1956 Ford Thunderbird Project

Description

OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE

Out of a combination of a lifelong automotive passion and an unyielding desire to support the people of his Alabama community, the Generous Collection was born. Mr. Greg Rusk, a successful business leader in the cardboard industry, with a big heart for helping families and friends in times of need, would regularly pay overly generous fees to acquire an interesting vehicle. After decades of collecting and supporting local automotive enthusiasts, the Rusk family is ready for these vehicles, each with their own story, to write their next chapter back on the road, where they belong.

The Generous Collection returns with Part 2 offering over 250 cars in August all offered without reserve, emerging from years of long-term silent storage. From the quiet shadows of the Generous Collection to the sunshine of backroads and highways, enthusiasts now have the opportunity to own a piece of a generous car-collecting legacy.

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The 1956 Ford Thunderbird marked the second year of the iconic first-generation luxury roadster, bridging the gap between outright sports cars and refined cruisers. Building on the success of the debut 1955 model, Ford enhanced its appeal with a stronger 312ci V8 engine. Distinctive upgrades included the all-new, functional Continental-style external spare tire kit and a removable “porthole” hardtop that improved rearward visibility—both signature design cues unique to 1956. Other refinements included a 12‑volt electrical system, courtesy interior lights, and color-matched steering wheel and carpets.

This 1956 Ford Thunderbird is finished in Colonial White over a two‑tone Red and White vinyl interior. Power comes from a “Thunderbird Special” V8 equipped with a four‑barrel carburetor, paired with an automatic transmission.

It has no brakes and should be considered a running project.

This 1956 Ford Thunderbird is now represented at no reserve by a Broad Arrow Specialist with a clean Alabama title in the current owner's name.

Highlights

• Offered from The Generous Collection

• Finished in Colonial White (E) paint with color-matching removable hardtop and white manual convertible top

• White and red vinyl upholstery

• Powered by a 312 cu-in Y-Block V8 with four-barrel carburetor

• Automatic transmission

• Color-matched porthole hardtop

Factory Equipment

• The trim tag decodes as:

  • Body, 40A – Thunderbird Convertible

  • Color, EK – Colonial White with Fiesta Red

  • Trim, XB – Red & White interior

  • Production Code, 21EL1798 – May 21, 1956, scheduled build

• The chassis number (P6FH295488) decodes as:

  • P – 312ci V8 with 4‑barrel carburetor (225 hp)

  • 6 – 1956 model year

  • F – Dearborn, Michigan, assembly plant

  • H – Thunderbird two‑seat convertible body

  • 295488 – Sequential production number (late‑1956 build)

Modifications

• Edelbrock carburetor

• Chrome power brake unit

• Aftermarket head unit

Known Imperfections

• While reasonable efforts were made during preparation for the sale, due to the volume of vehicles in this collection, it was not possible to diagnose or detect all imperfections present. Please refer to the photo gallery.

• No brakes

• Wear as shown in the gallery

Included Items

• Air conditioning unit

• Spare parts

• Jack and lug wrench

Ownership History

This 1956 Ford Thunderbird is offered from The Generous Collection of no-reserve automobiles.

Additional Information

Motor vehicles older than 35 years (1991) are exempt from Alabama’s titling requirements. In states that issue titles, an Alabama registration converts to a title upon transfer.

A Broad Arrow Specialist is working as an agent on behalf of the seller of this listing. As such, the purchase transaction will be facilitated by Broad Arrow, including vehicle payment, applicable taxes required to be collected by the seller or Broad Arrow, and title/ownership reassignment. Broad Arrow is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Hagerty.

Contact: Matt Lowney   Phone: 623.308.2640   Email: mlowney@hagerty.com

Please note that all lots in The Generous Collection are offered after many years of storage, without operation or service, in warehouse facilities. The seller endeavored to provide limited mechanical servicing to bring some cars back to running potential; however, not all cars will be running at the time of sale. Because of the extended static display, it must be assumed that all cars will require additional mechanical attention before being driven safely and, in most cases, cleaning of both the interiors and exteriors. All the cars will have imperfections associated with long-term static storage and require extensive sorting to perform best and safely. The burden of determining a car’s status, both mechanical and cosmetic, rests fully on the bidder, prior to bidding and the close of the auction. All lots are sold as is, where is.

Additionally, due to the location of the collection and limited access to the facility following the close of the auction, all lots must be retrieved while a Broad Arrow representative is onsite beginning Saturday, September 12 through Wednesday, September 30. No cars can be retrieved prior to September 12, and any lots remaining after September 30 will be re-located outside in the parking lot for retrieval by their buyers.