- Seller: Mike S (Contact)
- Location: Lindstrom, Minnesota
- Mileage: 0000 Shown
- Chassis #: P6FH240763
- Title Status: Clean
- Engine: 312 cui V8
- Transmission: Automatic
Hiding in this garage is a promising project candidate. This 1956 Ford Thunderbird has been in dry storage since 1973, which has helped protect it from the elements. The car is essentially complete, and the rebuilt V8 under the hood is a genuine bonus. If you crave an affordable 1950’s Ford classic project, this gem deserves a close look. The owner feels it deserves a new home with an enthusiast who can give it the TLC it needs to return the car to its former glory. Therefore, he has listed the T-Bird exclusively with us at Barn Finds Auctions.
Ford released the Thunderbird in 1955, creating the Personal Luxury Car market segment. The First Generation T-Bird remained on sale for three years, cementing the badge’s place in the new-car market with respectable sales figures. The first owner ordered this 1956 example in Raven Black, which was one of eight shades available at the start of the model year. The company added another two colors in April 1956, bringing the tally to ten. The owner confirms that this T-Bird has occupied its current dry location since 1973 and deserves a second shot at life. The vehicle is essentially complete and appears to be a prime candidate for a project build. The panels are straight, and although the photos are limited, there are no signs of major rust. Interestingly, the images seem to reveal surprisingly few chips and scratches beneath the accumulated dust. Therefore, washing and polishing this classic may lift its appearance to an acceptable level as part of a survivor-grade revival. The White soft-top has a rip, but since replacements are cheap and readily available, fitting a new one would seem a no-brainer. Ford increased trunk space in 1956 by relocating the Thunderbird’s spare tire to the exterior. This car retains its correct rear bumper and the mounting hardware for the spare. Some trim pieces require a refresh, but the tinted glass appears to be in good condition.
Ford continued to offer its 292ci V8 as the entry-level engine in 1956, but this car features the optional 312ci Y-Block that joined the range for that model year. The company’s Sales Brochure confirms a power output of 225hp when paired with the three-speed Ford-O-Matic transmission selected by this car’s first owner. Although some people compare the T-Bird to the Chevrolet Corvette in terms of performance, it is worth noting that both manufacturers targeted different buyers. Chevrolet created the Corvette as a hard-edged sports car, while Ford focused on luxury and comfort with the Thunderbird. However, there was surprisingly little separating performance between the pair when equipped with an automatic transmission. This T-Bird doesn’t currently run or drive following its five-decade hibernation. Its V8 has been rebuilt, making it a great starting point for this project.
This Thunderbird’s interior is missing a few small items, but the critical components are intact. It appears to be trimmed in Code XB Fiesta and White, which would have looked stunning against the Raven Black paint in 1956. There is visible wheel wear, but the upholstered surfaces appear to be in good condition. I believe that a deep clean might produce surprising results, meaning that it may cost more time than money to achieve a driver-grade result in a home workshop.
Ford’s First Generation Thunderbird remained on sale for only three years, with 15,631 buyers taking one home in 1956. That represents the lowest tally until 2003, when the retro-styled Eleventh Generation failed to meet the company’s expectations. This ’56 is a promising project that could be ideal for a novice or someone considering a DIY approach. After five decades in storage, it deserves to return to its rightful place on our roads, and you have the chance to make it happen. It is undoubtedly worth the effort, and you could become its new owner by dropping a bid on this beauty.
Bid On This Auction
Fatman Nuke bid $9,500.00 2026-03-19 11:05:39
Snowsnake bid $9,100.00 2026-03-19 11:05:34
kevin bid $9,000.00 2026-03-19 11:03:41- Snowsnake bid $8,900.00 2026-03-19 11:03:25
- kevin bid $8,800.00 2026-03-19 11:02:54
- Snowsnake bid $8,600.00 2026-03-19 11:02:04
- kevin bid $8,500.00 2026-03-19 11:00:54
- Fatman Nuke bid $8,200.00 2026-03-19 11:00:32
- Snowsnake bid $7,900.00 2026-03-19 11:00:30
- kevin bid $7,800.00 2026-03-19 10:59:57
- Fatman Nuke bid $7,600.00 2026-03-19 10:59:33
Escargot42 bid $7,100.00 2026-03-19 10:59:32- kevin bid $7,000.00 2026-03-19 10:43:19
josephgallo bid $6,600.00 2026-03-19 10:18:40- kevin bid $6,500.00 2026-03-19 10:13:09
- josephgallo bid $6,100.00 2026-03-19 09:03:57
John W bid $6,000.00 2026-03-17 12:51:56- josephgallo bid $5,900.00 2026-03-17 09:54:27
- John W bid $5,800.00 2026-03-17 09:35:42
- josephgallo bid $5,700.00 2026-03-15 11:06:49
- John W bid $5,600.00 2026-03-15 08:35:04
- josephgallo bid $5,500.00 2026-03-15 06:11:08
CDC bid $5,400.00 2026-03-14 06:36:05- josephgallo bid $5,200.00 2026-03-13 17:36:56
[email protected] bid $5,000.00 2026-03-13 14:21:27- josephgallo bid $2,600.00 2026-03-13 13:40:51
Islander01 bid $2,500.00 2026-03-13 12:29:34- CDC bid $1,500.00 2026-03-13 10:15:02
Snowbird bid $1,300.00 2026-03-13 08:57:51
j bid $1,200.00 2026-03-13 08:52:37
NotoriousMinnesotan bid $1,000.00 2026-03-12 20:51:03
Another nice listing from Mike S! As with the ‘Stang, though, a little cleanliness would go a long way to highlight this car and its potential, along with a shot or three of the insides and under-hood. GLWTA!
