• Seller: Raffi K euilian (Contact)
• Location: Huntington Beach, California
• Mileage: 99,099 Shown
• Chassis #: P6FH352820
• Title Status: Clean
• Engine: 312 cui V8
• Transmission: Ford-O-Matic

This 1956 Ford Thunderbird is a stunning classic that has led a sheltered life. It presents superbly and features the range-topping V8 under the hood. The current owner has been its custodian for six years, and has kept the car meticulously serviced. However, she has reached the point where she feels that she is too old to slip behind the wheel to enjoy all that it offers. Therefore, the owner has decided to send the beautiful Thunderbird to a new home by listing it exclusively with us at Barn Finds Auctions.

Ford created the Personal Luxury Car market segment when it released the Thunderbird for the 1955 model year. Sales exceeded the company’s expectations, although they did drop slightly to 15,631 vehicles in 1956. Our featured T-Bird is one of those cars, with the current owner acting as its custodian for six years. She purchased the Ford from the widow of the previous owner, who bought the vehicle from what they believe may have been its original owner in 2008. The buyer holds a significant selection of documentation for this classic, including the original Dealer Invoice confirming that the Thunderbird left the lot at Peekskill Ford Motors in Peekskill, New York, on August 9th, 1956. This classic presents superbly in Peacock Blue, which is one of the ten shades offered to Thunderbird buyers by Ford during that model year. It features both a soft-top and a factory Hardtop in contrasting Colonial White, which provides a classy appearance. The owner describes the car’s condition as “close to immaculate,” and it is seemingly impossible to disagree with that assessment. The paint shines richly, the panels are laser-straight, and this beauty is rust-free. One distinctive feature of the 1956 Thunderbird was the externally-mounted spare tire on the car’s rear bumper. This car retains its spare in the correct location, hidden within a color-matched cover. The company’s decision to move the spare tire was purely to increase cargo space, and this T-Bird’s trunk is enormous and spotlessly clean. The exterior trim sparkles impressively, and the glass is crystal clear.

This Thunderbird’s exterior will undoubtedly draw crowds, which will increase when enthusiasts catch a glimpse of its interior. The first owner complimented the exterior paint shade with interior trim in Code XC Peacock Blue and White. Once again, there is nothing within this T-Bird warranting criticism. The upholstery is free from wear and stretching, and the carpet is immaculate. I can’t spot any dash imperfections or other issues, and the bright trim with its machine-turned appearance adds to the luxurious feel of this interior. It retains items like its factory clock and radio, supplemented by ice-cold air conditioning. Driving this Thunderbird with the top down won’t cause its new owner any embarrassment.

Ford increased the options available to Thunderbird buyers in 1956, introducing an optional 312ci Y-Block V8 that produced 225hp and 324 ft/lbs of torque when paired with the three-speed Ford-O-Matic transmission found in this classic. The company followed the standard industry trend during this period of providing enhanced names for some of its features, with this T-Bird featuring what Ford described as “Master-Guide” power steering, and “Swift Sure” power brakes. The engine bay presents exceptionally well, as you would rightly expect from any classic that has effectively been a cherished family member for decades. It doesn’t flatter to deceive, because its documentation confirms that this Ford has been meticulously maintained. It runs and drives perfectly, and is a turnkey proposition that the winning bidder can immediately enjoy.

The Thunderbird created a market niche with no initial competition when it emerged in 1955. It wouldn’t take other manufacturers long to realize that Personal Luxury Cars combined exclusivity with a healthy company profit. This led to significant diversification, and the three-year First Generation T-Bird range would remain the last to feature two-seat accommodation until 2002. The low production tally in 1956 makes these the rarest Thunderbirds, and this one is a beauty with no apparent needs. Therefore, if you long for a turnkey T-Bird that turns heads, this could be the one for you.

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