1956 Ford Thunderbird VIN# P6FH250228 My family has owned this beautiful 1956 Ford Thunderbird finished in Fiesta red since it was new. My father purchase Thunderbird new from Petty Ford, Salt Lake City, Utah. Original owners manual included. Evolution of the Thunderbird. The 1955, 1956 & 1957 Thunderbirds were a racy two-seater with clean, crisp lines on a 102-inch wheel base. Overall length was 175 inches, height was a low 52 inches , and the car was 70 inches wide. Standard curb weight was 3,180 pounds. The base sticker price of the 1955 Thunderbird was $2,695, included the removable hardtop, but not the soft top. Clock, tachometer, power-operated seats and a 292 CID V-8 engine also were standard equipment. However, practically none of the early Thunderbird left the dealership without either overdrive or automatic transmission and most of the power options. Prices of the 1955 models ranged from $3,000 to $4,000. The car was an immediate smash hit. Buyers of all ages, from all walks of life described the car in terms such as "wonderful." a "masterpiece." advanced automobile" and a "morale builder that is real fun and sport to drive." With all of its popularity, the flight of the two-seater Thunderbird would be a short one. There were changes almost immediately after the car was introduced. The original design presented some problems. The cockpit needed better ventilation, Rear-quarter vision had to be improved. More trunk space was a necessity. Design changes on 1956 models corrected these deficiencies. Flip-outside vents provided better ventilation, porthole windows enhanced rear vision and an outside tire carrier added trunk space. In addition, the 1956 Thunderbird featured Ford's new safety concept of "packaging the passengers". "Matching numbers car" This car still contains its original major components (i.e. factory installed engine, transmission, rear end, radio, dash board, instruments , controls , tachometer, see-through speedometer, odometer, signal-seek Town and Country radio. The power plant is a 8-cylinder, 292 cubic inches, 202 horsepower, Y-block, overhead-valve engine, with a Double Twin-Jet (four-venture) carburetor. (carb. overhaul & gasket kit installed) The transmission is a 3-speed manual with overdrive that shifts into fourth gear when engaged. The engine was overhauled in the past. New interior seats and trim, new door panels, (upholstery materials used have been reproduced to match the originals in every way including the correct color and grain of the vinyl. The seat upholstery was produced with the Ford emblem embossment in the smooth center area of the seat back between the pleated inserts.) New trunk mat, new white soft convertible top, new duel exhaust system & mufflers with slash cut exhaust outlets coming through the rear bumper, new seat belts, new break shoes, brake lines, master cylinder new Coker wide white wall tires, new wire wheel covers, new gas tank and float assemble, new shocks, new aluminum valve covers & valve cover gaskets, new antenna, new air cleaner dome cover, new hard top weather stripping, new wiper blades, new power steering pump seals & filter, new water pump, power steering belt & fan belt, new 4 row radiator , cap & hoses, new generator. Carburetor rebuilt & new gasket kit installed. The T-bird is finished in the original Fiesta red paint. Equipment includes power steering, fender skirts, continental-style rear bumper with spare tire, wire wheel covers, Town and Country radio, fiberglass lift off porthole hard top & new white convertible top behind passenger seat. 3-speed transmission with overdrive. The car was repainted Fiesta red approximately 15 years ago, the paint is in good shape with minor scratches and chips. Minor hood ding (air scoop area of hood) caused by closing hood on bolt, (1.5 hours to repair). Minor chip on front header panel above grill, (1 hour to repair). Passenger door closes loosely. The radio comes on but does not pick up stations and the clock is not working. Mileage on car 106,500.
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