1956 Ford Thunderbird Convertible

The Ford Thunderbird, introduced in 1955, was targeted at people looking for a roadster with more power and room, and a higher level of luxury, than could be found on the typical two-seater. Henry Ford II described it as a 'personal car', and a new automotive niche was born.

The Thunderbird came standard with a V-8 engine, power steering and power brakes, and an optional automatic transmission. Buys had the choice of tops, complemented by roll-up windows. For 1956, the spare wheel was mounted on the rear bumper, Continental-style, a feature that would become exclusive to that year's Thunderbirds.

The current owner of this 1956 Thunderbird acquired it several years ago. It has been given an extensive body-off restoration. The body was taken to bare metal and re-sprayed in factory-correct Fiesta Red, topped with three clear coats. The interior was restored in matching red and white with a period-correct radio. The suspension was fully rebuilt. New, narrow whitewall tires were also installed.

Under the hood is the optional 312 cubic-inch V8 engine breathing through a four-barrel carburetor and offering 225 horsepower. There is a two-speed Ford-O-Matic automatic transmission and power-assisted hydraulic four-wheel drum brakes.

The car has traveled just 700 miles since the completion of the restoration. The car is equipped with both its original removable hardtop, featuring the 'portholes' made famous by American Graffiti, as well as with a soft top added during restoration.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jun 2013