1956 Ford Thunderbird Thunderbird

This is an original. mostly unrestored car with an old repaint done decades ago.  This is a matching number correct car with the optional 312 engine and automatic transmission. It is located in New Jersey. I would drive it a long distance without hesitation about its dependability.   

This cars history traces to  Marina Del Rey located south of Santa Monica California. the end of Route 66.  Decals in the rear window have been retained for many years. The car was last registered in California in 1991.  

This is a solid tight car in every respect. It is free of spooky noises. rattles and squeaks. even over railroad crossings.  The acceleration and braking are both excellent. The engine does not smoke or make odd noises either. The car does not pull or drift to either side while driving or braking. The transmission shifts smoothly. windows operate easily and their are no glass cracks or noticeable chips.  It has cold air conditioning. Lights all work as do wipers and heater. There are no leaks.   This car does not include a convertible top.      

The body is straight. The original undercoating shows solid body mount braces and rocker panels with their original drain holes. Really nice to see. There are no rust concerns although one spot forward of the right rear wheel will need attention now.

This car is in the original matching number paint "Fiesta Red with a Colonial White" removable hardtop. without the no cost option port hole. This was and remains rare. Not everyone was enamored with a round window. The interior is also matching number Fiesta Red and White. The steering wheel is not painted. it is original matching color plastic. Included is a new correct color seat upholstery and behind the seat curtain.  Perfect condition and boxed.      

The body paint is only fair on this car. It needs repainting although it looks fine from 15 feet away. The worst paint spot is the top side of the drivers front fender where some plastic appears to have been used.  This was not a rust spot area. Perhaps it was dented. under the fender it doesn't appear to have been much of a dent.  The paint issues are mostly widely spread fine cracking. A paint guy thinks lacquer was used over enamel way back then.  The paint is bound to the body tightly and can be polished waxed etc. except the spot on the front fender where it appear more fragile.  The top paint is excellent. it has no cracking. chips or scuffs of any kind.  

All trim work is very nice like the stainless around the windows and hardtop. Often these have pings. scuffs or small dents but are real nice.       

Perhaps interesting is that 9 colors were available for T-birds in 1956. Fiesta Red. something of a Salmon or Coral. nbsp;was the only red. If you see a 56 in bright red its not a correct color for the year.  

This car has a complete new exhaust system with warrantee. New fuel pump. radiator core. belts and hoses. tune up. fuel tank and gas gauge sending unit. brake work and AC charging.   It has new tires.  It road tested and I'm confident a dependable driver. Starts immediately.   It's a solid car with solid closing doors. a sign of wear when a door drops that little bit when you open it and is a pain to adjust to get it to close well.   

This is my 5th 55-57 T Bird and this is a solid one. I decided to get it for an adventure drive from the NJ Shore to Santa Monica Pier (a Route 66 bucket list type thing) then down to San Diego where I would sell it. (daughters lives there). I picked the 56 for several reasons: 12 volt electric. side fresh air vents. safety deep steering wheel. spare on back for better trunk space and this had AC. This car came with a second spare time which I would have taken out. I also wanted a hardtop. I did not want a car with a great paintjob to worry about. Times have changed in the old USA. desperate people. drugs etc.  I would be going alone so I have scratched this off my list.

I can store the car for 2 weeks while transport is being arranged.  Payment in full prior to shipment. Bank check or wiring of funds is required.  Photograph of title will be provided  before full payment. Thank you for looking. Paul    

On Aug-20-16 at 11:03:01 PDT. seller added the following information:

Forgot: The headliner is perfect I would say. Bright white. no sags anywhere. no stretched stitching or sloppy glue work. Good tight ft.

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