• Seller: David B rill (Contact)
• Location: Watertown, Connecticut
• Mileage: 81,000 Shown
• Chassis #: P6FH312225
• Title Status: Clean
• Engine: 312 V8 4-BBL
• Transmission: Automatic

Few cars embody the spirit of 1950s Americana like the Ford Thunderbird, and this 1956 Ford Thunderbird, offered exclusively here on Barn Finds, is a beautifully restored example with an excellent history. Showing 81,000 miles on the odometer and located in Watertown, Connecticut, this Thunderbird is described as a well-maintained, garage-kept car that remains both a show favorite and a weekend-ready driver.

Originally a Texas car before moving north to Connecticut in 2004, this T-Bird underwent a body-off restoration in 1994, including a rebuild of its 312 cubic-inch V8. At that time, the interior was redone in turquoise and white rather than the original red, a choice that gives it a distinctive, eye-catching look that complements the Colonial White exterior.

According to the seller, the car has been driven regularly to local shows, averaging about 200 miles per season, accumulating just 4,000 miles over the past 20 years. While it hasn’t seen much road use in the last few years, the seller confirms it has been started, brought to temperature, and recently had its oil changed and major systems checked.

The data tag confirms this Thunderbird is powered by the 312 cubic-inch V8 with a four-barrel carburetor, rated at 225 horsepower, paired to a Ford-O-Matic three-speed automatic transmission. Luxury features of the day included power steering, Swift Sure power brakes, power windows, a four-way power seat, and factory air conditioning, all of which are said to work, with the A/C blowing cool air.

The seller notes that the chrome presents well with only light polishing marks, while the Colonial White paint retains an excellent shine, with some small chips that have been touched up. Inside, the turquoise-and-white interior remains in very good condition, offering a refreshing contrast against the white body.

Mechanically, this Thunderbird is reported to start easily, idle smoothly, and run with the kind of dual-exhaust rumble that makes these cars so appealing. The automatic transmission shifts smoothly, and the car delivers the kind of vintage driving experience that made the Thunderbird a legend. Underneath, the car is said to be rust-free, presenting cleanly for shows or cruises.

While the original soft top is no longer with the car, it retains its removable hardtop. The Firestone Deluxe Champion wide-white tires are in excellent visible condition, though given their age, the seller recommends keeping them to local driving.

Overall, this 1956 Thunderbird represents an excellent combination of originality, restoration quality, and usability. It’s a car that has collected local show awards, drawn compliments, and remains ready to enjoy, whether on a summer cruise or the show field.

Would you preserve this 1956 Thunderbird as a cherished show cruiser, or put it back into regular weekend driving rotation?