1956 Ford Thunderbird

Convertible

292 Thunderbird V8

3 spd Manual with Overdrive

Clear

Gas

1956 Ford Thunderbird frame-off, nut and bolt restoration. If you could dream of having your choice of Thunderbirds, here's my take: Choose a 1956, because it retains the purity of the 1955 original design and adds several significant safety and convenience features. Besides the vent window wings, safety door locks and deep dish steering wheel, the 1956 model incorporates the integrated Continental Kit which frees up truck space and adds a unique styling flair that is the essence of the Fifty's. The accessory add-on continental kits of the 1955 and 1957 models look just that, added on. Now, what would be the ideal drive train? For me, there is only one: the 3-speed stick. The only thing better than that would be overdrive, which would give you 4 forward speeds. I say this from direct experience both when the cars were new and as a long time collector. The responsiveness and control you get with a standard transmission transforms the T-Bird from a boulevard cruiser to a drivers' car (a vast improvement over the 2-speed Ford-O-Matic). Now, what's the best color for a 1956 T-Bird? Of course, that's a matter of personal taste, but the consensus among many T-Bird aficionados is that Peacock blue, a one-year-only '56 color, best captures the style and spirit of the baby Bird. It is an iconic Fifty's shade, but contemporary enough to look very cool today. (Naturally, a blue and white interior best complements this striking color scheme, especially when the car is capped off with a white convertible top.) Next comes the question of tops. As you probably know if you read this far, the baby birds were furnished either with a soft top, a hardtop or both. From my perspective, the soft top is a given. You can't have a convertible without one. The hardtop is another matter. You either leave it on forever, because once you take it off, you will probably never re-install it. And once it's off, now comes where to store it without damaging it or taking up valuable garage space. I speak from experience, but if you ever want one, they're always out there for sale. There are 2 other appearance options that can "make" a car: wheels and tires. Wide white walls are a must, but wide whitewall radials are a plus. They transform how the car corners and handles and are accepted even by strict judges at car shows without losing a point. Next, are the wheels. This car is equipped with 5 correct Dayton chrome wire wheels which, again, in my opinion, "light up" the car. It also has the original radio, which was just sent out to the "Old Radio Guy". Finally, there's condition, probably the single most important criterion in selecting any collector car. This Bird has received an professional frame off, nut and bolt restoration. This means that every single part down to the last nut, bolt and screw has been removed from the car and either totally restored or replaced with new. Everything. The exterior, interior, engine compartment, trunk and undercarriage look factory fresh, correct and flawless. The drivetrain has been completely rebuilt, which includes engine clutch and transmission, as well as suspension components, brakes, lines, you name it. Even details most overlook, like the chrome base to the shifter, the soft-top frame, the proper engine decals, etc. were restored. The work was performed by a highly respected professional restoration shop beginning with an excellent original whose previous owner had the car for two decades. The prices for Baby Birds range greatly, all dependent on condition. This car is a seriously superior example. I can tell you from experience again, go for the best you can afford. You will enjoy the car rather than spending your time and money trying to make it something it can never be short of a total restoration. If you would like more information or have interesting deals in mind, I'm always available to talk on 347 585 4200. Michael On Mar-18-13 at 13:44:32 PDT, seller added the following information: In case I didn't make it clear when I said, "The only thing better than a 3-speed would be a 3-speed with Overdrive", this car HAS Overdrive. It also has Power Brakes, which you would want if you plan to drive it spiritedly. It does NOT have power steering, although that can be added easily with parts available both OEM and aftermarket. This Bird is fairly light over the front wheels, so low speed steering is not difficult, but high speed steering posseses far greater road feel.