| VV1-75 LOW RESERVE 1956 Ford Thunderbird
T-Bird 2 Door Hardtop
2 Door Convertible Coupe
Automatic Transmission
Air Conditioning PB
312 V8 Gas Engine Built by Ford Motor Company ABOUT THIS 1956 THUNDERBIRD: Vehltor® Village, Inc. has physically consigned this legendary beautiful Ford vintage collectable from its present owner; we provide marketing support to find new owners and we complete all details for both the seller and the buyer. Front license plate with '56 Indiana - it's nostalgic. This T-bird was sold in Chicago originally. The '56 nostalgia front license plate tag is believed to be from original owner (no way to verify that, but plate is included). The original owner is believed to have had it for 25 years. There may have been an owner between the first owner and the owner who purchased it in 1989. Present owner bought it 2 years ago from owner purchased 1989. So from timelines we believe it's likely this Thunderbird has had 4 owners and mileage actual. The present owner provided us with lots of documentation and items that come with this timeless beauty to the next care taker. Present owner is shown above inside in a photo he provided to us. Below is another photo showing the top off - laying on the grass. Present owner also provided us with a couple photos of its new convertible tan canvas top shown below. Two people can easily take hardtop off. Manual Convertible Top. The new top just installed is heavy canvas, durable and easy to clean. Present owner refers to this T-Bird as "his baby", and he's indeed done just that - he babies it! A long list of documentation, information and also parts come with this exciting classic. Original Factory MSRP Label Parts and Accessory Catalogs - Other Included - National Parts Depot 2018 Edition Thunderbird Restoration Parts and Accessories
- Casco Thunderbird Specialist 2014 & 2016 Illustrated Parts Accessories Catalogs
- Larry's Thunderbird Restoration Parts and Accessories Catalog and much more
- Dozens and dozens of receipts for parts and work done to this 1956 Thunderbird
- When purchased from previous owner, some older documentation also included
Lots of receipts and documentation you see above are all included
The present owner has spent thousands and thousands on updates Has New Carpeting In Bag (and few other new andsome original parts included) Items above are included with this purchase
The items you will receive with this prized Thunderbird are many -- parts above (some as mentioned and some are originals that were replaced), and numerous magazines that feature the 1956 Thunderbird; including:
LIFE and LOO, Motor Trend and Car Life magazines from 50's
- LIFE - Edition May 21st, 1956
Table of Magazine's Contents Ford Ad In This Magazine
- LIFE - Edition October 1st, 1956
Table of Magazine's Contents Ford Ad In This Magazine
- LIFE - Edition December 5, 1955
Table of Magazine's Contents
Ford Ad In This Magazine
- LOOK - Edition April 7, 1956
Table of Magazine's Contents Ford Ad In This Magazine - Motor Trend Edition - June 1956
Magazine's Cover Ford Ad In This Magazine Magazine's Cover Ford Ad In This Magazine - Plus a Picture Book (shows some past work done by other owners)
Comments written by owner that purchased in 1989 Photos taken by owner that purchased in 1989 All items listed above are yours with the purchase of this 1956 Ford Thunderbird, including one of the dozens of trophies the present owner has won attending collectible and classic shows and events. He's including the one trophy shown below to get you started :) Club Choice Award Present owner says this T-Bird has been so much fun --take the top off and you feel like you are transported back in time. He truly hopes the next owner has as much enjoyment and creates as many memories as he has. He believes he purchased it from the third owner and the mileage showing on the odometer of 91,511 is believed to be original mileage. You'll find all the information we know throughout this extensive ad. Make sure to see the videos where the owner goes over a lot of good information. You can do that by clicking on the popcorn graphics or video links in this ad. Bid with confidence as we're confident you will love this vehicle. NOTE: There is no lien on this vehicle; the Florida title is free and clear. Please see our terms of sale. We are a licensed bonded State of Florida motor vehicle dealer, we will help guide you with titling and registration in whatever state you are going to title it in. Once you've purchased and paid and your funds have fully cleared we can release both the vehicle and title; we can quickly complete your purchase and get your baby to you :) Any questions, please call or email us. Thanks for viewing our Vehltor® SuperAd™.
