1956 Ford Thunderbird 61014 Miles Red Roadster 292 V8 Automatic

The 1956 Ford Thunderbird is one of those designs that never goes out of style, and remains an instantly-identifiable icon of the 50s. Beautifully styled, comfortable, and with enough performance to keep almost any gearhead happy, they are perhaps the best combination of styling and performance from the 1950s. This beautiful Fiesta Red example received a quality restoration about 10 years ago and still looks great. Code X Navajo Gray is this car's original color, but during the restoration it... was bathed in brilliant Fiesta Red, a high-visibility hue that's particularly handsome on the '56 Thunderbird. Solving some of 1955's problems, the spare tire was moved out to the rear bumper to improve trunk space and simultaneously gave the 'Bird a long, lean look that is easy to recognize from a distance. Other upgrades include cowl vents to reduce the heat build-up around your feet (those of you with melted sneakers know what I'm talking about), and the ever-popular porthole hardtop to improve visibility. Up close, this is a very nice 'Bird, and even though it has been driven over the past few years, it still presents quite well, which speaks highly of the restoration work. Fit and finish are good and thanks to modern paint materials, the shine is far deeper than the original lacquer might have been. Chrome and brightwork are dazzling, from the eggcrate grille up front to the unique rear bumper with the exhaust ports in the outside corners. We even like the chromed headlight bezels that really dress this particular 'Bird up nicely. Code XA black and white is the car's original interior combination and it was accurately re-created when the car was restored. The black provides a great contrast and prevents red overload, making for a spectacular look that makes people stop in their tracks when they see it. The engine-turned panel that runs across the door panels and dash is like jewelry, and the seat cover design makes the bench feel like separate buckets. You'll also note that this car includes power windows and a power seat, and doesn't offer any of the many modifications and "upgrades" that enthusiasts usually install. Heck, even the original Town & Country AM radio is still in the center of the dash! I suppose you could include the manual choke knob under the dash as a modification, but I doubt many enthusiasts will complain about such a beneficial change to the notorious "teapot" carburetor. It also comes with a matching red porthole hardtop as well as a lovely black canvas folding top, plus a fully-finished trunk. Powering most Thunderbirds in 1956 was Ford's Y-block V8 engine, and the P-code version displaces 292 cubic inches and generates impressive horsepower thanks to a 4-barrel carburetor and dual exhaust. The engine bay was detailed when it was restored and while it shows a few signs of use today, the engine still runs even better than it looks. From the Ford Red paint on the block to the stamped steel valve covers (now chrome plated), it certainly looks the part of Ford's personal/luxury car. It starts easily and runs superbly, meaning that you can jump in and go any time in your new 'Bird. The undercarriage is clean and solid with no surprises, with power steering plus a Ford-O-Matic 3-speed automatic transmission and a 9-inch rear end with 3.00 gears inside, all of which make it easy to drive for anybody. Flashy wire wheel covers and a set of wide whites are the perfect finish for a '50s icon. These Thunderbirds are wonderful performers on the road, and are just as fun to drive today as they were in 1956. If you've been searching for a quality 'Bird with no stories, you've just found it. Call today!