I recently read that the word “downsize” was coined at General Motors back in 1975. That would make sense considering how GM was super busy 50 years ago working on shedding the weight and exterior dimensions of their full-sized 1977 B-body cars. This is my second article of a nice Baby ‘Bird from a private collection being offered for sale because the owner is “downsizing to reduce his monthly maintenance costs.” A guy named Jerry is once again the main contact if you have any questions and want to set up an appointment to see and drive this gorgeous 1956 Ford Thunderbird. And again, I want to thank Mitchell G. for spotting this fine-feathered Red ‘Bird and sending it our way.

This T-Bird’s history isn’t shared in the ad, but Jerry does a decent job of giving us the car’s specs and overall condition. The classic two-seater T-Birds have always looked great in the color red. And this one is no exception. It’s had one respray by a previous owner to it’s Code K Fiesta Red and the paint really shines (as does the chrome, bumpers, and those great looking two-piece wire wheel covers on a fresh set of tires). There’s no rust reported on this ‘Bird but the ad says there’s been some sheet metal patchwork done. The ad also says “an aftermarket continental kit has been installed,” but it looks like the factory kit to me. The white optional convertible top was installed in 2024 and looks very good and there’s one photo of a sans rear window white fiberglass removable hardtop on a stand. It is described as “blank” and will need work before it can be used.

This Red ‘Bird was really red when it left Ford’s Dearborn Assembly Plant as the data plate shows Code XB, which was a red and white interior combination. Not that there’s anything wrong with red-on-red, but the ad says this Bird recently received a new black and white interior (Code XA) and it looks really sharp. The biggest differences from the ’55 interiors were the new “Deep-Center Lifeguard Steering Wheel” and a slight variation to the white pleated vinyl on the bench seat. Jerry describes the interior as nice but not show quality as the radio doesn’t work, there’s some age-related wear on the steering wheel, instrument panel and trim, and some pitting on the steering column’s chrome collar. And like the other T-Bird from this private collection I just wrote about (a black ’55), this ‘Bird is listed as having “manual steering and brakes, and front and rear anti-sway bars have been added to enhance handling.”

For some reason, no photos of the engine bay are included in the ad. This Red ‘Bird is powered by the optional 312-cubic-inch Thunderbird Special V8 that was rated at 260 horsepower. It’s had an electric fuel pump added and the car’s mileage is listed at 14,967 (most likely 114,967). It’s paired with a Ford-O-Matic automatic transmission and Jerry describes this T-Bird as being “in good running condition.” This ’56 T-Bird is located in Lansdale, Pennsylvania, and is listed for sale here on craigslist for a “negotiable” $35,000. Although the classic ’55-’57 Thunderbirds have softened in price, they will probably always be coveted collectibles given their iconic status and timeless styling that, to me, has aged very well for seven decades. The next owner won’t be getting a high-points show car, but they’ll be getting a real-looker in this Fiesta Red ’56 Thunderbird.