Did you know? The Ford Thunderbird first started in 1955
ABOUT 2nd Year Thunderbird If you want to know about the '56 model year
for the Thunderbird ... read at bottom of this ad. ---- | | THE RETRO YEARS In 1956, its second year, the trend-setting Thunderbird introduced two of its most memorable and endearing styling features:
The port windows (portholes) in the hard top
The rear spare tire carrier (Continental kit)
Both of these items were introduced for practical reasons, the port windows to improve vision out of the car and the rear spare tire carrier to increase luggage space in the trunk.
1956 Model Year Changes
• 12-Volt electrical system
• New Thunderbird emblem design on exterior
• Deep dish, 3-spoke safety design steering wheel
• First year for front fender vents
• Zippered rear window on convertible top (except early 1956 production)
• Port windows on hard top
• Exhaust outlets in rear bumper ends
• Round heater knobs
• Rear spare tire carrier
• Vented gas cap
• Ford Lifeguard Design safety features
• Wing windows on front door
• Ridge under headlamp door |
200+ photos of this 1956 in this ad AND
make sure to see the additional Photo
Gallery for many other photos ...
Features
On This
T -Bird | Sold New: Morton Motors Inc., Chicago IL
• 312 ci V8 Engine
• Fordomatic Drive Transmission
• Air Conditioned (newly installed)
• Heater and Defroster
• Full Wheel Covers
• Removable Hardtop (with port windows)
• Convertible Top (canvas, not vinyl)
• Turn Indicators
• Tinted Glass
• Power Brakes
• Positive Action Wipers Original MSRP: $2,886.01 | -----
HIGHLIGHTS NOTE: Between the photos you see directly in this ad and the other photos in the additional photo gallery there are 200+ photos overall. Here are a few highlight photos ... ... from the hundreds of photos showing how solid this '56 T-Bird is ... What can we say that a picture worth a thousand words says ... You will love every minute with your timeless vintage collectable See the comments section for new upgrades Hop on in, your time machine is ready for you ... Where are you going on your first road trip? Pretty clean underneath, see all photos With the outside spare, much room for luggage - docs you see included Show car all the way ... if you are ready to win, this is for you! -----
THE 1956
THUNDERBIRD PRODUCTION
INFORMATION FORD VEHICLE
FACTORY PLATE VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION
NUMBER (VIN) DECODED
OUR T-BIRD VIN PLATE Our original VIN Plate (found on driver side firewall) The Data Plate for the 1956 Thunderbird (shown below) is located in the engine compartment on the cowl just to the right of and below the hood latch mechanism on the passenger's side of the car. The plate is aluminum and has black printing on it with raised digits. It is riveted in place. Additionally, the serial number is stamped on the right front chassis rail, which can be observed with the hood raised. VIN DECODER OUR VIN #: P6FH236705 OUR VIN DECODED P is: 312 c.i. Engine Code Transmission: Fordomatic 6 is: 1956 Model Year F is: Dearborn MI Assembly Plant H is: Body Style Thunderbird 236705 is: Consecutive Unit Number
'56 T-BIRD
SPECS
' 56 FACTORY
STANDARD
EQUIPMENT '56 T-BIRD FACTORY
EQUIPMENT OPTIONS BODY - TRIM COLORS
PRODUCTION CODES
Body Type: 1955 and 1956 Models were coded 40A
EXTERIOR COLOR K = original color Fiesta Red
Body Color: K (Fiesta Red) INTERIOR TRIM XB = Red and White Vinyl Trim Color: XB (Red and White)
PRODUCTION DATE Day of Month: 5
Month: C is March MSRP time stamp shows the
MSRP Label was applied
March 6, 10:44PM, 1956
Dealer Code: GX
Schedule Item Number: 248
-----
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out on the road and many details.
