1956 Ford Thunderbird

Not too much is known about the early life of this First Generation Ford Thunderbird. Much can be deciphered, however, from the T-Bird’s engine bay data plate. The leading “P6” of the serial number, for example, reveals this to be a 312 cubic inch model with a three speed Borg-Warner designed Ford-O-Matic automatic transmission. The original “A” paint and “XB” trim codes suggests this car left the Dearborn plant (confirmed by the “F” in the serial number) in Raven Black paintwork with a Red and White interior.

We do know that this Thunderbird arrived in the UK in 2012 and stayed with its first UK owner for around six months, with the second acquiring the car in June of 2012. UK registration records note that a colour change from white to the current blue was registered during its second UK ownership. The second owner retained the Thunderbird for around two more years before the current owner acquired it in August 2014. MoT records in 2011 and then again in 2019 note just 1,400 miles having been covered between those tests. Since then, around a further 250 miles have been added bringing the total indicted to 97,222 miles.

The current owner showed interest in entering the car in the historic Mille Miglia 1,000-mile road race given that the First Generation Thunderbirds are eligible on the grounds that “at least one specimen took part – or completed the registration formalities – in one edition of the historic 1000 Miglia that was held from 1927 to 1957.” Preparatory work for the race was quoted for in and undertaken in 2014 with the appropriate modifications and upgrades made but, seemingly, never tested in the race itself.

A bit of casual detective work suggests that our example left Dearborn in Raven Black, arrived in the UK in Colonial White and underwent another transformation to its current Starmist Blue livery shortly after its arrival in the UK. Starmist was a factory colour for the 1956 Thunderbird and, as a result, suits the “sunny Californian” demeanour of the big cruiser perfectly. As with many American classics of this vintage, the Thunderbird is awash with charming period details.

The paintwork looks to be in an good overall condition with a smooth and appropriately thick finish in evidence throughout. Inevitably there is the odd chip and minor imperfection present, and these have been photographed for your review. The bodywork looks equally well presented with panel gaps looking good for a car approaching 70 years old.

The fibreglass hardtop is finished in Colonial White and is complete with the signature twin “porthole” windows in the C pillars which had become standard by 1956 (with a rarely chosen delete option available from the factory). The original canvass hood and frame mechanism is included and pictured as is a hoist to help with the hardtop removal.

For a 1950’s American car, the Thunderbird was relatively restrained in its use of chrome, especially in side profile. The bulk of what is used adorns the broad bumpers, grill and spare wheel receptacle. This chrome appears bright and shiny from a modest distance, but some pitting is noted in places. The brightwork extends to the14-inch, cross-spoked wire wheels affixed with central, triple eared spinners. These are a little pitted in places and are fitted with a matching set of 205/75 radial type tyres. These are white walled and appear to retain good levels of tread.

For such a big car not too much of it is allocated to the cabin, it being a two-seater albeit a generous one. The seats appear to have been recovered at some point in the car’s history. Judging by the light blue and white colourway in here, it was likely to coincide with the car’s last change of exterior colour in 2012. 

The full width bench seat is finished in light blue vinyl to the generous bolsters with white, box pleated vinyl to the seat centres. The condition is good and commensurate with a more recent retrimming and subsequent light use. The charming dashboard features a vinyl trimmed top roll, a steel, body-coloured bottom panel and a machine turned central alloy fascia. The white on black instruments are set into the top roll and are dominated by a daylight, backlit semi-circular 150mph speedometer. These sit behind the original, large three spoke steering wheel in a matching light blue hue. Some cracking is noted to the rim. The central alloy fascia houses an original push button radiator and heating controls.

The door cards are finished in a combination of box pleated white vinyl with blue accents and machine turned alloy panels. The complimentary coloured blue carpets appear original and complete but could be further improved with a steam clean. Thunderbird emblazoned heavy duty rubber mats are currently fitted. The sizeable “trunk” is fitted with a checked, protective mat and the jack is noted as present.

This Thunderbird is thought to be fitted with the 312 cubic inch, Y-block V8 engine which was specified for the 1956 model year. In this instance it is mated to the three speed Ford-O-Matic automatic gearbox. This gearbox predominantly uses two gears with a “low” third gear accessible via the floor mounted shifter when required. In this configuration the big V8 was originally rated at 225bhp, ten more than the manual versions to help overcome some of the additional inertia associated with a self-shifter.

The generously proportioned engine bay presents very well with the inner panels looking clean, solid and well painted. The big V8 features attractive and well-polished alloy cam covers with Thunderbird emblems. A large, chromed air cleaner cover sits centrally to give the engine a typically American muscle car look. A battery cut off switch and uprated cradle is noted as part of the Mille Miglia preparations. The underside of the Thunderbird looks to be in a good, overall condition with no significant dents or corrosion in evidence. A more recent and uprated anti-roll bar and mountings are noted as are a new inline fuel filter and associated plumbing.

In the current ownership much has been spent maintaining and upgrading the Thunderbird as we shall soon discover. As such no known mechanical issues have been reported. 

The Thunderbird comes with a reasonable level of associated paperwork. This includes the current V5 in the name of the current owner. This classifies the Thunderbird as an Historic Vehicle and so is considered as MoT and VED exempt in the UK. Despite this the car held advisory free MoTs in 2019, 2020 and 2021.

In addition, the Thunderbird holds a FIVA Identity Card issued by the Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs. An estimate is present which details a schedule of works suggested for Mille Miglia participation. We understand that this work has been undertaken.  The remainder of the archive consists of some high-value invoices detailing maintenance and upgrades undertaken between 2014 and 2018 helping to underscore the car’s current mechanical condition.

The First-Generation T-Bird has gone on to become such an iconic car that it’s hard to fathom that it was such a short-lived model. For those of a certain age, like your author, this status was significantly aided by 1970’s TV show “Vegas” in which private eye Dan Tanna piloted a red T-Bird which he parked directly in his living room when not in use.

This example looks great and exhibits all the key T-Bird attributes that Dan Tanna so clearly admired. In the firmament of American classic sports tourers of the 1950’s and 1960’s this is a car that tends to stand head and shoulders above others and is an exciting and enticing ownership prospect as a result.

We are confident this will sell for between £35,000 - £45,000.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at the Bonhams|Cars Online HQ. Viewings are strictly by appointment. To make a booking, please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, and read our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.