1956 FORD THUNDERBIRD CONVERTIBLE – AUTO – 71,212 MILES SHOWING
The first generation of the Ford Thunderbird is a two-seat convertible produced by Ford for the 1955 to the 1957 model years, the first 2-seat Ford since 1938.
It was developed in response to the 1953 Motorama display at the New York Auto Show, which showed the Chevrolet Corvette. The Corvette in turn was developed in response to the popularity of European sports cars among Americans.
Dubbed a “a personal car of distinction” by Ford, this appellation was also used by the motoring press at the time. The car built upon the heritage of the bespoke roadsters of the 1930s, yet was constructed largely of existing components, marking the first step toward the evolution of the personal luxury car as a mass market segment in the United States.
While light weight for its era and fitted with a standard V8 engine, the Thunderbird focused more on driver comfort than speed, and was not a direct rival to either the Corvette or European sports cars. The Thunderbird proved more suited to the American market than the Corvette, with sales of 16,155, versus 674 Corvettes in 1955.
This remained the only two-seat convertible Thunderbird until the eleventh-generation was unveiled in 2002. The design of this generation of the Ford Thunderbird was the direct inspiration for the German Auto Union 1000 Sp.
The Thunderbird came with a removable fiberglass top as standard equipment, with a fabric convertible top as a commonly specified option.
The engine was Ford’s 292-cubic-inch OHV 292 Y-block V8. The exhaust pipes exited through twin bumper guards bolted to the rear bumper.
This particular example presents in Off White with Red interior trim.
We hold a copy of the Australian Government Import Approval # APP49344 dated the 22nd of December 2020.
Approved for road registration in South Australia on the 29th of July 2022.
Powered by a 292ci ( 4.8Lt) V8 engine, it produced when new 150.5Kw and 392Nm of power and torque, delivered to the rear wheels via a 2 speed Fordomatic auto transmission. Performance figures suggested at that time 0-100kph in 9.4 secs and a top speed near 175kph.
While the body work , exterior and interior are showing some patina, the underneath and mechanical side of the car are in great shape.
This car will suit someone who wants to tinker and fettle the car along on its journey.
The car comes with a soft top as well as the hard top with cute porthole side windows.
An ideal classic car for classic car events, show and shines or just a cruise on a sunny day to your favourite destination.
Eligible for Historic registration in most jurisdictions, this equates to minimal on road costs.
Available to inspect on our state of the art showroom floor in Adelaide.
We can arrange transport door to door Australia wide.
Finance – our broker offers VERY competitive rates and prompt service.
We welcome the opportunity to consider your trade in.
| Make: | Ford |
| Model: | Thunderbird |
| Built: | 1956 |
| KM: | 71,212 miles |
| Engine Size: | 4700cc |
| Cylinders: | 8 |
| Transmission: | 2 speed Fordomatic auto |
| Price: | $72,900 |