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VEHLTOR® Vehltor® is a new option for vehicle sellers and buyers — Vehltor® Registered Vehicle Agentsâ„¢ handle every aspect for vehicle owners in the resale of their vehicles.Vehltors® are also full service Agents for vehicle buyers, helping buyers with every aspect of their purchase. We only assist buyers on vehicles we have physically consigned as we put the vehicle through extensive review so we can properly represent a vehicle. Vehltor® Agentsâ„¢ receive no commissions, do not take trade ins — the focus of a Vehltor® Agentâ„¢ and our staff at Vehltor® Village is the satisfaction of our vehicle buyers and sellers we serve. Seller and Buyer Testimonials --- ---- -NOTE: Thisvehicle is privately owned.Vehltor® Villageâ„¢, Inc. guarantees delivery of free and clear vehicle and vehicle title. We have full power of attorney to handle all the details on behalf of the vehicle owners, we also handle all the details on behalf of the vehicle's new owners (you :). The vehicle you see shown in this ad is stored at our secure storage warehouse location in Ocala FL at: 640 NW 27th Ave, Ocala, FL 34475. Many of our Clients tell us they love our Vehltor® SuperAdsâ„¢ as they are considerably different in detail with extensive information, way more than most vehicle ads you may see. As such our ads take longer to view. See the videos you can access from links in this ad where you will find a lot of information and in most of our ads conversations directly with the owner of the vehicle. We strive to include extensive detail and information so you can make your best purchase decisions. Please make sure before you bid to take your time to thoroughly read this ad. We also suggest that you re-read this ad and see all of the videos twice. Like a great book or movie, the second time you almost always see things you missed the first time around. Make sure to see 200+ photos and many videos. NOTE: Make sure to check at the very bottom of this ad (and all eBay ads) for any comments, answers to questions, additions or corrections that may have been added during time the the time ad has been live. Thanks! Any questions, please ask us. No question is too small. Really!
Call us at 352.484.0768 any day between 9am - 6pm EST. ---- ABOUT
THIS
VEHICLE 1956 Ford Thunderbird
T-Bird 2 Door Hardtop
2 Door Convertible Coupe
Automatic Transmission
Air Conditioning PB
312 V8 Gas Engine Built by Ford Motor Company Bodies by The Budd Company Detroit
TIP: Make sure you look at the wonderful qualities this
has - read all the written information in ad. ----- The EXTERIOR Ready to take you back in time ... T-Birds make such a statement Everyone you know will want to borrow her ... She is only for you !! Almost looks like a scale model, so perfect An unmistakable look She has beautiful eyes, doesn't she You see reflections of the speckled floor in the chrome Hood scoop allows forced air in Side pop out vents were added to flow fresh air inside The chrome really is eye grabbing Side vents clear adjustable wing deflects air Outside adjustable mirrors Chrome in all the right places - distinctive! Large wide whitewalls - an era of our times Doors open wide for easy access The dark cover you seeon the dash is actually see through from inside The design of flowing chrome connecting is really so sharp Rear fin tail, large brake lights Thunderbird scripted in chrome Beautiful Continental Rear Spare Truly such a top class statement Notice the chrome wrap is bordered by black trim This is a real spare tire inside, added lots of trunk room You can see how the rear exhausts comes out side of the rear bumper Close up of dual exhaust outlets Fender skirts are easy to remove Exceptional original rear taillights Rear window in the hardtop Hardtop just unlatches and lifts off Most all rubber window seals are in great condition Latch just flips to the side for easy top removal Body lines are smooth and line up beautifully The porthole windows in the hardtopeliminated blind spots So sleek -- flowing body lines and classic, rich looking ... Great visibility all around with wrap-around front windshield Just the right touches to set off elegant beauty To the point - what beautiful fender lines The paint is incredible ... Has windshield washer ports, see comments Amazing how they got all the chrome to join so smoothly Oops, how did I get in that picture ... Has factory tinted glass Where did the drivers door go? Opens so wide ... Hood ornament ---- Rear tire storage tilts back to open trunk (see trunk photos) This Thunderbird has so many original parts The original rear package tray is included in parts you receive Oh yeah, this is the cat's meow My heels are on fire, this will take us there fast! Looks like the beginning of Cloud 9 (really happy :) You see speckled floor reflection in wheel cover P205 / 75R15 Tires Cast your eyeballs on this ... I want you !! Cherry - isn't she !!! International Class all the way Cast an eyeball this way ... This baby's chrome plated (dressed up ;) You will be a fat cat in this ride This is one classy chassis ----- LOW RESERVE The INTERIOR At 60+ years of age, you will be
