1956 Ford Thunderbird

GR Auto Gallery is pleased to offer this 1956 Ford Thunderbird for your consideration. The car features a 312ci V8 paired with a manual transmission. This example was sold new to a physician in Beverly Hills, CA. It is a strong running example that would make for an awesome weekend cruiser.

This example was originally Raven Black according to the data plate and has since been repainted in Fiesta Red. The red and white interior is true to the vehicle.

Ford was looking for something to compete with the Chevrolet Corvette which started to show quickly as a popular segment but didn't want to pursue the sports car necessary but created a segment all of its own. With the clever marketing plan in place, Ford began the production of the Ford Thunderbird in 1955 as a Personal Car segment and although it was very much a sporty two-seater convertible just like the Corvette, it paid more attention to luxury and comfort more so than the competition. This model did not inherit its second row of seats until 1958 and from there it slowly but surely grew in size, generation after generation until 1977 when the larger cars lost their popularity in the market. The Thunderbird was one of the longest-lasting nametags for Ford and started strong by selling 23 models for every one Corvette sold when it first hit the market. The only change completed between its inception model to 1956 was moving the spare tire to a continental-style rear bumper in order to make more room within the trunk.