i owned this car 20 years ago but clean and no missing gauges, controls, etc. fun to drive. Had the hardtop also – no portholes. Very good color combination
Seller says it’s been in storage since the 70s??
That’s correct. My father never got around to renovating. Had it stored for over 50 years. Passed away.
Another lazy seller, pull the damn thing out and give it a bath. A little effort would go a long way with this sale.
Thanks. You saved me some typing.
Thanks. It’s the middle of winter in central Minnesota right now. It’s not an easy undertaking to do it at this point.
Ray mentioned the car had a hard top when he owned the car. Does that still exist with this car? Wish there was a photo of the frame. I lived in Minnesota at one time and I know what salt can do to cars.
I cannot find a hard top anywhere. I remember the porthole top when I was a child, but he must have not moved it when he moved into his last residence. I cannot find any rust on the car. Thanks!
If they are unwilling to haul it out of the garage and get it scrubbed down, then they get what they get in a no reserve auction.
i think this is barn finds,not showroom finds
I would send it to Amos Minter,he is the man who knows his bird’s. But,I’ll bet he has a waiting list……
Hills Thunderbird is great too
Amos is getting up there in years – he sets up across from me at Pate Swap Meet for years.
This was Fords answer to the Vette.
I hate to be picky but the Thunderbird was released in 1954. I know because I stood next to one when I was seven years old in 1954. I told my Dad, “I’m gonna have one of those Daddy. “ Twelve years later I bought my first ‘55.
as a ’55 model
Yup. Bought between tours. Costa Mesa, California. It was a “used car.” Still have it.
Ran when last washed.
looks solid and should be if has been sitting in this spot for 50yrs. it is still going to need a cash injection though. sell should have got from the garage gave it a wash and took some engine, and underside shots. i agree laziness.
I don’t know these cars very well. Is there something special about that speedometer? It seems to be open in the back towards the windshield. Why is that?
No, the 56 Ford Fairlane had the same speedometer. What they made for the Fords that year . I believe the 55 did also.
It is basically clear plastic to provide lighting to the instrument during daytime.
@The Cadillac kid: Astra-dial speedometer. Was on the ’54 and ’55 Fords. Dropped for the ’56 Fords but was continued on the ’56 T-Bird.
nice ride i would like information on the Rabbit truck next to it is it available and a diesel
The VW Rabbit “Caddy” is a 1981. Not diesel. 400k miles. Lots of rust underneath due to its usage as a rural postal delivery vehicle in Southern Minnesota. I can’t find the title, either. Thanks!
Should be a crime to let these cars get so filthy. A yearly bath should not be too much to ask
The father passed away.
OK
But when he’s alive but maybe not in perfect health he still is expected to wash a non running car?
Pray all here go clean your entire estate and then complain.
i think nobody knows what barn finds means,found as it sits,
I was thinking the same thing, Eric, and the seller has been nothing but polite. I pity the family who needs to clean up my “collection”. A lot of treasures will end up in a large dumpster.
I thought I was on fb marketplace with the pictures? Man it’s getting bad out there!
Reserve met. It is good to see a motivated, realistic seller. I hope they get a little more.
Nothing wrong with showing a car as found. This dinosaur may find new life!
good for the seller. no more punches to face from the commentator’s fair price.
I don’t understand the people that defend presentations like this. Evidently they have incredibly fortunate luck and no issues when buying cars without seeing one inch of their undercarriage, trunk, lower quarters, rockers or the paint condition underneath the dirt. Must be nice to have that sort of luck with gambling.
Just because a car has been in storage doesn’t mean moisture can’t wick through the concrete slab and do a number on the undercarriage in the North. Laying down plastic underneath is always advisable.
Great feedback. Thanks.
Mike, don’t take it to heart. Some folks don’t understand the concept of the hunt, the roll of the dice, and the sweet taste of obtaining a dream. I bought a 56 on BF that has a butchered frame and front suspension. It has kept me off the streets, out of the bars, and on the good side of my wife while I work to get it on the road.
Thanks Snowbird. This won’t be as hard. The Tbird is sitting on the “non wicking” variety of steel jacks. Buyer is getting a great deal. If I didn’t have 3 sons that I actively coach in athletics, this would be my dream vehicle. This was my father’s dream. I’m glad there’s someone who can actually bring it to fruition.