Classic Auto Mall
6180 Morgantown Road
Morgantown, PA 19543
"1956 Ford Thunderbird Convertible
The Thunderbird and the Corvette have a long and sorted history, with both initially competing for the same customer space. Eventually the Corvette went to racing, and the Thunderbird became the boulevard king. The ultimate getaway car from the kids with only 2 seats, as well as the option to have a hardtop traveler or a convertible cruiser, it became the ""it"" car for mid 1950's suburbia.�
For consignment, a 1956 Ford Thunderbird convertible showing 72,882 miles but the true miles are unknown. We love baby birds here at Classic Auto Mall and have had the honor of representing many of the years, so we take notice when one comes in that veers even slightly from stock appearance or configuration.��
Exterior
Our consignor states the paint is newer and was applied as two stage Raven Black, and the porthole adorned accessory hardtop wears the same color. What strikes us almost immediately after the pitch black paint, is the front which lacks the torpedo shaped bumper guards usually associated with 1956 Thunderbirds and it replaces elegance with a bit of aggression, as the gaping eggcrate grille is on full display, side markers become more obvious, and the hood scoop somehow looms larger, all with a simple change. Out back, the lack of a Continental kit creates a more streamlined tail which retains the finned tail lights but loses the pierced bumper for a simple wrap around unit. Fender gills are still here accompanied by the Ford crest but powder coated 15-inch Rocket Racing wheels are an exciting detour from the typical hubcaps normally found on Thunderbirds, and these have knock off spinner center caps. Metalwork, paint, and lenses are all excellent on the car and the sole imperfection we note is a scratch over a wheel opening.�
Interior
The newer interior begins with alternating panels of Peacock Blue, White vinyl, and textured aluminum on the door panels, a dramatic break from the black exterior and both doors are in excellent condition. White vinyl pleated panels are surrounded by the Peacock Blue on the bench and it's in immaculate shape. Patina graces the blue steering wheel which leads to the dashboard taking on the pattern, colors, and materials of the door, although the aqua dash pad is padded and stitched where the door's header is painted metal.� A tachometer and clock flank the arching speedometer with perfect symmetry while black knobs occupy the metal mid panel, along with an AM radio and vent lever panel. A simple shifter rises from the floor which is covered by a blue looped carpet while fresh air panels occupy the footwell with chrome housing. Up top, the white perforated headliner of the accessory hardtop is in good shape, and the trunk is lined in a period plaid vinyl mat that presents cleanly.��
Drivetrain
Finned Thunderbird valve covers top a driver quality 312ci V8, fueled by a rebuilt 4-barrel carburetor and mated to a Ford-O-Matic 3-speed automatic transmission. This combination is sending power to a Dana 44 axle with 3.31 gears. Drum brakes are front and rear provide the whoah factor. Our consignor states the following have been rebuilt: the mechanical fuel pump, the starter, and the brake system. An auxiliary electric fuel pump has been added along with a new fuel tank.�
Undercarriage
Here we find the new gas tank and generally clean conditions all around. There's a drop or two of oil but does not appear to be an active leak. Dual exhaust, colored by some typical surface rust, encounters stock style mufflers before leading to tailpipes that exit under the car and are painted black. Suspension is made up of coil springs up front and leaf springs in back.�
Drive-Ability
A quick starter and the car's interior provides a bright and energetic control center from which to pilot this black beauty. The 312 delivers good power from its 225 horsepower rating, and the tires provide straight tracking and good handling. We note the clock, radio, and heater blower are not working, but all other functions operate as they should. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at the time of your purchase.�
This slight deviation from some Thunderbird norms creates a unique and exciting version of the classic baby bird, and one that may appeal to someone looking for one to drive and enjoy rather than scoring points at a concours event. The bronze wheels just seem to work here and the stripped down exterior creates a more tossable profile while retaining its important Thunderbird character.
P6FH314289
P-312ci 4bbl 225hp V8
6-1956
F-Dearborn, MI Assy Plant
H-Thunderbird
314289-Sequential Unit Number
WARRANTY PLATE
BODY 40A-Thunderbird
COLOR LE-Peacock Blue & Colonial White
TRIM XC-Peacock Blue & White Vinyl
PRODUCTION CODE 18FSD458-June 18th, Boston DSO, 458th Car Scheduled To Be Built That Day
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person. There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee is not included in the advertised price.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy listening. You can also watch on YouTube!
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Year: | 1956 |
Make: | Ford |
Model: | Thunderbird |
Mileage: | 72882 |
Exterior Color: | Raven Black |
Interior Color: | Peacock Blue |
Trim: | Convertible |
Body: | convertible |
Stock: | 7435 |
Engine Size: | Gasoline |
Transmission: | 3 Speed Automatic |
Vin: | P6FH314289 |
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Classic Auto Mall is a world class consignment house located in southeastern Pennsylvania with indoor showroom space for up to 1,000collectable and special interest vehicles offered for sale. We are conveniently located just west of Philadelphia. This one of a kind building is climate controlled and security monitored and is the ultimate destination for classic and specialty car lovers. The building is located right on the Pennsylvania Turnpike with terrific frontage and exposure. Additionally, this one of a kind building houses one of the finest barn findcollections in the world with over 400 vehicles on display. The facility and grounds have plenty of room for indoor and outdoor automotive related events, car shows, car club meets, ride and drives and more.
Classic Auto Mall by the Numbers:
This wonderful facility started life as a clothing outlet mall in 1985 and then evolved into a furniture outlet mall until it closed its doors in 2011. There is a 188 room Holiday Inn with a walk-thru entrance attached to the facility that has a full-service restaurant, lounge, meeting facilities and an indoor swimming pool. The hotel just underwent a $3,000,000 renovation.
With an abundance of car collectors, car clubs and racetracks located within a short distance, this fantastic facility is ideally situated.
Our consignment program has classic car lovers excited to have a facility like this to store and offer their prized possessions for sale. We market vehicles worldwide and get top dollar for your one special car or your entire collection!
Please contact us further to discuss your needs.
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