1956 Ford Thunderbird

OVERVIEW

This 1956 Ford Thunderbird convertible received a frame-off restoration in 2010 and has been with the seller for the last 12 years. It features a removable hardtop in addition to a retractable soft top and is propelled by a rebuilt 312ci Y-block V8 paired with an automatic transmission. Features include Kelsey Hayes wire wheels, a telescopic steering column, a Bluetooth audio system, a continental kit, and power steering, windows, and brakes. Finished in black with a white soft top over a two-tone black and white vinyl interior, this garage-kept Thunderbird is now offered with an off-white hardtop, a cockpit cover, the uninstalled original radio and wipers, service records, and a clear Florida title in the seller’s name.

EXTERIOR – FEATURES

This 1956 Thunderbird personal luxury car was put through a frame-off restoration in 2010 and received a recoat in black. According to the seller, the doors open and close well. Features include electric windshield wipers, wheel skirts, a continental kit, and rear bumper exhaust exits. The weather stripping was replaced in 2020. The seller notes that there are some chips and nicks consistent with an older paint job.

EXTERIOR – WHEELS AND TIRES

Chrome 15-inch Kelsey Hayes wire wheels with knock-off spinner caps are wrapped in Firestone whitewall tires.

INTERIOR – FEATURES

The cockpit is fitted with a black and white vinyl bench seat, matched to the door panels, dash, carpeting, and embroidered logo floor mats. The dash is trimmed with engine-turned aluminum. Amenities include power windows, a Bluetooth audio system with upgraded speakers, a telescopic steering column, and a vinyl trunk mat. The seller notes that a small tear has been repaired in the driver's seat bottom as shown in the photos to the right.

INTERIOR – GAUGES

Instrumentation consists of a 120-mph speedometer, a 5K-rpm tachometer, an analog clock, and auxiliary gauges for the coolant temperature and fuel level. The five-digit mechanical odometer reads 69K miles, 8K of which were added after the restoration. The true mileage on the chassis is unknown.

ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION

The rebuilt 312ci Y-block V8's compression was tested and reportedly verified at 160 psi in each cylinder. The engine received a valve adjustment, an oil change, and new spark plugs, wires, and points in April of 2022. The original teapot carburetor was rebuilt to accept ethanol gas. A tach-drive distributor has been installed. In addition, the cooling and charging systems have been refurbished. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a floor-shifted automatic transmission.

UNDERCARRIAGE

Steering and braking are both power-assisted. A full brake job was performed in 2021. The fuel tank and sender have been replaced. Additional photos showing the underside are available in the carousel.

ADDITIONAL DETAILS

The sale includes service records, a cockpit cover, the uninstalled original radio and wipers, and a removable off-white hardtop with porthole windows. The seller has provided a start-up and walkaround video below.