Golden Glow Paint/B&W Interior/292ci V8 4 BBL/Soft Top & Hardtop

1956 Ford Thunderbird Roadster

Ad men from the 1950's described the Thunderbird using such terms as "A Mink Coat for Father" or "Light of Hand" (referring to the ease of handling and steering) and "6AM Thunderbird Time" featuring a pristine Suburban Upper Middle Class House, a jacket and tie husband leaving for work, passing the milkman on the way out as the family's Irish setter watches his master leave for work. Quintessential middle class success, but they had to work for it.

A pristine restoration example in Golden Glow Yellow with a matching hardtop and a porthole window within it. Much attention to detail has been paid during this restoration, and it creates an excellent example of a Ford classic. Aptly named by the consigner we give you "Tweetie Bird"!

Exterior
Step in for a closer look to find all the details firmly in place and ready for show. At the front, a stainless egg-crate grille rides between clean headlights, a delicate header emblem and a sculpted bumper that bends around peaked fenders. Between those fenders, a classy hood scoop leads the eye to a wraparound windshield that's reflected by a single chrome mirror, cleared by satin-finished wipers, and framed by thick chrome trim. When the weather stops being agreeable, a black cloth convertible top comes to the rescue while complimenting the body color for a striking look. There is also a matching Golden Glow Yellow fiberglass hardtop with this one, allowing you to enjoy this classic bird year round. Below, sculpted door handles and stainless-trimmed fender skirts perfectly complement chrome fender louvers, small Ford emblems and glowing "Thunderbird" scripts that sit to the front of fender vents. The 56 has arguably the most memorable rear view of all the Thunderbirds with finned quarters capped by pointed taillights. This bird is accentuated by a Continental rear bumper with an extra bump out that houses a metal covered chrome banded and center chrome capped spare tire holder.

Interior
Dramatic styling was king in the 1950's and it certainly didn't stop on the outside. Between the doors of this Ford, a pleated black and white vinyl interior offers seating for two with plenty of period-correct charm. Nicely aged door sill plates clamp the corners of clean black carpet. In the center, a chrome shifter extends through the floor, free of any type of console. Seating is provided by a pleated white insert bench seat with jet black bolsters which shows beautifully. At either side, matching door panels are dressed with attractive spin pattern aluminum pieces as well bright window cranks and door pulls. Power seat toggles are embedded within the aluminum trim. The dash in its padded glory, comes at you with its curved shape, and is covered in crack free black vinyl. The factory gauges monitor fuel, rpm, speed, temperature, and time from within a spin patterned aluminum bezel that looks great amidst the black paint and wraps to match the doors. Chrome pull knobs control accessories like lights and wipers while the Town and Country radio provides all the entertainment needed. In front of the driver, a nice black steering wheel extends forward, offering control over the front wheels. A lift of the deck lid we find solid pans beneath a correct plaid floor mat, and no rust here.

Drivetrain
Tilt the lightweight hood forward to find one of Ford's overhead valve 292ci V8's. Cubes are consignor stated as the vin shows this car being equipped with a 312ci V8. Factory heads topped with original valve covers, casted "Thunderbird" and horizontal ribs, frame a factory intake, while a matte aluminum painted air cleaner assembly tops the 4 barrels. This nicely restored non original to this car mill his backed by the 3-speed Ford-O-Matic automatic transmission, and a 3.31 rear axle setup.

Undercarriage
The original X frame structure is strong and true, with little to no surface rust. Some patina of surfaces is noted on this now 64 year old cruiser. A few new parts put on recently such as shocks and some suspension parts show newer but are functioning in conjunction with the originals just fine. Some peel off of the undercoating is noted in a few areas. Door panel inside bottoms also present with surface rust.

Drive-Ability
A slip inside the 50's styling and we are wrapped in black and white heaven. This car started easily and ran very smoothly. It corners without creaks or rattles and has snappy acceleration. A very nice cruiser.

This beautiful bird with hardtop and soft top shows well for its age. A few minor faults certainly do not detract from its awesome 1956 design, a favorite among T-Bird collectors. If you are into having a 1 car parade down main street when you go to pick up the dry cleaning, then this very nice restoration. "I taught I taw a puddy tat" (sorry had to use it!)

VIN Decode
P6FH135965
P-312 4bbl 225hp
6-1956
F-Dearborn, MI Assy Plant
H-Thunderbird
135965-Sequential Unit Number

Warranty Tag
BODY 40A-Thunderbird
COLOR M-Golden Glow Yellow
TRIM XA-Raven Black & Colonial White Pleated Vinyl

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 500 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.