The 1956 Thunderbird offered minimal changes from the previous year, the most notable including a new rear bumper, a winged badge on the nose, new taillights, front fender vents to keep the passenger compartment cooler, new interior seat, and door panels as well as new exterior colors. Perhaps the most notable change was the addition of the decorative mounting of the spare tire on the rear of the car outside the trunk. Ford built 15,631 of the two-seat Thunderbirds for the 1956 model year, including this example finished in classic Raven Black over a white-and-black interior. It is nicely equipped and includes power steering, power brakes, power windows, the highly desirable Town & Country radio, fender skirts, full wheel covers, wide whitewall tires, and soft convertible and removable hardtops. In addition, the original build sheet is with the car documenting its authenticity. It also indicates it was delivered new to Ford dealer Geo Lister Motor Company in Cleburne, Texas.
Like Corvette, Ford quickly learned that more power equated to more sales. This Thunderbird is equipped with the newly optional 312 cubic inch V-8, producing 225 horsepower with a 3-speed Ford-O-Matic automatic transmission. This was also the first year for the 12-volt electrical system. The engine bay is clean and equipped with the optional engine dress-up kit, including a chrome air cleaner, chrome oil breather cap, and cool-finned aluminum Thunderbird logo valve covers. Recently, the car was fitted with a new exhaust system, a Viper alarm system, and an easily removable console with cup holders and audio ports.
Highlights:
*Optional 312 V-8 engine
*Ford-O-Matic transmission
*Factory build sheet
*Highly desirable Town & Country radio
*Both soft and hard tops
*Power steering
*Power brakes
*Factory fender skirts
*Factory engine dress-up kit
*Power windows
*4-Way power seat
This beautiful and highly optioned Raven Black 1956 Thunderbird is ready to take flight with its next lucky owner. Call today!