1956 Ford Thunderbird Roadster

The Thunderbird was Ford's response to the comparatively crude Corvette and, when introduced in 1955, it outsold the Chevrolet 24 to 1. Behind that success was the car's versatile mix of American substance and European aesthetics. While the styling is certainly a highpoint, the unibody construction, which lacks fender or quarter-panel seams, can make for a challenging restoration. The Ford Thunderbirds are truly one of the most collectible cars of the 1950's. This '56 is a special survivor showing only a consigner stated 40,317 miles which is believed to be actual, and it is backed up by the amazing condition of the car! Bird is the word….

For consignment, a slice of Ford history to serve up with this beautiful bird from 1956. Seems that Ford execs were given a car to drive for the year as a bonus and a promotion, this car was given to and driven by Chase Morsley Jr. The car comes with the original invoice to Mr. Morsley. Save for power brakes this car is equipped with every option that could be had that year. Mr. Morsley also is the author of “The Man Who Saved the V8” and a copy of this book comes with the car. And as they say the rest is history!

Exterior
Bathed in Raven Black, this car has had a frame off restoration on and around 1998. Body panels are very straight and true with good gaps. Looking down the side of the car, the sheet metal is respectably straight, and the car shows with an overall sense of authenticity. An egg crate grille on elongated oval form is fronted by a dual “Dagmar” bumper below and a single round headlight with a visor above. Between the bumper and the headlights is a small round turn signal with a shiny bezel. The stainless trimmings wrapping the front wrap around windshield are nearly perfect, and this car comes with the black body matching porthole hardtop. A hood scoop, some quarter panel venting and the round button door handle are just a few of the design highlights that are on this car. It is equipped with a continental rear bumper with the encased spare tire coming along for the ride. Tastefully finned rear quarters culminate in a “flame shaped backup light topping round jet engine like rear taillights. The exhaust is a through the rear bumper design. Fender skirts, chromed wire wheels, wide whites and new radial tires which look very much like the original bias ply tires that came from the factory are on. The convertible top is new from 1998 and is now in back canvas. It sports a clear plastic rear window and a black tonneau covering makes it nearly seamless when the top is down and hidden. A very snazzy design and no wonder is outsold the Corvette!

Interior
A black and white two tone bench stretches across the passenger compartment. It is covered in shiny vinyl and has puffy black bolsters and upper backs and white inserts. It is a power actuated bench. The door panels it stretches between are white ribbed vinyl on the lowers, black vinyl for elongated armrest and sills and a middle panel that houses the power seat toggles and door actuators is a machined swirl pattern aluminum. The window toggles are within the lower white vinyl. This machined swirl pattern aluminum continues through the center of the dash where some knobs, pulls and the upgraded but still retro AM/FM now transistor radio and climate sliders are located. The top of the dash is padded black vinyl and in front of the driver is a nice fan design speedometer, flanked on either side by a round tachometer and clock on the other side. Underneath the speedo fan is a horizontal panel with gauges to keep track of other vitals and fuel level. A smaller more manageable steering wheel replaces the original but maintains its retro look. The larger original steering wheel will come with the car. On the center of the hump in a sea of black carpeting is the floor shifter with a black ball topper. This car is optioned with seat belts. Classic yet futuristic for this interior, and certainly nearly perfect. A shout to the trunk which shows as fully restored and linked in ribbed rubber which is all pristine.

Drivetrain
A flip of the hood, and you will be met with a very clean red painted block 312ci V8 topped by a single 4-barrel carburetor, beautiful chromed air cleaner cover, and a Ford-O-Matic 3-speed automatic transmission. On the back the rear axle is a Dana 44 with 3.31 gears. This has the factory engine dress up package with the cast ribbed valve coverings and the chromed flying saucer-esque air cleaner covering. Right down to the FoMoCo plastic window washer bag all is very authentic. The wipers have gone from vacuum to electric.

Undercarriage
Underside is very clean, and surface rust free. The frame is sturdy, and no signs of any damage from the weather exist. The bottom of the doors are in good condition as well, all in shiny black paint overall, a new exhaust, drum brakes, power steering and independent front suspension and leaf sprung for the back.

Drive-Ability
Not a ton of room in these early birds, but once in, they are comfy. This car fired right up and took off for the test track where it flew around in circles with ease. A strong accelerator, and good stopper are also good qualities to have in such an early car and they are there. All the functions were working during my drive, and I especially love the updated radio with FM capability.
A nicely restored '56 bird with some Ford Exec history, plenty of options and a nice looking example which has won many shows including a few best of show badges. A convertible, hardtop and nice history come with this car which is raring to take flight and make more history and memories.

VIN DECODE
P6FH135988
P-312ci V8 4bbl 225hp
6-1956
F-Dearborn, MI Assy Plant
H-Thunderbird
135988-Sequential Unit Number
WARRANTY TAG
BODY 40A-Thunderbird
COLOR A-Raven Black
TRIM XA-Black & White Vinyl
PRODUCTION CODE 28K027-October 28th

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 650 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.