so delighted with the condition
with this collectible investment Hop in our chariot Driver door jamb - the lock mechanisms work great Driver door jamb and hinges in clean condition Look how beautiful the condition is ... ---- Rear top canvas is covered by two flaps, one on each side Shows the canvas convertible top which tucks behind the seats Let's have some back seat bingo ... wanna?! Lots of leg room (see specs) Shows large vent in left kick panel, flows through air from outside High beam floor button, parking brake on left, factory floor mat New AC system is center mounted, takes up minimal space Large brake and gas pedal, inside hood release Clock to the right (original but does not presently keep time) Get in and floor it ... (you know you wanna ;) Three- spoke factory steering wheel with horn ring Headliner is in exceptional condition Long wide front sun visors for driver and passenger Convertible top front latch (simple and easy to open) Center dash light comes on when doors are open Automatic transmission center mounted shifter (backlit at night) Factory tachometer, headlight switch, air vent control, key switch 150 Miles Per Hour Speedometer Gauges light up from behind Heater, defroster, fan speed controls (cigar lighter does not work) Love the free flowing design lines inside Front latch to remove hardtop (one latch each side) For 60+ years old, really looks like new ... Original Ford factory T-Bird Floor Mats The carpet looks new, believed to be original Door red and tan panels are recently new Door lock mechanisms in top condition, canvas top showing ---- Got dual seat belts - hey, where is the passenger door?? ;) Door jambs and hinges are clean Most rubbers and locking mechanisms are in exceptional condition Steppin' on up ... door sill plates top condition Brand darn new .... Passenger porthole inside view Headliner fits great Dash pad is exceptional condition in every way Dash radio speaker cover Large glove box, nice and clean inside, original labels A view of driver's side from the passenger seat Dash is beautiful, exceptional condition Finished off everywhere so nicely Some slight scratches on door panel Beautiful rear wide view out the back window Trim wrap was a little short, hard to notice, but we show all In and out, easy latch to remove top ... Two rear latches is all there is to it See tire on the RV next to it through porthole window Seats are brand new ---- Slide on it to your baby, baby ;) Showing rear material flap that conceals convertible canvas top Door sill plates are new recently Look at the original carpet under the floor mat, like new Under the dash on passengers side C'mon, hop on in, don't be shy, I'll give you a good time <waiting for you> Swings open wide ... In excellent condition ----- Remember the good ole' days ... So popular, models were built to scale as collectibles ... ---- UNDER
THE HOOD Enjoy - she runs so fine. See Videos ... Under the hood is high quality sheen as is the rest of the paint Battery is new fairly recently, with lots of life left in her New relays, all wiring updated Under the hood is in exceptional condition Heater and fan system, ac system is new Sure is a great presentation under the hood Wipers work great, has washer bag, but washers do not work New radiator and many parts, see comment section Present owner purchased new factory valve covers Flow through air from hood scoop Rubber, wiring, hoses all in top condition Let's agitate the gravel ... Take a deep breath, she will wow you Washer jets are there, washers do not work (not sure why) Radiator, air conditioning, starter and more new - babied!! ----- LOW RESERVE 1956 Ford Thunderbird
T-Bird 2 Door Hardtop
2 Door Convertible Coupe
Automatic Transmission
Air Conditioning PB
312 V8 Gas Engine Built by Ford Motor Company Make sure to view the videos -
See the inside, outside walk around,
out on the road and many details. Tip: To take our Vehltor® Virtual Vehicle Tour now, click
on graphic below. It opens a new window. When
finished viewing, simply close window, and you will
be back on this ad so you can view the remainder.
