One of the keys to life is having something to look forward to, whether it’s next week, next year, or some indeterminate date down the line. Well, I fantasize about the day when cars I’ve long admired will become semi-affordable to those of average financial means. Considering that discussions about ’40s and ’50s staples such as this two-seat T-Bird invariably circle back to their stagnant(ish) values, maybe it’ll all come true. This nice ’56 is currently for sale in Euclid, Ohio, with no reserve and a current high bid on eBay of $14,500. With new paint, new chrome, and a new interior, this ‘Bird could be the deal of the day come Monday.
Here’s the story as I read it: The seller is a dealer and friend of the car’s owner, who bought it from the original owner in 2021. Since then, he has “spent a fortune” on it, including the aforementioned interior, which looks very well done in the plethora of pictures included in the listing. The T-Bird comes with two tops, and the only minor nit I can find is that the hardtop could use a headliner. This is a two-top car, however, as it also comes with a soft top.
The undercarriage isn’t detailed, so I’d call it a nice driver, which I would prefer anyway. Because I’m a firm believer that this is a proper-looking undercarriage if one uses one’s car regularly, nothing in this picture drives me away. Ford’s tack-on “Master Guide” power steering, on the other hand, I could do without.
The seller doesn’t mention the engine displacement, but Fordomatic T-Birds had a standard 225-horsepower 312 in 1956, so I’ll assume that that’s what we’re seeing. The engine compartment is not detailed, but engine paint and aluminum foil for masking are cheap, and a weekend of labor would be rewarding if that sort of thing puts a bee in your bonnet. The radiator and water pump have been replaced and the car’s had a tune up, but the engine runs “a little rough,” which the seller attributes to a carburetor that needs rebuilding. I’ll withhold from commenting because “a little rough” could mean anything from a slight quiver to a dead miss. As always, it’s best to inspect a car before buying.
Still, there’s always risk involved when buying an old car, and if you’re not willing to take that risk you’ll probably never own one. This car has had the most expensive work done already, so if the worst happens and it needs a valve job or something, at least it’s not a full paint job. Are the values of Baby ‘Birds finally coming down to a point where an average guy or gal can afford them? One example does not a trend make, but we’ll see on Monday what this beauty sells for.
At least from the photos, this appears to be one beautiful T Bird. Black is a hard color to hide by body work or bodylines not lining up. Black isnt my first choice for one of these, but I must admit that Black and white sure looks great here. It looks like all the heavy lifting was done. Paint and interior is very expensive if done right. You have to assume that when you’re buying an old car, its going to need something, thats just how it goes. But somebody is going to get what appears to be a great car here if the price is right.
Nice car and my favorite year T-bird and, always wanted one. Now that I’m over 80 my needs for the “left one” are minimal, I would consider giving it for this one. Hope whever gets it appreciate and take care of it.
Those underneath shots don’t tell you anything about the condition of the body. I’ve owned 5 early birds over the last 50 years and wouldn’t consider one without photos of the body mounts, inner rockers and front fender air ducts.
Nice car. With the exception of the spare hanging out back the ’55 and ’56 were good looking cars with plenty of power for most folks. ’57s were nice looking but lead into the massive expansion of the T Birds size.
Aaron, I would have to agree with you, I have been poking my head in the door at 55-57 t-birds For sale in the last couple years, and the numbers are certainly coming down. Many nice cars are sitting stagnant unsold for long periods of time.
There is a big number of nicely, restored birds out there and people looking for them is going the other way. Good old supply and demand. This model is one I have on my shortlist to keep an eye out for the next couple of years.
I have also noticed a similar trend with my beloved tri five Chevys. Great examples are slowly becoming more and more affordable. For certain models, the buyers market is getting better and better. :)
You have to wonder why the current owner spent big bucks fixing almost everything yet the carburetor runs rough. How much is a new carburetor?? Unless there’s something else amiss not mentioned.
I think folks can get weary of a project and stop investing time, care, cash, in a project and just want to see it gone. I concur that it makes no sense. They’ll get bigger bucks selling a drive-away car than they will from selling a needs-how-much-work project.
The market for the baby birds seems to be consistently soft.at least that my observation. I would think they’d sell for a lot more.
just a gee-whiz, but I thought 56’s and 57’s had portholes in the top, only 55’s were solid
The ’56 brochure shows a solid top, so my guess is that the porthole was introduced some time later in the model year.
I’ve never owned one of these but have always admired them. I had a few people I’ve known through the years that all told me they toad rough and didn’t handle well. That in mind I always figured if I were to come across a solid one I would replace the chassis and modernize the drivetrain. I think this would be a candidate but the numbers are getting up to a point that turning it into a restored modified vehicle would be only for yourself and no return at time of resale. But only builders make money on cars not the people having it done. Cool car anyway you want yo do it.