1956 Ford Thunderbird

Description

Ford’s answer to the postwar sports car boom, the first‑generation Thunderbird blends V8 performance with unmistakable 1950s style, earning a reputation as a “personal luxury car.” Early Thunderbirds equipped with the optional P‑code 312 cubic-inch V8 are among the most collectible, prized for their added performance and limited availability.

This 1956 Ford Thunderbird is finished in Fiesta Red over a two‑tone red and white vinyl interior and is powered by P‑code 312 cubic-inch V8 paired with a Ford‑O‑Matic three‑speed automatic transmission. The car is equipped with a tan canvas soft top and a removable fiberglass hardtop painted in ivory is included. The car reportedly underwent a refurbishment before being acquired by the current owner in 2006. Just 500 miles are said have been added under current ownership, with use limited to special occasions and events.

This 1956 Thunderbird is now offered with aftermarket wire wheels, factory hub caps, rear fender skirts, a removable hard top, and a clean Nebraska title in the seller’s name.

Highlights

• Powered by a P‑code 312ci V8 paired with a Ford‑O‑Matic 3‑speed automatic transmission

• Finished in Fiesta Red (Code K) over Red & White interior (Code XB)

• Ivory painted fiberglass hardtop and tan canvas soft top

• Continental Kit spare wheel carrier

Factory Equipment

• Chassis & Drivetrain:

  • 312ci P‑code V8 with single 4‑barrel carburetor

  • Ford‑O‑Matic 3‑speed automatic transmission

  • Rear‑wheel drive

• Exterior:

  • Fiesta Red paint

  • Removable hardtop

  • Wraparound windshield

  • Chrome bumpers and trim

  • Rear fender skirts

• Interior:

  • Red and white vinyl bench seat with wrap‑around stitched insert

  • Door cards with stylized aluminum inserts and stitched panels

  • Speedometer flanked by tachometer and clock in red bezels

  • Metal accent band in doors and dashboard

Modifications

• Aftermarket stereo mounted in the glove box

• 6x9” speakers mounted behind the seats

• Aftermarket wire wheels

Known Imperfections

• Bubbles visible under paint on right front fender near hood edge

• Paint chip on the left side of hood

• Paint cracks visible on hardtop

Ownership History

The current owner reportedly acquired this Thunderbird in 2006 shortly after it underwent refurbishment. Since purchase, the seller notes that the car has been used sparingly for special occasions and events, with only an estimated 460 miles added over the past two decades.

Included

• Fiberglass removable hardtop

• Rubber all weather floor mats

• Spare tire and cover

• Rear fender skirts

• Factory hub caps