With its iconic porthole hardtop and unmistakable mid-century lines, the 1956 Ford Thunderbird holds a special place in American automotive history. This example, offered at no reserve, is a particularly compelling survivor. Showing just 73,785 miles and equipped with its original removable hardtop, this Thunderbird is said to have been garage-kept since new and meticulously maintained over the decades. It’s being sold to help settle the estate of a longtime collector and is currently listed here on eBay.
Finished in white with a black and white interior, the car features its original 312 cubic inch V8 and automatic transmission. The body panels appear straight, and the paint presents well for an older driver-grade car. The seller notes that while it’s not a flawless show car, it’s extremely clean throughout with just a few imperfections—a well-preserved example rather than a full trailer queen. Chrome, trim, and glass all look to be in excellent shape, and both the engine bay and trunk are tidy and complete.
Inside, the Thunderbird’s interior maintains its factory black-and-white upholstery with no major wear issues. The car has never been smoked in and shows no signs of abuse from pets or kids. The undercarriage is also described as very solid and clean, consistent with the car’s history of indoor storage and careful ownership. Photos show a complete and nicely detailed cabin, correct steering wheel and gauges, and clean, intact door panels and carpeting.
Mechanically, this classic Ford is ready to drive. The 312 V8 starts easily and runs smoothly, and the automatic transmission shifts as it should. The seller reports that it drives, steers, and brakes well—making it equally at home on weekend cruises or the show field. It’s also worth noting that the car comes with a factory removable hardtop, adding to its collectibility and value.
This Thunderbird isn’t just a piece of Americana, it’s a turnkey classic with strong investment potential. With values continuing to climb and clean examples becoming harder to find, this one represents a great opportunity for any enthusiast. Would you keep this T-Bird just the way it is, or take it to the next level?
Nice writeup and a nice driver-quality ’56 T-Bird. Although you could order contrasting colors for the removable hardtop from the factory, I’ve never seen one in Raven Black on a Colonial White body. Most white ‘Birds had the matching white hardtop. Interesting.
1956, Everybody smoked. At birth you gave the kiddies pink or blue lighters. Ok, maybe that’s a bit extreme but really. In 1956 16% of all adult women and 83% of all adult men smoked. I’m not making it up, look for yourselves.
So even if the owner didn’t the odds are ridiculously high that their friends did, and people smoked literally everywhere. Toilets, restaurants and patient rooms in the hospitals included and socially accepted. The inside of the car wasn’t exempt.
All I’m saying is that it’s pretty unlikely that this car was never smoked in. If someone is going to make that kind of statement that is almost certainly false, what else are they guess at or fabricate.
All supposition on your part.
Supposition, yes. I thought I made that obvious.
However, fully based on factual evidence. Think Occam’s razor.
Nowhere does it say that there is any relation between the “collector” the estate and the original owner.
I’ll even allow that it has been smoke free for all the years in the collector’s custody. Beyond that no claims can or should be made.
Caveat emptor
I’ll argue with you on the never smoked in,,I have a 41 Buick special torpedo back my parents bought new,,they never smoked nor me and I know for a fact it was never smoked in, the car is now in my garage getting ready for a drive this weekend and show.
That’s great Jeff. That’s called provenance. You have it. This bird doesn’t.
I have a 56,,Had 2 55;s the 312 cu in engine is Boss on the highway;; These Baby Birds are starting to appreciate and sell for what they are reall worth,,,Any generation would want one,,
Nice bird at what looks like a nice price if it doesn’t explode in the next 3+ hours.
Personally I’d hot rod in a period correct style. Loose the spare tire thing, black steel wheels and a more modern 5 spd. Maybe discs on the front for stopping, and the usual/necessary suspension upgrades for fun on the road.
As is it’s nice enough, but a bit stiff at the least. I’d want change it up a bit.
I really like these old T-birds and this one looks great in white. It looks like somebody is going to get a nice car at a good price.. it’s sitting at $25k with a little over an hour to go at this point. I met a guy a few years ago at a Safeway here in Oro Valley who had a really nice survivor and talked to him about it. He’d stopped in on his way back from a local car gathering and I got a close up look at it and he gave me a detalined rundown on his from the bottom up, including it’s history since I wasn’t all that familiar with them.
SOLD for $26,100.
They look a lot better than they drive