1956 Ford Thunderbird Convertible

This 1956 Ford Thunderbird Convertible was offered for sale at the 2007 Christies auction of 'Exceptional Motor Cars at the Monterey Jet Center.' It is finished in Fiesta Red with matched red and white interior. It has a Fordomatic three-speed gearbox, four-wheel drum brakes, and a 312 cubic-inch V8 engine capable of producing nearly 200 horsepower.

The Thunderbird was Ford's response to Chevrolet's Corvette. When the Thunderbird was introduced in 1955, it outsold the more expensive Corvette by 24 to 1. The name 'Thunderbird' was derived from the god of rain and prosperity worshipped by America's South West Indians. They were versatile vehicles with European style and American comfort and power.

The 1956 was nearly identical to the 1955 version, with the addition of a rear-mounted spare tire being the most obvious difference. The Continental kit was stylish and gave additional trunk space for cargo. Cowl vents on each fender side were also new for 1956.

This example was offered without reserve at auction and estimated to sell between $30,000 - $50,000. It is a clean, restored example with a tidy engine bay. It is equipped with air-conditioning, radio, and heat. One big drawback for this example is that it does not include a hard or soft top. It has been in the same ownership for twenty years. At auction, this vehicle was sold for just under the estimated value, fetching 28,600 including buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2007