1956 Ford Thunderbird

This frame-off-restored, Concours-winning 1956 Ford Thunderbird with $100K in restoration receipts is powered by a 4-barrel 312ci V8 engine backed by a Ford-O-Matic transmission. The restoration, including the rebuild of the engine and transmission, was professionally completed by Alan Stouffer of Kansas City, Missouri. Features include power brakes, power steering, a removable hardtop with a new stand and cover, a Town and Country AM radio, and rear wheel skirts. The sale includes restoration photos and receipts, the original window sticker, a Concours grading report, the uninstalled original oil bath air cleaner, transmission and engine manuals, extra distributor points and spark plugs, and a new storage stand and cover for the hardtop. This Goldenglow Yellow Thunderbird with only 500 post-restoration miles is available now and comes with a clear New Jersey title from the seller.

The body has been refinished in the correct Goldenglow Yellow (code M) with a Colonial White hardtop (E) that features portholes. Chrome and stainless trim, emblems, and door handles are in place. The chrome front bumper is mounted below the chrome egg-crate grille, dual headlamps, and turn signals. A hood scoop with chrome trim can be seen on the forward-hinged hood. The radio antenna is correctly placed at the rear of the passenger fender and a single mirror is mounted at the front edge of the driver’s door. The chrome bumper with a continental kit is mounted at the rear, below the dual tail lamps with integrated reverse lamps.

A set of 15-inch body-color steel wheels with full hubcaps are wrapped in bias-ply Goodyear Super Cushion whitewall tires. Wheel skirts can be seen mounted over the rear wheels. According to the seller, the tires are in excellent shape and show no cracking, but the age of the tires is unknown. 

The front bench seat has been reupholstered in black and white vinyl, which is correct according to the XA code on the trim tag. The black and white vinyl carries onto the door panels, which have aluminum engine-turned accent panels, chrome exit handles, and manual window cranks. Black carpet covers the cabin floor. The steel dashboard is covered with black upper and lower padding that was part of Safety Group A listed on the original window sticker. The dashboard houses the controls for the headlights, windshield wipers, climate system, cigarette lighter, and Town and Country AM radio with new tubes. A locking glove box can be seen at the far right. The chrome steering column is topped with a black 3-spoke steering wheel with a chrome half horn ring. The Ford-O-Matic gear selector is mounted on the transmission tunnel. The trunk interior has been refinished in Goldenglow Yellow and a patterned trunk mat has been installed.

A 150-mph sweep-style speedometer and a 5-place odometer reading 61,648 miles are mounted behind the steering wheel. Additional instruments include gauges for the fuel level and coolant temperature and warning lights for the oil pressure and generator.  A 5K-rpm tachometer and a clock are mounted on either side of the speedometer.

Power is provided by a 4-barrel 312ci V8 engine backed by a Ford-O-Matic transmission. A chrome air cleaner lid and finned aluminum valve covers with the Thunderbird logo are part of the engine dress-up kit listed on the original window sticker. Positive action wipers, the power steering pump, power brake assembly, battery, and Ford-branded radiator hoses can be seen in the engine compartment.

The independent front suspension, frame, rear axle, leaf springs, and 4-wheel drum brake assemblies have been refinished in matte black. The entire underbody has been refinished in Goldenglow Yellow. Stainless steel brake lines and fuel lines have been installed. The tips of the full-length stainless steel dual exhaust system are located at the factory locations at the rear. A stainless gas tank can also be seen.

This Thunderbird is reportedly a Concourse d'Elegance Gold Medallion winner that scored over 290 points out of 300 and was upgraded to senior-level status. Restoration photos and receipts, the original window sticker, the Concours grading report, the uninstalled original oil bath air cleaner, transmission and engine manuals, extra distributor points and spark plugs, and a new storage stand and cover for the hardtop will be included with the sale.