1956 Ford Thunderbird

Description

When you're looking for a cut-above classic, it's time to take a closer look at this 1956 Ford Thunderbird. Beyond just the perfect factory color combo, this one has received the restoration where quality was always put ahead of price. And while this is truly an award worthy presentation (a ton of first-place trophies come with the sale), as you dig deeper, you'll also see all the right features to make this a wonderful cruiser. Yes, this is the good life on wheels.

The appeal of this car is as clear as black and white... literally. The factory-correct Raven Black has a butter-smooth finish that can catch an enthusiast's eye from across a show field. This is the product of a two-year full restoration that was completed in 2016. And while you've seen major investments in fully restored cars before, there is a reason why this one has already won so many awards. The detail-oriented consigner took great care to made sure to the car was taken apart correctly, replaced anything incorrect, and made sure the fit of every component was precision-straight. That's why you can easily see details like the subtle crease that runs from the hood scoop to the grille. We also just love the '56 T-birds because they have some serious style. Outstanding brightwork is key, and so you'll love the bullet-nosed grille, wraparound chrome bumpers, and wire wheels with Thunderbird spinners. Plus, the first-generation cars have some of the best features like the fender skirts and jet-inspired taillights. And to that you add specific elements like the now-iconic Continental kit that debuted this year, and exhaust exits through the rear corners of the bumper - a feature only found on a '56. Top it off with whitewall tires, and this Thunderbird looks like it's always arriving in a tuxedo.

Inside the same black and white color scheme continues on the seats, doors, and dash. This interior/exterior matching makes this Thunderbird a real class act with the top down. Style and luxury were the true hallmarks of this classic, and that's why it came with rare features for its time, like the power seats and power windows. Because of the quality restoration, not only do those work perfectly, but so does the air conditioner. Yes, you can stay cool even when you cruise around in the summertime! And if you look closely, you see that the original-style radio is actually an upgraded digital tuner so you can listen to your favorite driving music, too. It's all displayed in an engine-turned panel that flows across both doors and the dash. This frames the original steering wheel, and above it is the nifty speedometer that's lit from behind by a Plexiglas "window" viewed through the windshield. The new black folding top looks great, and is easy to set in place, but of course, the real reason everyone flocks to a '56 car is because it was the first year for the porthole windows in the included hardtop.

The 312 cubic-inch V8 has received just as much attention as the rest of the car. We love seeing the bright red block radiate from within the slick black engine bay, and everyone also loves to point out the Thunderbird logo valve covers. But as mentioned before, beneath the stellar presentation are also the right investments for this to be a great driver. That's why the V8 was rebuilt with a milled head, new valves, hardened valve seats, and topped with a new Edelbrock 1801 four-barrel carburetor. So it fires up easily and provides all the right power to be the premium personal luxury machine that a proper T-bird should be. The three-speed manual transmission clicks through the gears expertly, and there's even overdrive. Plus, you have power steering, upgraded front disc brakes, and those iconic whitewalls are actually radial tires – so this one is built to be a great anytime cruiser.

This is such a detail-oriented package that you'll even spot the full dual exhaust was polished to a mirror-like shine. So there a ton more specifics to go over when you give us a call. Then we'll also share all the info, including the build receipts, owner's manual, maintenance records, restoration photos, and all the other materials that come with the sale. If you're looking for the best all-around classic, this Thunderbird is the one. But it won't wait for you long, so call today!