Based on the provided photos and current condition of this two owner, two-seater 1956 Ford Thunderbird, it hasn’t led a pampered life and will need restoring (which will take a lot of green). But, on the plus side, the next owner will have themselves a running project car, all the parts are supposedly there to fully restore it, it has both tops, and the data plate reveals that it originally left the Dearborn factory in a rare color: Thunderbird Green. Being a Baby ‘Bird nut, I spotted this for sale locally on Facebook Marketplace. It’s currently nesting in Lincolnton, North Carolina, with an asking price of $13,500.
Ford doubled the exterior paint color options from five in ’55 to ten for the ’56 model year. I’ve always found three of the new colors a bit odd: Buckskin Tan, Navajo Gray, and Thunderbird Green (sometimes called Sage Green or Pea Green). A photo of the data plate confirms that it left the factory with Code Z green paint and some is even visible underneath the peeling black paint surrounding the plate. Photos are limited, so it’s hard to determine its true condition and how solid this Thunderbird is (it comes with complete new floor pans). The current white paint looks okay with several chips visible, and a complete rear bumper is also included in the sale. The Thunderbird’s limited trim pieces and badging are missing and the holes filled in, so one of its two owners may have been going for a mild custom look.
The ‘Bird sports both tops: a white fiberglass hardtop with no porthole windows and a raggedy-looking ragtop convertible that will need replacing. The seller lists the interior as “black,” and the seat may be, but the data plate reveals it originally had the Code XF green/white interior. You get a glimpse of a green dash and instrument panel in a brief :12 video showing the car driving away from an outdoor canopy. There are no photos of the interior and it appears to have an aftermarket sports steering wheel.
The “M” on the data plate shows that the car left the factory with the standard 292-cubic-inch V8. There are no photos of the engine bay, but I’m assuming the photo of an engine sitting on the garage floor is what’s back in the T-Bird and powering it these days (add that to the long list of questions for the seller). The ad says it’s been “Driven 70,000 miles” and has an automatic transmission.
So, what do you think of this project ‘Bird? I’d want to check it out in person since basic photos and information are lacking. Color breakdowns aren’t available, but it’s estimated that perhaps only four percent of the 15,631 Thunderbirds produced for 1956 left the factory in this unique color. That’s less than 700. Have you ever seen a ’56 T-Bird painted Thunderbird Green with a matching green and white interior?
Too bad I’m in Facebook lockdown…for reasons unknown. I can view partial phots only. Not sure why people sell on FB when it limits their exposure…or maybe I’m the one that’s limited.
I’m familiar with ‘Thunderbird Green’ and have seen one or two that shade. It’s a tad brighter than Olive and looks great with a matching interior. Being the stickler that I am for factory stock, I’d fully restore this back to that color.
Same old song from me: Can’t believe Ford hung the spare on the back end of one of the nicest looking cars they ever built. It would be gone in 30 minutes if I bought it.
Just avoid the ’56s if you don’t want the conti-kit. It came standard that year.
The continental kit provided more trunk room. Most folks like it!
I am and have been a baby bird fanatic for along time done tons of research, car color numbers are pretty much a guess, fords records were pretty much trashed at some point, most that they do have were saved by a secretary the pulled them out of a dumpster. I live close to the AACA library great place to look. The pallette of colors for the baby birds was unprecedented and wide. this one looks to be a pretty good project car
Her name was Lois Eminger. Her efforts formed the foundation of Kevin Marti’s work, and business. It is a great story. She passed away several years ago. Ford enthusiasts owe her a great debt of gratitude.
Bobhess I completely agree with you on that continental spare ruins the lines of a great design
Looks like a three speed manual and throw out stick hanging out of that “automatic” transmission.
Bobhess, I had my continental spare off the car, day one.
Still have it upstairs in garage, sold the car :-)
locked out from f/b as well. you need a video selfie if you want to get on. this bird needs some work especially the soft top
I turned 81 today. In 55 I went to SF with my mom and my grandparents on the Southern Pacific Daylight. It was still steam powered.My mother and grandmother went to see the Damned Yankees.
My grandfather and I took a taxi to an exhibition hall called The Cow Palace for a new car show.
The 55 T-Bird,the 55 Corvette and the 55 Kaiser Darrin were all on display.
My parents were divorced when I was about 1. At one time she was dating a stuntman\actor by the name of Jack Williams. He would show up in a Henry J, which did not impress me.But one time, he must have gotten some cash from a movie, and he showed up in a T-Bird.I think it was a 56 because I kind of remember the continental kit.
My mom’s cousin from NY was visiting us. She and her husband had a 140. My mom and her cousin must have been around 40.They both took off with smiles on their faces.