TWO OWNERS FROM NEW 1956 FORD THUNDERBIRD Chassis No. P6FH199881 Peacock Blue with Peacock Blue and white vinyl interior Engine: V8, 312ci., 225 bhp at 4,600rpm; Gearbox: Fordomatic automatic; Suspension: independent front with rear leaf springs; Brakes: power assisted four wheel drums. Left hand drive. Following its introduction in late 1954, the Ford Thunderbird proved itself to be America's hottest little sportscar as the T-Bird outsold the Chevy Corvette nearly 24 to 1 in 1955. The success of the Thunderbird in its first year solidified the car as an instant classic and the model quickly formed its own impressive following. General Motors executives could do little to halt the popularity of their competition and Ford responded in 1956 by offering a slightly more stylized example of the sporty coupe. Though the 1955 and 1956 Thunderbirds shared the same standard chassis, body styling was altered to include an exterior spare mounted at the rear. The new Continental kit gave a stylish finish to the Thunderbird's compact design and provided ample trunk space for weekend luggage and storage. Other changes to the body included the addition of cowl vents on each fender side, a new rear bumper configuration and wind wings mounted on the windshield. Like the 1955 model, options were readily available on the 1956 Thunderbird as well, however list prices suggest the popularity of the car led to a slight price hike for many of the added conveniences. Notably new design improvements like tinted glass, Life-Guard safety equipment and an improved three speed manual transmission were all included at no cost. The Thunderbird on offer here is a rare low production 1956 model and it is accompanied with two owners from new provenance. This peacock Blue Thunderbird was first sold to Santa Clara, CA resident, Gilbert Marchand. The Marchands relocated to Los Angeles. Mr. Marchand commissioned a thorough exterior restoration for the Thunderbird having the car repainted in its original Peacock Blue Ford color. The matching interior appears to be in very presentable original condition and shows minor wear throughout. The Marchands retained ownership of the Thunderbird until 1993, when Mrs. Marchand sold the car to its current Los Angeles owner. This Thunderbird comes equipped with Fordomatic gearbox, power steering, power brakes, air conditioning and wide whitewall tires. Currently an AM/FM radio is installed; the Town and Country signal seeking radio is included in the sale of the car. As an added bonus, this Thunderbird comes with a pair of irreplaceable 1956 yellow California license plates, which could be registered in California as a personal license plate for the car. Upon recent inspection, the Thunderbird started with ease and idled with impressive ease. Lights, turn signals, radio and clock are in full operational condition. This 1956 Thunderbird represents the rarest model of the three year production run, and with its fully operational options, is a highly collectible example of the most sporting yet elegant American car ever built.
TWO OWNERS FROM NEW 1956 FORD THUNDERBIRD Chassis No. P6FH199881 Peacock Blue with Peacock Blue and white vinyl interior Engine: V8, 312ci., 225 bhp at 4,600rpm; Gearbox: Fordomatic automatic; Suspension: independent front with rear leaf springs; Brakes: power assisted four wheel drums. Left hand drive. Following its introduction in late 1954, the Ford Thunderbird proved itself to be America's hottest little sportscar as the T-Bird outsold the Chevy Corvette nearly 24 to 1 in 1955. The success of the Thunderbird in its first year solidified the car as an instant classic and the model quickly formed its own impressive following. General Motors executives could do little to halt the popularity of their competition and Ford responded in 1956 by offering a slightly more stylized example of the sporty coupe. Though the 1955 and 1956 Thunderbirds shared the same standard chassis, body styling was altered to include an exterior spare mounted at the rear. The new Continental kit gave a stylish finish to the Thunderbird's compact design and provided ample trunk space for weekend luggage and storage. Other changes to the body included the addition of cowl vents on each fender side, a new rear bumper configuration and wind wings mounted on the windshield. Like the 1955 model, options were readily available on the 1956 Thunderbird as well, however list prices suggest the popularity of the car led to a slight price hike for many of the added conveniences. Notably new design improvements like tinted glass, Life-Guard safety equipment and an improved three speed manual transmission were all included at no cost. The Thunderbird on offer here is a rare low production 1956 model and it is accompanied with two owners from new provenance. This peacock Blue Thunderbird was first sold to Santa Clara, CA resident, Gilbert Marchand. The Marchands relocated to Los Angeles. Mr. Marchand commissioned a thorough exterior restoration for the Thunderbird having the car repainted in its original Peacock Blue Ford color. The matching interior appears to be in very presentable original condition and shows minor wear throughout. The Marchands retained ownership of the Thunderbird until 1993, when Mrs. Marchand sold the car to its current Los Angeles owner. This Thunderbird comes equipped with Fordomatic gearbox, power steering, power brakes, air conditioning and wide whitewall tires. Currently an AM/FM radio is installed; the Town and Country signal seeking radio is included in the sale of the car. As an added bonus, this Thunderbird comes with a pair of irreplaceable 1956 yellow California license plates, which could be registered in California as a personal license plate for the car. Upon recent inspection, the Thunderbird started with ease and idled with impressive ease. Lights, turn signals, radio and clock are in full operational condition. This 1956 Thunderbird represents the rarest model of the three year production run, and with its fully operational options, is a highly collectible example of the most sporting yet elegant American car ever built.
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.jpg "Source: Christie's")
.jpg "Source: Christie's")