(There are more video links below in this ad if you prefer to read first and take the videos in later.) Bid or Buy It Now
Vehltor® 100% Guarantee Click here ----- UNDERNEATH We are going to let you browse
the many photos here, andthere are
more in the additional photo gallery Through inspection: certified technicians outside inspection company (see report) Browse on ... ---- Under one door Under another door ---- ----- Spare tire appears to be new, owner has never had it down ----- TRUNK Open wide - she does Lots of room, wide, deep and long Appears to be original label under trunk lid Jambs are all in exceptional clean condition Trunk floor is solid under mat Side cover in side trunk Rear spare tire mount tilts out (see videos) Gas door lid in part of the trunk lid Shows rear trunk lock, carrier flipped out Key cover works great ----- Round key for trunk lock and door lock, other for ignition Exceptional condition, one beautiful Thunderbird Still can sneak someone into the drive in ... Shine, shine , shine, even inside .... Rear trunk latch (inside rear back panel) Shows inside rear trunk lid Lots of secure room to carry what you have ---- DON'T MISS
THE VEHLTOR®
PHOTO GALLERY
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50+ additional photos ...
See inside, outside, under hood
underneath and other areas.
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1956 Ford Thunderbird
T-Bird 2 Door Hardtop
2 Door Convertible Coupe LOW RESERVE The '56 Thunderbird is truly a work of art! Here below is what was found on this
vehicle by our team and the inspectors. -----
1956 Ford Thunderbird
T-Bird 2 Door Hardtop
2 Door Convertible Coupe
Automatic Transmission
Air Conditioning PB
312 V8 Gas Engine Built by Ford Motor Company
This 1956 classic is a collectable you will love ... Vehicle Information | Title State: Florida Clean Title VIN: P6FH236705 |-Odometer: 91,511 (believed to be original) Year: 1956 | Make: Ford | Model: Thunderbird Engine: 312 V8 | Fuel Type: Gas 100% Vehltor® Guarantee: Vehicle is guaranteed to be s pictured and described. We recommend you base your decisions on what you read in our ad and see in the 200+ plus photos and what you see in our Vehltor® Virtual Video Tourâ„¢. We are thorough and detailed, yet there still may be questions you have. That said, your satisfaction is our utmost goal and focus — please do us a favor as you read through the entire ad and view all the photos and videos. That favor is to take a moment and jot yourself a note when you spot something you have a question on or of interest to you. We will be delighted to get you the answers in short order so you can make your best informed decision. We invite and welcome your input, opinions, comments, and questions. Let us know - just contact us, thanks! NOTE: We like to show you all of the details we noted so we use close up photos as much as we can. You will see we include many close up photos in our ads — with close up photos be aware that things you normally you would not see at all - like the tiniest lint or spec of dust in close up photos the lint or dust will appear magnified, huge, but just dust. When you're looking at the vehicle in person you do not usually even see any of the lint or dust. So as the saying goes, excuse our dust <wink>.
This vehicle and its condition and state of readiness at all times showsshe has been pampered by its owner. The car cover will be included - she will be dusted prior to your pickup or shipment to you. Some photos in this ad because of lighting conditions may appear unclear (or appear to have shadows). No matter how many photos we try and do show, the vehicle always looks better in person. You will absolutely love her when you first see her! -----
Comments
Knobs, window levers, headlamps, door and trunk locks, horn, wipers, tail lights and signal lights, etc have been checked by Team Vehltor® and also an outside vehicle service company inspected this vehicle (see the link to the inspection report below) — things on this vintage vehicle are in proper working condition, no worries! (If we found something anywher, see NOTE below and red text.) Interior: Exceptionally well done inside, most of it's like new as the present owner just replaced many things brand new (tons of receipts included). Seats are brand new, carpet is original (with brand new carpet in a plastic bag that was bought as part of the interior package this present owner bought, but the original carpet was so good he left original carpet in); door panels some scratches - (see photos - the original door panels are included), dash panel in exceptional condition (all gauges except clock work), glass in all areas are in excellent condition. Heater and defroster work. Please review the ad text description in all areas and captions under the photos for known details about condition of the interior. The air conditioning was added a year and a half ago by the present owner (did not come with ac from factory), you will love this ac -- it is ice cold and will keep you cool. Exterior: Exceptionally clean and solid appearance. Sleek and beautiful. The paint was just refreshed by the present owner within the last two years. Few signs of some body filler, however this vintage was said to be restored by the owner who purchase it in 1989 (see photos in book) - but at almost 65 years of age, she is in fantastic condition overall (see all photos). You'll be so proud to own this vintage Thunderbird. Please review the text description for more details about condition of the exterior. See mention and photos on some scratches on chrome, not easy to see most all of them from back a bit (as she is really stunningly beautiful), but as we have taken many close ups photos they show up in our ad way more than you tend to see in real life. Our close up are where you literally would be a couple feet away). Otherwise all chrome on the entire vehicle is outstanding physical condition. Overall the exterior looks like new.
