1956 Ford Thunderbird

Description

Introduced in 1955 as Ford’s European-inspired personal sports car, the Thunderbird quickly became an icon of 1950s American style. For 1956, Ford refined the formula with functional and aesthetic updates, including a rear‑mounted Continental Kit, improved cabin ventilation, and a potent 312ci “Thunderbird Special” V8. These updates made the ’56 T‑Bird one of the most desirable early variants among collectors.

This 1956 Ford Thunderbird is finished in Sunset Coral over a two‑tone black and white vinyl interior. Power comes from a “Thunderbird Special” V8 equipped with a four‑barrel carburetor and paired with a Ford‑O‑Matic automatic transmission. Service over the last few years has included replacement of the fuel pump, electrical components, and installation of an aluminum radiator.

This 1956 Ford Thunderbird is now offered with recent service records, concours and historical documentation, and a clean New Jersey title in the seller’s name.

Highlights

• Powered by a 312ci “Thunderbird Special” V8 with a four‑barrel carburetor

• 3-speed Ford‑O‑Matic automatic transmission, rear-wheel drive

• Finished in Sunset Coral over two‑tone black and white vinyl interior

• The chassis number (P6FH349795) 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

  • 349795 – Sequential production number (late‑1956 build)

• The trim tag (40A YE XA 6HL2644) decodes as:

  • Body, 40A – Thunderbird Convertible (standard for ’55–’56)

  • Color, YE – Sunset Coral with Colonial White (two‑tone)

  • Trim, XA – Black & White interior

  • Production Code, 6HL2644 – August 6, 1956 scheduled build

Factory Equipment

A copy of the dealership invoice can be found under "Additional documents" below. Some highlights include:

• Exterior:

  • Dual exhausts exiting through rear bumper guards

  • Refinished in correct Sunset Coral exterior finish

  • Rear‑mounted Continental Kit

• Interior:

  • Two‑tone black and white vinyl upholstery

  • 4‑way power-operated bench seat

  • Telescoping steering wheel

  • 12‑volt electrical system

  • In‑dash tachometer

  • Electric clock

• Powertrain:

  • 312ci “Thunderbird Special” V8 equipped with a 4‑barrel carburetor

  • 3-speed Ford‑O‑Matic automatic transmission

Modifications

• Aluminum radiator

Servicing & Documentation

Various service receipts and parts invoices can be found under "Additional documents" below.

• June 2025:

  • Heater controls repaired

  • Turn signal repaired

  • Headlight switch and horn relay replaced

  • Door pillar weatherstripping replaced

• October 2023:

  • Fuel pump replaced

• June 2023:

  • Installed new DEKA 29NF battery

  • Oil change

  • Refurbished generator installed

  • Mounted & balanced tires

• June 2022:

  • Full ignition tune‑up: plugs, wires, cap, rotor, points, condenser; set dwell & timing

  • Radiator replaced

  • Fuel filter gasket replaced

  • Brakes adjusted

  • Oil change

  • Carburetor rebuilt

Known Imperfections

• Fuel gauge only goes to approximately ¾ full even when full

• Paint chips on the Continental Kit

Ownership History

From the seller: “This Thunderbird underwent a full restoration before my ownership, and I’ve kept it stored and maintained as part of my collection. The car presents beautifully in its Sunset Coral finish—a rare and extremely striking color that always gets attention. The radiator was upgraded to an aluminum unit for improved cooling. I’ve owned it since 2020, and it starts and runs great with no braking issues.”

Included

• Continental Kit spare tire

• Partial service records

• Historical records

• Uninstalled older radiator