1956 Ford Thunderbird Roadster
For consignment, a 1956 Ford Thunderbird roadster in striking Fiesta Red and having both a soft top and removable hardtop. This is a very fine example and one to enjoy on weekends, at car shows, or simply hanging with friends. Few cars have the presence of the baby bird, it is rolling art in every way.
Exterior
As the third most common color behind Colonial White and Raven Black, about 15% of 1956 Thunderbirds were Fiesta Red. Starting at the nose of the bird, two bumper guards have a resounding presence on the chrome bumper looking like protruding missiles in front of the egg crate grille. The long front fenders are led by the headlights set deep in their coves, while engine vents, ornamental louvers, and the Ford logo adorn the fender on the other side of the front wheels. The car seems to lean back a bit, a stance augmented by the rear fender skirts and low rear bumper that houses a Continental kit. White wall tires on chrome 15-inch wire wheels complete the package and the porthole windows on the hardtop remain one of the most recognizable automotive attributes in history. Overall, the paint is in splendid condition with some minor imperfections that include a tiny bubble, a touched up scratch, and some scuffs. The chrome and brightwork is immaculate. The white canvas soft top has a number of holes and areas of discoloration.
Interior
A stunning design starts with the door panels which are an angular combination of a sweeping red vinyl armrest, a white stitched panel, and an aluminum insert, all clean and tidy. The entire pattern is picked up by the dash as if one continuous piece with cohesive lines of red, white, and aluminum. The bench seat is in beautiful condition with red surrounding a white stitch patterned insert. A nice red steering wheel is overlaid by a chrome horn ring with Ford crest in the center while the speedometer mirrors the rounded top and displays speed in a numerical arch. Symmetrical round gauges on left and right show RPM's and the time. In the center and along the aluminum strip we find the AM/FM radio side by side with the heater controls. Red vinyl tops the dash while red painted metal forms the bottom and it's all show worthy. Down below the red loop style carpet shows some age but is a removable piece. The trunk is clean and lined with a thin plaid mat.
Drivetrain
A 292ci V8 is under the hood and housed in a squeaky clean engine bay. The finned Thunderbird valve covers tower over an orange block and a 4-barrel carburetor is perched on an orange intake manifold. It's good for 202 horsepower and set into motion via the Ford-O-Matic 3-speed automatic transmission spinning the driveshaft back to a Dana 44 rear with 3.31 gears. Drum brakes at all four wheels handle the task of slowing and stopping the car.
Undercarriage
All clean and dry underneath in better than driver quality appearance. It lacks both surface rust and visible fluid. Dual exhaust leaves the engine and finds its way to Smithy mufflers and exits in one of the coolest presentations ever, through oval slots in the wrap around section of the rear bumpers. Coil springs are found in the front for suspension and leaf springs are out back.
Drive-Ability
Our functionality test begins with the push of the gas and a turn of the key and the 292 lights up without issue. The ride is sporty and comfortable, and the design of the interior makes it a great place to be. Plenty of power on demand and the brakes work just fine. A couple of minor demerits include the radio not working, right front turn signal bulb is out, and the reverse lights are inoperable.
The designer must have been pinching themselves when their design first rolled off the assembly plant floor. And if not for the competition and the need for back seats, who knows how long this design would have lasted had Ford committed to it. But perhaps it's so special because it was so short lived. If you've always dreamed of having a red 1950's Thunderbird, this one deserves serious consideration. It will take three steps. Do the deal, sign your name, then turn the key. Be sure to put the top down and wave goodbye as you drive off into the Morgantown sunset, Hollywood style!
M6FH166158
M-292ci 4bbl V8
6-1956
F-Dearborn, MI Assy Plant
H-Thunderbird
166158-Sequential Unit Number
WARRANTY PLATE
BODY 40A-Thunderbird
COLOR K-Fiesta Red
TRIM XB-Red & White Vinyl
PRODUCTION CODE 1MKJ39-December 1st
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