriage
More driver quality conditions prevail underneath with surface rust on the exhaust, driveshaft, and other components, oil on the rear differential, and slight build up on the steering knuckles and suspension components. The dual exhaust travels into a pair of stock style mufflers before exiting through the rear bumper ports. Suspension consists of coil springs in front and leaf springs in the back. Some invasive rust is noted in the flooring in a few areas.
Drive-Ability
It was recommended by our consignor to let the car warm up which we did and still noted some exhaust leaks and immediately noticed a soft brake pedal. That being said, the car ran fine with the unsurprising power offered up by the V8. The portholes help with blind spot visibility and the hardtop otherwise feels like a cocoon and is ready for foul weather. For functionality, only the horn and clock were not working. 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.
Here\'s a baby bird that needs a little TLC and one you can drive without worrying about a concours level restoration. It\'s also a great start if you want to be the one to take it to the next level, it\'s got great bones and unlike true bird bones, these are not hollow! One of the quintessential classic cars in black is ready to find a new nest to roost in.
M6FH286657
M-292ci 4bbl 202hp V8
6-1956
F-Dearborn, MI Assy Plant
H-Thunderbird
286657-Sequential Unit Number
WARRANTY PLATE
BODY 40H-Thunderbird
COLOR A-Raven Black
TRIM XA-Black & White
PRODUCTION CODE 7EDC109-May 7th, Washington DC District
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 (that\'s 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
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