Details
1956 FORD THUNDERBIRD CONVERTIBLE WITH REMOVABLE HARDTOP
Chassis No. P6FH220491
Silver with red interior
Engine: V8, overhead valve, 312ci, 198bhp at 4,400rpm; Gearbox: Fordomatic three speed; Brakes: four wheel drum; Suspension: front, upper and lower A arms, coil springs, rear, live axle, semi-elliptical leaf springs. Left hand drive.
The classic Thunderbird was introduced in 1955, and was Ford's response to the Chevrolet Corvette which appeared in 1953. Although the same wheelbase (102in) as its rival, the Thunderbird was designed to be more comfortable and luxurious than GM's Corvette. Ford knew that the two seater V8 was going to attract a wider audience than the Corvette's racing/performance orientated market. The Thunderbird design incorporated Ford features found on other models to create a product recognition with the hope of encouraging sales of other Ford cars as well. The universal appeal of the styling made the Thunderbird an instant success and the 1955 model out-sold the more expensive Corvette by 24 to 1!
The Thunderbird was named after the god worshipped by America's South West Indians as the bringer of rain and prosperity. It was built with a sturdy steel body, roll-up windows, either a hard top or snug fitting fold down soft top, or both and a strong Mercury V8 engine. With European style and American comfort, convenience and go, it was no wonder the Thunderbird proved to be irresistable.
This fine example has many special equipment features including the option of both hard and soft tops, power steering, electric windows, four way power seats and power brakes. We are told it has driven approximately 56,000 miles from new. It was restored in 1989 by noted specialist Mr Fred Perdue of Santa Cruz, California and has been in storage ever since. A radio and air conditioning has been fitted.
Chassis No. P6FH220491
Silver with red interior
Engine: V8, overhead valve, 312ci, 198bhp at 4,400rpm; Gearbox: Fordomatic three speed; Brakes: four wheel drum; Suspension: front, upper and lower A arms, coil springs, rear, live axle, semi-elliptical leaf springs. Left hand drive.
The classic Thunderbird was introduced in 1955, and was Ford's response to the Chevrolet Corvette which appeared in 1953. Although the same wheelbase (102in) as its rival, the Thunderbird was designed to be more comfortable and luxurious than GM's Corvette. Ford knew that the two seater V8 was going to attract a wider audience than the Corvette's racing/performance orientated market. The Thunderbird design incorporated Ford features found on other models to create a product recognition with the hope of encouraging sales of other Ford cars as well. The universal appeal of the styling made the Thunderbird an instant success and the 1955 model out-sold the more expensive Corvette by 24 to 1!
The Thunderbird was named after the god worshipped by America's South West Indians as the bringer of rain and prosperity. It was built with a sturdy steel body, roll-up windows, either a hard top or snug fitting fold down soft top, or both and a strong Mercury V8 engine. With European style and American comfort, convenience and go, it was no wonder the Thunderbird proved to be irresistable.
This fine example has many special equipment features including the option of both hard and soft tops, power steering, electric windows, four way power seats and power brakes. We are told it has driven approximately 56,000 miles from new. It was restored in 1989 by noted specialist Mr Fred Perdue of Santa Cruz, California and has been in storage ever since. A radio and air conditioning has been fitted.