NOTE: #1) APPEARANCE ITEMS: There's a couple paint blems (they are shown in blem area below. #2) Tiniest scratches in chrome trim (see blem area) Anything we mention noted - you can see it in blem areas section below. Mechanically: She runs smooth and sounds great (see videos), transmission shifts out as it should. Pump the gas pedal twice, the engine fires right up and away you go. The mechanic who inspected this 1956 said she checked out great -- the inspection shops comments on the receipt were NO MAJOR ISSUES FOUND - just a couple things were noted that need attending to. The original engine was said to be reworked two years ago (new lifters - valve job), new 4bbl carb, new starter, new fuel pump, new electric cooling fans, new radiator, power brakes just done in the last two years, new valve covers (the original factory covers come with included parts). See the actual mechanic inspection PDF for the entire report - a couple fluid leaks were noted: believed to be valve cover gaskets and oil pan gasket needed (oil main seal and oil pump gasket were a question mark as need to do the other gaskets first). Reverse back up lights do not come on. Windshield washers and cigarette lighterdo not work.Transmission linkage seal seeping. Otherwise in all other areas she passed inspection with flying colors. Otherwise this sweetheart is ready for you to have fun and create your memories. Enjoy the Vehltor® Virtual Video Tour™ as you accompany Team Vehltor® on a road test and experience this fantastic vehicle out on the open road, information about many things and owners comments. Other than mentioned items nothing else known is needed. Please review description for other details. ----- BLEM AREAS SECTION In the photo gallery page there
are full size photos of the above. Touch up on nicks if you must, but as you can see all blems are hard to see, this ---- is beautiful and clean in every way. Absolutely in amazing condition. Or, simply don't worry about it, none of the appearance items affect functionality in any way. VEHLTOR® TEAM TEST DRIVE COMMENTS:
This 1956 drives wonderfully in our opinion. We are not experts, but we can tell you it has lots of power and accelerates quickly and brakes and steers great (as you will see in the video). She drives straight down the road, we so enjoyed our drive. We again, found no issues than those noted; she is ready for another 65 years. IN CASE YOU MISSED THE
VEHLTOR® PHOTO GALLERY
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100+ additional photos ...
See inside, outside, under hood
underneath and other areas.
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----- IN CASE YOU MISSED THE
VEHLTOR® VIDEO GALLERY Make sure to view the videos -
See the inside, outside walk around,
out on the road and many details. Tip: Take our Vehltor® Virtual Vehicle Tour now, click
on graphic below. It opens a new window. When you are
finished viewing, simply close window, you will be on this ad.
(There are more video links in this ad if you prefer to read first and take the videos in later.) Bid or Buy It Now
Vehltor® 100% Guarantee Click here ----- | Our hearty congratulations in advance to the next owner!
Expect no disappointment in the vehicle in this ad listing.
