1956 Ford Thunderbird

Description

Despite their similar look, the first three years of Thunderbird were each quite different. Personally, my favorites are the 1956 models like this Raven Black example, mostly because of the trim styling and continental kit out back. This one has been restored as needed during the course of its life, and a lot of recent work makes it a great choice for driving tours this fall.

One of the world's most beloved cars, there's just no way to make a 1956 Thunderbird look bad. But when you get it right, they can be downright amazing, and the high-quality finish on this 2-seater is a testament to a life well lived. Repainted in 2013-14, it's quite fresh looking and the Raven Black finish is this car's original color so it looks absolutely right. Gaps are decent all around, particularly the hard-to-fit doors, and fender skirts make it look long and sleek (they were optional but almost everyone bought them). Nice chrome, much of which has been restored, accentuates this '50s icon and the exhaust still exits through the rear corners of the bumper, a 1956-only feature. The continental kit was standard equipment, mostly to remedy complaints of no trunk space in 1955, and it adds a jaunty look to the sleek 'Bird that many find very appealing.

Two-tone red and white vinyl upholstery looks great inside the black 'Bird and while it was replaced a few years ago, quality material and workmanship insures that it still looks great today. The materials and patterns are correct, and it's hard to resist gaping at the many ornate details inside. An engine-turned panel runs across both doors and the dash, the steering wheel almost looks like an aircraft yoke, and the big speedometer is lit from behind by a Plexiglas "window" through the windshield. The gauges are probably original and they're joined by white-faced dials under the dash to keep an eye on temperature and oil pressure. A period-style under-dash A/C unit is powered by modern hardware under the hood, so it's both effective and reliable, and there's a modern AM/FM radio in the dash which does a pretty good job of concealing itself. A recent black convertible top is joined by a correct porthole hardtop, and the trunk is outfitted with black carpets and a correct jack assembly (the spare, of course, is hanging out back).

The 312 cubic inch V8 appears to be this car's original engine and it's nicely detailed with a dealer dress-up kit, correct markings, and reproduction hoses. However, in the interested of drivability, the original "teapot" carburetor was dumped in favor of a modern Demon 4-barrel and compact air cleaner, and obviously the A/C compressor is a Sanden unit. Ford Red paint on the block looks great in the otherwise all-black engine bay and the Ford-O-Matic automatic transmission clicks through the gears without a fuss. It appears that the underside of the car is original and was probably undercoated when it was new, and aside from the usual maintenance parts, it looks well-preserved and authentic. The dual exhaust has a nice V8 burble and sparkling wire wheels are a fantastic upgrade over the stock hubcaps.

2-seater Thunderbirds will never go out of style and when you pick one on great colors with nice options, it becomes a car that will hold its value better than most. Call today!