1956 Ford Thunderbird
In 1956 Ford changed little from their successful debut just a year earlier. New to the 1956 model was a rear continental kit which was deleted just a year later and a 312 cu. in. V8.
New to 1956 was the 312 V8 which was sold alongside the old 292. The 312 offered 215hp at 4,600 and was fitted with a 4-barrel Holley carburetor.
In Detail
| submitted by | Richard Owen |
| type | Series Production Car |
| released at | 1954 Detroit Auto Show |
| built at | Detroit, USA |
| production | 15631 |
| engine | Thunderbird Special 90º V8 |
| position | Front, Longitudinal |
| aspiration | Natural |
| block material | Cast Iron |
| valvetrain | Pushrod OHV, 2 Valves per Cyl |
| fuel feed | Holley 4-Choke Carburetor |
| displacement | 5113 cc / 312 in³ |
| bore | 96.5 mm / 3.8 in |
| stroke | 87.4 mm / 3.44 in |
| compression | 8.4:1 |
| power | 160.3 kw / 215 bhp @ 4600 rpm |
| specific output | 42.05 bhp per litre |
| bhp/weight | 143.33 bhp per tonne |
| torque | 429.8 nm / 317 ft lbs @ 2600 rpm |
| body / frame | Steel Body over Steel Chassis |
| driven wheels | RWD |
| steering | Worm & Roller |
| curb weight | 1500 kg / 3308 lbs |
| wheelbase | 2591 mm / 102.0 in |
| length | 4453 mm / 175.3 in |
| width | 1829 mm / 72 in |
| height | 1321 mm / 52 in |
| transmission | 3-Speed Manual |
| top speed | ~185.1 kph / 115 mph |
| 0 – 1/4 mile | ~17.0 seconds |
Auction Sales History
1956 Ford Thunderbird Convertible P6FH154693 – sold for $42,900. The fully restored Thunderbird offered here was originally restored in 1984. However, wanting to return the car to its original factory specifications, the previous owner decided to have the car restored once more several years later. In outstanding condition, it is finished in the most rare of factory colors, including metallic Thunderbird Gray, which was available only in 1956; it was also finished with such desirable options and conveniences as power steering, power brakes, power windows, a removable hardtop, and the larger and more powerful 312-cubic inch V-8 engine. Auction Source: 2013 St. John’s Auction
1956 Ford Thunderbird – sold for $31,000 Both top, hardtop with portholes and new convertible top. Continental package. Electric fan. Power rack and pinion steering. Power brakes. Automatic transmission. Hankook Optimo P 205/75 R15 tires. Auction Source: The Daytime Auction in Monterey by Mecum
1956 Ford Thunderbird P6FH171237 – sold for $38,500. The present owner of this immaculate 1956 Thunderbird acquired it several years ago, after it underwent an extensive body-off restoration. The body was taken to bare metal and re-sprayed in factory-correct Fiesta Red, topped with three clear coats, while the interior was restored in matching red and white with a period-correct radio. The suspension was fully rebuilt, and new, narrow whitewall tires were installed. Equipped with the original, optional 312-cubic inch V-8 and automatic transmission, the car has covered only 700 miles since the completion of the restoration, and it recently underwent further freshening by Peggy Craft Restorers, of Tennessee. Notably, the car is equipped with both its original removable hardtop, featuring the “portholes” made famous by American Graffiti, as well as with a soft top added during restoration. Auction Source: 2013 Amelia Island by Rm Auctions
1956 Ford Thunderbird P6FH157016 – sold for €53,611. The car shown is a 1956 T-Bird, the most sought after. According to Dearborn assembly, the No. serial code indicates that this car is equipped with the 312 V8 cubic inch motor of 225bhp, which gives the car enough performance coupled with a very desirable automatic transmission, the car is equipped with power steering, power brakes and air conditioning which was unusual then. The body is painted in its original colour and is in extremely healthy state. Off-white, top in white, with leather seats in original green and white with a beautiful patina, this car is also equipped with a white hardtop and tinted windows. It has remained in the hands of the same owner 1997 in Southern California and the latter sold it to an Italian friend, thus it is a second hand car. This T-bird figured in an extremely well preserved cover of a T-Bird magazine and is eligible for the 1000 Miglia. It is registered in England with a V5 with a recent MOT. Auction Source: Artcurial Motorcars à 2013 Rétromobile
1956 Ford Thunderbird – sold for $56,000 Complete recent frame-off restoration. Less than 200 miles since restoration. Rebuilt engine 312 CI. Numbers matching local California car. Power steering, windows, and seats. Peacock Blue with Blue and White interior. Every component either new or rebuilt. Hard top and soft top. Original owner states that this car is shown in the movie, Same Time Next Year. 1956 California license plates registered to car. Auction Source: 2011 Monterey Daytime Auction by Mecum
1956 Ford Thunderbird Chassis no. P6FH220491 – sold for $31,590. The offered Thunderbird is from the 1956 production run and has that year’s Continental Kit spare tire, this one featuring a chrome surround. The attractive silver paint is offset by deep red upholstery. Other original accessories include a detachable hard top, faux wire wheel hubcaps, electric window lifts, air conditioning and Thunderbird insignia rubber floor mats. A nice finishing touch is a rear window decal from the Classic Thunderbird Club of Switzerland. This is a fine example of a rare Ford two-seater from the golden age of post-war American cars. Auction Source: Bonhams 2010 Exceptional Motorcars and Automobilia