If you have any questions give us a call us at 352.484.0768 LOW RESERVE Thank You For Viewing
Our Vehltor® SuperAd™ ---- Below is great information on
the 1956 Ford Thunderbird -
we found it really enjoyable
and very educational on the '56,
we hope you will enjoy it too Everything has its story; here is more on the '56 year T-Bird: With the 1955 andthe firstmodel year under its belt, in 1956 Ford introduced the second version of America's favorite personal car to great fanfare. The 1955 model was not without its problems, as would be expected with anything new that was mass produced at this time. Man's capabilities were somewhat limited, but by constantly pushing those limits, better designs and more technological breakthroughs happened. We would like to give credit to Automotive Mile Posts for this information. '56 Model Year Changes Complaints of an overly warm passenger compartment were addressed with the addition of new front fender cowl vents, which directed air from outside directly into the interior foot well areas. Manually operated from inside the car, a lever could be moved to open of close the doors on the front fenders. A rubber seal prevented water from entering when closed, and a bug screen kept bugs out when opened. Inside, a chrome casting of vertical louvers initially directed the incoming air toward the rear of the car; however, the interior still seemed to be too warm and it was discovered that air circulation improved with the louvers directed toward the front of the car, so the interior castings were flipped and some degree of relief was provided. Later during the production run, the transmission fluid was piped through the radiator to help keep the transmission cooler and thus reduce interior temperatures. But even with these changes the interiors still tend to be a bit warm on these cars. Another complaint about the '55 cars was wind noise and turbulence in the passenger compartment. This was solved with the addition of wind wings attached to the front door frames. These glass windows were on the outside of the car, and could be manually adjusted to direct the air flow away from the open window, cutting down on drafts and reducing the noise level created by the forward movement of the car. Another issue for potential Thunderbird buyers in its virgin year was the lack of luggage space. With the spare tire in place, there was very little room in the trunk of the '55 cars, with the tire taking up nearly half of the room, as it was secured lying flat on the floor on the right side. And even though it was recessed into the right fender somewhat, it still consumed a great deal of space. The jack was tucked under the left fender, out of the way. This meant that a couple of small suitcases could be placed in the trunk, or several bags of groceries, but little else. Golf clubs? No way. This was a rather big issue, and Ford knew it must be addressed. The easiest answer was to get rid of the spare tire, but what to do with it? The solution came with a redesign of the rear of the car. The spare tire was placed in a carrier perched on the rear bumper, and decorated with a two piece color-keyed cover to hide the tire. A hub cap or wheel cover that matched the others on the car was placed in the cover to provide decoration. The rear bumper was modified to house the assembly, and the exhaust outlets were redirected to the outside ends of the new rear bumper. The center section of the bumper projected outward to allow room, and the spare tire assembly leaned forward, hovering over the rear of the deck lid. To open the trunk or reach the gasoline filler tube, the spare wheel assembly must be tilted backward. It is generally easier to access the gas filler once the deck lid has been raised, although that isn't a requirement. The spare wheel must be properly adjusted at all times, or it can strike the rear bumper and damage the cover section and/or wheel cover. A stone guard under the spare tire carrier protects the lower portion of the cover from damage from road debris. Moving the spare tire to the rear in this manner became an instant styling sensation, and resolved the issue of no luggage space. However, even with the spare tire gone there was less than generous storage, but it was now certainly adequate for a two passenger automobile. A rubber mat covered the floor, and a matching rubber curtain hung at the front of the compartment. A cardboard panel was placed between the jack and left rear fender to prevent damage to the fender when removing or storing the jack, but no such protection was provided on the right side. Late during production, a new "Burtex" composition fabric would replace the rubber mat and curtain, which would dress up the luggage compartment considerably. Placing the spare tire at the extreme rear of the car caused some changes to the way the car handled. Drivers soon became familiar with the tendency of the rear to fishtail, and experienced some instability during strong crosswinds. This was a new concern, and one that Ford would need to address before the next model year. Other exterior changes were minimal. The Ford crest with crossed flags emblems were removed from the hood and fuel filler door. On the hood, a new stylized chrome Thunderbird emblem appeared with a Turquoise-colored plastic insert that spelled out Thunderbird in script lettering. The front grille, bumper, bumper guards, parking light assemblies, and other chrome trim were identical to the previous year. The headlamp door (the round color-keyed frame around the headlight opening in the front fender), was modified and included a new "rib" on the underside of the lip at the top. The "Y-8" emblems on the front fenders behind the chrome hash marks were replaced by a small Ford crest, which had a plastic mult-colored insert. It was used on the hard top on the 1955 