1956 Ford Thunderbird

Description

Despite being best-known for their classic good looks and pure American swagger, first-generation Thunderbirds continue to be the hot rod of choice for many gearheads who have a thirst for spirited drop-top motoring. Today, spectacular T-Bird resto-mods are much more common than their decades-built stature would lead you to believe. That means, to really turn heads, enthusiasts need unique cars that are exceptionally well-done. A fitting example would be this red-hot '56! Mixing 312 cubic inches of bored V8 with crisp aesthetics, substantial suspension upgrades and custom tri-power induction, this sweet Ford is a heck of a lot more fun than a restored-to-original car. And if you're looking for a great combination of timeless style and modern performance, it's a choice classic that simply can't be beat!

FIFTIES FORD FLASH

Reflecting glowing Torch Red two-stage under a choice of two tops, this curvaceous convertible has been studiously maintained through meticulous care and acute restoration. Detailing begins with a bulleted bumper, which props a broad stainless grille under hooded tri-bar headlights and a teal-trimmed Thunderbird header. Behind that header, a massaged hood scoop leads fresh, stainless-trimmed glass, which twists cool FoMoCo Wind Wings behind electric wipers and factory mirrors. That greenhouse, adorned with either white fabric or red resin, caps a finned profile that's finished with ornate louvers and flowing “Thunderbird” scripts. And at the back of the car, exclusive dual antennas shade chrome-trimmed, jet-inspired taillights while a second wraparound bumper frames a stylish Continental Kit.

SHOW THAT GOES!

Tilt the hood and you'll find 312 cubic inches of legendary Thunderbird power that, in addition to being bored .030 over, has been fully rebuilt by the pros at Concord, North Carolina's KT Engine Development. At the top of the body-matched mill, a trio of red-trimmed air cleaners funnels wind into a trio of color-keyed Edelbrock carburetors, which milk a web of stainless fluid lines under a small Marshall pressure gauge. Atomized octane passes through a Cerma Krome Edelbrock intake to hot Thunderbird G series heads, which hide stainless valves and hardened seats under polished, Thunderbird-branded valve covers. Old school Mallory dual-point ignition fires 7mm High Temp Static Suppression cables opposite a fresh, 50-amp alternator. A big aluminum radiator provides ample cooling. A quality Isky cam turns stout compression into 250 dyno-proven horsepower and 308 lb./ft. of tire scorching torque. And best of all, the spry engine fires instantly and sounds surprisingly beefy breathing through brash turbo mufflers and restored factory manifolds.

TOP-TO-BOTTOM HOT ROD

Park this Ford on a lift and you'll find a super clean undercarriage that's nice enough to show and tough enough to go. The choice motor twists a predictable Ford-O-Matic 3-speed, which spins a sturdy 10-bolt axle. That clean pumpkin pushes parallel leafs, big lowering blocks and adjustable air shocks. A familiar Ford front-half centers manual steering between shortened coil springs. Quick stops are a cinch thanks to a quartet of power-assisted discs. Powder-coated exhaust pipes spent gases under a stainless heat shield. And at the corners, striking Coker wires spin 205/75R15 American Classic whitewalls.

FIFTIES FORD FLASH TOO

Peer through the car's crisp windows and you'll find a tight factory interior that's cool, clean and comfortable. Front and center, a broad bench seat wears requisite lap belts. A contoured dash, dressed in classy, engine-turned trim, features a natural combination of digital and analog telemetry. Two-tone side panels complement clean carpet, which frames a polished shifter. The tunes keep bumping thanks to Bluetooth-capable Antique Automobile audio. The road stays quiet thanks to quality XMAT sound insulation. The driver spins an ornate factory steering wheel. And the passengers store parcels in a custom-upholstered trunk that's complete with a relocated battery and a built-in tender.

Sure, there are a lot of awesome Thunderbirds on the market. But how many have been refined to this level of drivability and appeal? Mixing a great build with impressive power and stylish aesthetics, this cool convertible is the kind of car that inspires smiles and turns heads! If you're looking for a super nice cruiser that's twice as much fun and twice as reliable as an all-original roller, you're looking at your next classic!

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HIGHLIGHTS

• Splendid Thunderbird resto-mod that's benefitted from acute restoration
• 312 cubic inch Ford V8 that's been bored .030 over and professionally rebuilt
• Edelbrock tri-power induction and built Thunderbird G series heads
• Ford-O-Matic 3-speed automatic transmission
• Ford 10-bolt rear axle
• 4-wheel power disc brakes
• Lowered suspension
• Red and White vinyl interior with upgraded telemetry
• Modern audio
• Torch Red paint with a White vinyl top
• Torch Red hardtop
• Sale includes Torch Red fender skirts
• 15-inch Wire Wheels
• Restoration Photos
• Restoration Receipts
• All RK Motors vehicles receive a comprehensive, multi-point inspection
• We can ship your new classic anywhere in the world