Ford’s first-generation Thunderbird was conceived in the early 1950s when George Walker, chief stylist, and Lewis Crusoe, vice president of the Ford Division, visited the Autorama in Paris. The siren song of the two-seater was obvious. The pair wasted no time developing an American answer to the sports car. Meanwhile, Chevrolet had the same idea, introducing its prototype Corvette in January 1953 at the New York Auto Show. Ford, with the Thunderbird in concept form, rushed to unveil its plans, no doubt hoping to inform the car-buying public that another option was on the way. While the Corvette was only an aspirant to the sports car niche – with its six-cylinder motor and automatic transmission – Ford took a different tack: the Thunderbird landed squarely in the “sporty luxury” niche, with a small block V8 right out of the gate. Its two-seat configuration and fiberglass hard top/optional soft top features copied the Corvette, but it was roomier and better appointed. When the first Thunderbird rolled off the line in late 1954, customers were ready to open their wallets, and Ford’s ‘Bird outsold the Corvette by a mile. Today, collectors appreciate the vintage appeal of the first-gen Thunderbird in stock, restomod, and hot rod form. This 1956 Ford Thunderbird, listed exclusively on Barn Finds Auctions, offers a variety of possibilities for the new owner.
This car came from the factory with the new-for-1956 Y-block 312 cu. in. V8, good for at least 215 hp. That engine is long gone, however, along with the transmission and driveshaft. A previous owner apparently deconstructed the engine bay and frame to fit a larger mill. The radiator shroud, tubular cross member, and X-shaped support below the transmission have been removed. In the process, the idler arm and the Pitman arm were modified, and the emergency brake cable was cut. The seller suggests that the body could be placed on a modern frame; the existing assembly could be repaired; or you might be able to source a complete original chassis. In the engine department, restomod fans seem to favor the 5.0-liter Coyote V8, but the sky’s the limit if the new buyer has plenty of patience.
Meanwhile, the body is decent, despite the amputations underneath. The exterior panels have no rust and only a couple of dents in one fender. Rust does afflict the trunk floor and the driver’s side floorboard. Two styles of hard top were available in 1956: the original version as we see here, or the “porthole” option, designed to counter criticism around visibility out the rear. Also new for the 1956 model year: the spare tire was mounted outside on the rear bumper to open up space in the trunk, and a vent panel was added behind the front wheels.
This car’s interior retains all the basics including gauges, trim, switches, and the steering wheel. The glass is good except for the driver’s side door window. The car comes with a clean title and it’s located in Lufkin, Texas. While only 15,631 T-Birds were made in 1956, parts are generally not difficult to obtain, thanks to Ford’s habit of sharing components across divisions. Too, the T-Bird didn’t have multiple “trim levels” to confuse today’s restorer. I can see this car in black over black, with the hard top painted silver to match the chrome of the bumpers, slightly lowered, with thoroughly modern underpinnings. Have a different vision? The process starts with a bid, and of course, feel free to contact the seller with any questions.
- Location: Lufkin, Texas
- Mileage: 83,440 Miles
- Engine: 312ci V8, Missing
- Transmission: 3-Speed Manual, Missing
- VIN: P6FH164829
- Title Status: Clean
Bid On This Auction
- Snowbird bid $4,500.00 2023-09-08 13:49:50
- Jack Webber bid $4,000.00 2023-09-07 16:27:21
- Yatri1126 bid $3,750.00 2023-09-05 19:51:35
- Jack Webber bid $2,500.00 2023-09-04 21:15:28
- Albert Cantu bid $2,300.00 2023-09-04 19:49:30
- Jack Webber bid $2,200.00 2023-09-04 19:19:06
- Yatri1126 bid $1,500.00 2023-09-04 10:23:02
- Crazy bid $1,100.00 2023-09-04 09:58:22
- Jack Webber bid $1,000.00 2023-09-04 09:57:01
I know lets put a 307 or 262 small block Chevrolet in this baby bird!!!!!!!!Make it all stock on the outside and enjoy the car. If it wasnt so far away it would be mine.
Get real !!!!!!
I got a better idea, take an old plastic Corvette, put a Ford motor in it, and make a “real” car out of it.
454????
Never !
That 312 is a bullet proof engine that has enough after market parts to really spin it up!! I might agree with a 5 speed Tremic.
426 Hemi
No,….MINE. ! ! 😳 🥴 v🤪 🤣
I’ve always had a desire to own a 56 Tbird, but not this one. I am trying to imagine how this one got like it is. Was it a flood car, or was it one of the ones with fuel injection and stolen for the engine and transmission, and left in the woods? It looks like who ever removed the engine had no regard for the rest of the car and definitely didn’t plan on putting another engine in it. Maybe they planned on making a dragster out of it. The body looks pretty solid but the frame damage almost puts it out of being a candidate for a restoration IMO. I hope someone does something with it.
$5,000 for interior, $10,000 for paint and you are a third of the way there. Way to much to sink in this bird.
I thought that the ’56 had a port-hole top? Maybe buy the 84 Corvette that is listed and put this body on the Vette chassis.
Lol..Surely you are joking, Morley. Putting a Chevy engine in a FORD ? AND…selecting the two most lousy mills “The General” ever produced.
Again, get real!!!!!
Sadly I see a rat rod here. Replace the missing lights, put some clear on it and the aforementioned Coyote and 6 speed.
I thought ALL 1956 and 1957 factory Thunderbird tops have portholes.
Am I wrong?
I worked in a shop that specializes in 56-66 Birds and the porthole was optional on the 56 even though I’ve only seen a few without a porthole. I’m too old to start a multi-year project. Good luck to the buyer it looks like fun. Mack’s in New York has most of the stock parts.
Lol..Surely you are joking, Morley. Putting a Chevy engine in a FORD ? AND…selecting the two most lousy mills “The General” ever produced.
The porthole top was an option, the standard top didn’t have a porthole. It was, however, a no-cost option due to safety considerations.
Why don’t we see who did the write up on the car?
I would restore it to original, the way it should be, and with the vast array of performance parts available, building a 400+hp Y-Block is a sinch
Butcher work in the engine compartment, and poorly done besides. Stop with the BS about engines; we’ve all heard it before. This baby needs someone who cares to put the frame and front end back to what it should be. Then the owner can decide what drivetrain to use.
Any chance of a picture of the data plate??
Here’s the data plate… I took a zillion pictures, but managed to forget this one, LOL.
She is getting a y-block! 292 for now. 312 later (if I live long enough)
Walt
Although I am putting the body on a different frame, I will be restoring the frame. 292 y-block and 3 speed OD transmission. On the road by spring as a “survivor “
Wow. This bird is wide open to possibilities…
What do think the car would be worth for body parts?
Austin. If I should win the auction how would you like to figure out payment. Also what kind of time line would I have? I am in Billings MT
THANKS. Robert
Robert, I would prefer cash, but I’ll consider other payment methods. I’m not in a huge hurry, so maybe within a month would be nice. Also, just an FYI, but since the car’s parking brake is not functional, it will need to be strapped down exceptionally well. I used wheel straps on the front, axle straps on the rear, plus a few slack straps to the frame for redundancy when I hauled it.
Austin
Great. Good luck with the end of the sale. Holding my breath!!!
Well guys. I won the 56! Yes, the frame and steering is an issue. But I just happen to have a spare 56 frame!! My son and I plan on making her a “survivor “ with a coat or two of clear coat. This is an interesting tbird since the first factory paint was Sage Green. It was they over painted Raven Black as is indicated by the data plate. I am in the process of a 292 rebuild for her and she will get a stock 3 speed OD transmission. Hope to be on the road this spring