This Ford Thunderbird (1955-1957) got away, but there are more like it here.

This 1956 Ford Thunderbird is finished in Sunset Coral over two-tone vinyl upholstery and is powered by a 312ci V8 backed by a three-speed automatic transmission. Features include a Colonial White removable hardtop, a black convertible top, power steering, a Continental kit, rear fender skirts, body-color steel wheels with covers, power windows, and a Town and Country signal-seeking radio. The car underwent a repaint while under previous ownership, and was acquired by the current owner in 2015. This Thunderbird is now offered by the seller on behalf of the owner with Ford-branded keys and a clean Kentucky title in the owner’s name.

1956 Ford Thunderbird

The exterior was finished in Sunset Coral (Y) from the factory, and it was repainted under prior ownership according to the seller. Exterior touches include an egg crate-style grille, fender-mounted fresh air vents, and tail fins. The Colonial White (E) removable hardtop is pictured in the gallery and equipped with porthole windows, and additional photos showing the finish, trim, and black convertible top are also included in the gallery.

1956 Ford Thunderbird

Wide-whitewall tires are mounted on 15″ body-color steel wheels that are equipped with full covers. A body-color Continental spare wheel assembly is accented with chrome and mounted on the rear bumper.

1956 Ford Thunderbird

The cabin features a bench seat trimmed in black and white vinyl upholstery (XA), while chrome and engine-turned trim accents the color-coordinated dashboard and doors. Equipment includes a heater and manual windows. The black carpets are protected with Thunderbird-branded rubber floor mats, and a Town and Country signal-seeking radio is retained in the dashboard.

1956 Ford Thunderbird

The three-spoke steering wheel frames an Astra Dial instrument cluster housing a sweeping 150-mph speedometer and gauges for fuel level and coolant temperature as well as a clock and a tachometer. The five-digit odometer shows 32k miles, approximately 500 of which have been added under current ownership. The seller notes the left window does not fully close.

1956 Ford Thunderbird

The 312ci Y-block V8 is equipped with a four-barrel carburetor and was factory rated at 225 horsepower at 4,600 rpm and 324 lb-ft of torque at 2,600 rpm. An oil change was completed in 2022.

1956 Ford Thunderbird

Power is sent to the rear wheels through a three-speed Ford-O-Matic transmission. Additional images in the gallery illustrate the condition of the underside, drivetrain, and exhaust components.

1956 Ford Thunderbird

The vehicle serial number reveals that the car is a 1956 Thunderbird built at the Dearborn, Michigan, plant and powered by a 312ci V8 with a four-barrel carburetor. The data tag also provides the following information:

  • Body 40A – Two-door convertible
  • Color YE – Sunset Coral and Colonial White exterior finish
  • Trim XA– Black and white vinyl upholstery
  • 17E – May 17 build date
  • CE– Charlotte, North Carolina sales district

Auction Result

High Bid USD $37,500 (Reserve Not Met)
Auction Ended December 11, 2022 at 1:44PM PT
Bids 52
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BaT Essentials

Location: Park Hills, Kentucky 41011
Listing Details
  • Chassis: P6FH203918
  • 32k Miles Shown
  • 312ci Y-Block V8
  • Ford-O-Matic Three-Speed Automatic Transmission
  • Repained in Sunset Coral
  • Colonial White Hardtop w/Porthole Windows
  • Black Convertible Top
  • Black and White Vinyl Upholstery
  • Continental Kit
  • 15" Steel Wheels w/Covers
  • Town and Country Radio
  • Power Windows
  • Cabin Heater
  • Power Steering
Private Party or Dealer: Private Party
Lot #93098