1956 Ford Thunderbird

The 1955-57 Ford Thunderbird has become an American styling icon that typifies for many people the 1950s. The car was designed by Franklin Q. Hershey, who also designed the Museum’s 1932 Duesenberg J Murphy Torpedo Convertible Coupe. The sleek styling, brisk performance, and sports car appeal made for a successful package and competitor to the Chevrolet Corvette. Ford marketed the two-passenger vehicle as a personal car, but by 1958, the Thunderbird was much larger and had room for four passengers. This original vehicle was donated by Dr. and Mrs. Wilson E. Prentice, who bought the car new. It has only travelled 19,000 miles since it was purchased.

The wheelbase measures 102 inches. Weighs 2,980 lbs.