cars. The standard hub cap for 1956 measured 10 1/4" in diameter and had a chrome domed section at the center, which was surrounded by a white band with the letters "FORD" spelled out twice. Most of the exterior changes were in the rear, and in addition to the new spare tire carrier, new tail lamps were used which included a round reflector at the top. The metal insert or back-up light lens (if equipped) were below that, and a chrome ring outlines a center protruding section of the red tail lamp lens. Inside, a new pattern appeared on the seat. The pleated inserts returned as before, but were no longer interrupted on the seat back cushion. The contrasting bolster along the top of the seat back now ran uninterrupted across the full width of the seat, and the center section of the seat was no longer split in half. The center panel on the seat back only extended about 3/4ths of the way up the seat, with the white pleated section now separating it from the upper bolster. A Ford crest was embossed into a circular design in the center panel. The door panels now featured an embossed stitch design in the horizontal creases of the panels. The big news at Ford for 1956 was its Lifeguard Design safety features. In conjunction with major universities, police departments, leading medical groups, and other experts, Ford participated in studies that showed many injuries were caused by doors that opened on impact in an accident, or hard objects such as dashboards, sun visors, steering wheels and columns, upon which they were thrown during an impact. As a result of these studies, Ford introduced several optional Lifeguard Design options, including a padded dashboard cover, padded sun visors, and seat belts. Included as standard, however, were Ford's Lifeguard Design deep-dish steering wheel and double-grip door latches, which Ford called Lifeguard Door Locks. The optional items weren't big sellers, although the safety belts were the more popular of the choices offered. A more extensive color selection was offered for 1956, both inside and outside. New interior colors included Tan and White and Green and White. A Buckskin Tan was introduced as a new exterior paint color, as were revised shades of white, red, and Peacock Blue replaced Thunderbird Blue. In March 1956, Thunderbird Gray, Thunderbird Green, Goldenglow Yellow, and Sunset Coral were introduced. The hard top was now available in a contrasting color as well. In order to provide a solution to limited vision with the hard top installed, Ford designers came up with the first generation Thunderbird's most notable styling feature: the port window. These simple, round windows surrounded by a band of chrome greatly improved rearward and side vision and at the same time gave the hard top an attractive new styling element. At first, Ford wasn't sold on this design, and offered the hard tops with or without the port windows, at no additional charge. It soon became clear that the public loved them, as orders for cars with the port windows far exceeded those without.
Source: http: // automotivemileposts. com / tbird/ prod1956tbird .html
(take the spaces out of web address above to go to the source) ----- A Look at the Early Generations of the Ford Thunderbird Posted By: Blackburn Wheels on Jan 28, 2014
Ford Thunderbirds... for 50 years the bodies may have changed, but the idea and the name has remained faithful to the original. One of the pioneers of the "personal luxury car, "? the T-Bird, as it is commonly called, still sets standards for others to follow.
To those in the know and especially the legions of fans and owners of the different years there are nicknames to differentiate different body styles. The first generation began in 1955 and ran up until and including the 1957. These were known as the "Littlebirdâ€. The second generation spanned 1958 to 1960 and were dubbed the "Squarebirdâ€. The "Bigbird" flew from 1961-1963. Unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on if you cringed at the aforementioned nicknames) subsequent generations have not spawned universally accepted nicknames. We will focus our attention on the four early generations in this article as they are of the most interest to collectors. The T-Bird was Ford's answer to arch-rival Chevrolet's debut of the Corvette in late 1952. As Ford was not in favor of a "sports carâ€, the new car was designed as a "personal" car with all the luxury and convenience features that existed in Ford's existing parts bin. Thankfully the names initially considered such as Beaver, Hep Cat and Wheelaway were all rejected in favor of the Thunderbird, a revered symbol of the Pacific Northwest native culture and one always seen at the top of the totem pole - a fitting image for Ford. First Generation: 1955 to 1957 the "Littlebird†The Littlebird was the first model off the line 20 months after getting the green light to build it by Ford. It was a two-seater with a choice of convertible or hardtop powered by a 292 cid V8 (the Corvette at this time only had a 6 cylinder). In its first year Ford managed to deliver 16,000 units to eager owners, easily outstripping its rival. External differences that make it easy to tell the model years such as a 'porthole' on the optional hardtop of '56 cars to address a blind spot in the initial model. An external spare for improved luggage capacity was also introduced in '56 to address customer complaints about room for golf clubs. You can tell a 1957 by the more elaborate front bumper and an elongated trunk with more pronounced fins (the spare went back inside too). More great information on Thunderbird history at: Source: http: //www. blackburn wheels. com/ a-look-at-the- early-generations- of-the-ford- thunderbird / (take the spaces out of web address above to go to the source) | 
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