- Seller: Mike S (Contact)
- Location: Lindstrom, Minnesota
- Mileage: 0 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.
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