Lot Essay
Please note that the car pictured above is a similar car.
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Please note that the car pictured above is a similar car.
1956 FORD THUNDERBIRD CONVERTIBLE WITH REMOVABLE HARDTOP
Details
1956 FORD THUNDERBIRD CONVERTIBLE WITH REMOVABLE HARDTOP
Serial No. P6FH244019
White with red interior
Engine: V8, overhead valve, 272ci., 176bhp at 4,400rpm; Gearbox: Ford-O-Matic three-speed; Suspension: independent front, solid rear axle; Brakes: hydraulic servo-assisted drums. Left hand drive.
The classic Thunderbird was introduced in 1955 and was Ford's response to the Chevrolet Corvette. Although it had the same wheelbase (102in.) as its rival, the Thunderbird was designed to be more practical and luxurious than GM's Corvette. Ford knew that the two-seater V8 was going to attract a wider audience than the Corvette's racing/performance oriented market. The Thunderbird design incorporated Ford features found on other models to create a product recognition with the hope of encouraging sales of other Ford cars as well. The universal appeal of the styling made the Thunderbird an instant success and the 1955 model out-sold the more expensive Corvette by 24 to 1! With European style and American comfort, convenience and go, it was no wonder the Thunderbird proved to be irresistible.
For 1956 the Thunderbird featured a rear mounted Continental tire kit as standard equipment and in order to reach the fuel filler this had to be tilted. Other identifying features were a small rectangular air vent mounted just ahead of the door, a recessed steering wheel and a hood medallion with wings. Also during this year the hardtop became available with a porthole as a no extra cost option.
At the time of going to press very little history was known about this Thunderbird. The current owner took possession of the car in a settlement in 1995 and the car has been laid up since this time. A prior owner of the car owned a golf club in New Jersey and we believe he restored the car. Despite having been stored in an unheated garage for the past few years, the car does not seem to have suffered very much. There is a little surface rust on items where the steel has been exposed to the elements such as the exhaust manifolds and master cylinder. While there is a fair amount of road dirt and grime on the undercarriage, the bodywork generally appears very sound. The Thunderbird comes with electric seats and windows, a Town & Country radio and a black convertible top. It is intended that by the time of the auction the car will be in running condition, however, as with any car that has not been driven in a number of years we would recommend that the car is fully serviced before regular road use.
WITHOUT RESERVE
and windows, a Town & Country radio and a black convertible top. It is intended that by the time of the auction the car will be in running condition, however as with any car that has not been driven in a number of years we would recommend that the car is fully serviced before regular road use.
WITHOUT RESERVE
Serial No. P6FH244019
White with red interior
Engine: V8, overhead valve, 272ci., 176bhp at 4,400rpm; Gearbox: Ford-O-Matic three-speed; Suspension: independent front, solid rear axle; Brakes: hydraulic servo-assisted drums. Left hand drive.
The classic Thunderbird was introduced in 1955 and was Ford's response to the Chevrolet Corvette. Although it had the same wheelbase (102in.) as its rival, the Thunderbird was designed to be more practical and luxurious than GM's Corvette. Ford knew that the two-seater V8 was going to attract a wider audience than the Corvette's racing/performance oriented market. The Thunderbird design incorporated Ford features found on other models to create a product recognition with the hope of encouraging sales of other Ford cars as well. The universal appeal of the styling made the Thunderbird an instant success and the 1955 model out-sold the more expensive Corvette by 24 to 1! With European style and American comfort, convenience and go, it was no wonder the Thunderbird proved to be irresistible.
For 1956 the Thunderbird featured a rear mounted Continental tire kit as standard equipment and in order to reach the fuel filler this had to be tilted. Other identifying features were a small rectangular air vent mounted just ahead of the door, a recessed steering wheel and a hood medallion with wings. Also during this year the hardtop became available with a porthole as a no extra cost option.
At the time of going to press very little history was known about this Thunderbird. The current owner took possession of the car in a settlement in 1995 and the car has been laid up since this time. A prior owner of the car owned a golf club in New Jersey and we believe he restored the car. Despite having been stored in an unheated garage for the past few years, the car does not seem to have suffered very much. There is a little surface rust on items where the steel has been exposed to the elements such as the exhaust manifolds and master cylinder. While there is a fair amount of road dirt and grime on the undercarriage, the bodywork generally appears very sound. The Thunderbird comes with electric seats and windows, a Town & Country radio and a black convertible top. It is intended that by the time of the auction the car will be in running condition, however, as with any car that has not been driven in a number of years we would recommend that the car is fully serviced before regular road use.
WITHOUT RESERVE
and windows, a Town & Country radio and a black convertible top. It is intended that by the time of the auction the car will be in running condition, however as with any car that has not been driven in a number of years we would recommend that the car is fully serviced before regular road use.
WITHOUT RESERVE