1956 Ford Thunderbird

This 3-owner 1956 Ford Thunderbird was restored under previous ownership,  receiving a replacement engine, a repaint in its factory-correct Colonial White and more. Its current owner, with the assistance of a Thunderbird mechanic partially restored it by adjusting the suspension to correct the vehicle's stance, fixing the speedometer and odometer, repairing the 4-way power bench seat, and more. The car is capped off with a body-color hardtop and features power steering and windows, a floor-mounted shifter, whitewall tires, and a Continental kit. It moves down the road with the power from a recently serviced 292ci V8 connected to a 3-speed automatic transmission that sends the engine's output to the rear wheels. A reportedly rust-free California car, this first-generation Thunderbird is available now with receipts, uninstalled additional parts, and a clear title in the seller's name.

Ford produced 15,631 T-birds for the 1956 model year with updated styling that included vents in the front fenders for improved cabin ventilation, portholes in the removable hardtop to increase outward visibility, an externally mounted spare tire to provide more trunk space, and dual exhaust outlets at the ends of the rear bumper. This particular car was restored and repainted in factory-correct Colonial White under previous ownership. According to the current owner, it never had a soft-top or tonneau cover and instead comes with a body-color hardtop with portholes and a glass rear window. Brightwork is located on the front and rear bumpers, grille surround, headlight hoods, hood scoop, front fender vents, greenhouse glass trim, mirror housings, door handles, removable rear fender skirts, and Continental kit. Badging includes Ford emblems on the front fenders and Thunderbird script badges on the rear fenders.

The car rides on a set of wheels with Ford-branded chrome hub caps and thick-whitewall tires that the seller states will probably need to be replaced. According to the seller, the left rear quarter panel has a dent in it and there is a scrape on the roof above one of the portholes that has been touched up.

As part of the restoration process, the interior received new upholstery for its bench seat, headliner, and trunk. Metallic trim accents the door panels and dashboard. Features include a 3-spoke steering wheel connected to power steering, manual brakes, power windows, a new headlight switch, a floor-mounted automatic shifter, and a replacement motor for the power seat controls. The dashboard houses a 5k-rpm tachometer, a 150-mph speedometer, an analog clock, and fuel and coolant temperature gauges. According to the seller, there are 99,800 miles on the odometer and the previous owner estimated the car had mileage as high as 140K, but true mileage is unknown. Auxiliary Stewart Warner instruments below the radio display the water temperature and oil pressure.

As reported by the seller, clock, coolant temperature gauge, Town & Country AM radio, and windshield wipers are currently inoperative. The tachometer and heater/defroster controls work however the ducting is missing for the defrost.

As indicated by the P in its VIN, this Thunderbird left Ford's Dearborn, Michigan assembly plant with a 312ci V8, which was reportedly replaced with a factory engine within 3-5 years. The car currently has a 292ci Y-block V8 connected to a 4-barrel carburetor and a 3-speed Ford-O-Matic automatic transmission, which has a slight fluid leak. According to the seller, the engine has been refurbished with new belts and hoses. Additional new hardware includes the horns, battery, and neutral safety switch. An oil change was performed approximately 6 months ago.

Sale includes receipts and uninstalled additional parts.