The 1956 Ford Thunderbird was an instant classic, and remains so to this day. And it offered up to 225 horsepower with its V8 engine. The sleek styling has kept it popular even to this day. In 1956 was the first year Ford introduced a 12-volt electrical system on the T-bird. From 1962 through 1964 a T-bird Sports Roadster package was available which included a fiberglass tonneau cover to be used to cover the rear seats, converting the car into a two seater. The 390 cubic inch engine was standard, able to propel the Thunderbird from zero to sixty in just eleven seconds while top speed was achieved at 110 mph. Ford produced 15,631 T-birds for 1956, down slightly from the 16,155 produced in 1955. The 1956, rarest of Classic Thunderbird with a production total of 15,631, incorporated Fords new safety concepts. The 1956 Thunderbird also saw an increase in price with the hardtop now selling for $2,944 and the convertible selling for $3,019.
1956 Ford Thunderbird
12-volt electrical system, 1956 Ford Thunderbird, 225 horsepower, 390 cubic inch engine, T-bird Sports Roadster
The original Ford Thunderbird, introduced in 1954 as a ‘55 model, was a sporty two seater. For the 1956 model, more trunk space was added, the spare wheel was mounted outside, the exhausts were moved to the ends of the bumper, and air vents were added behind the front wheels to improve cabin ventilation. 1956 sales were $15,631, the lowest of all three 2 seater Thunderbird model years. 1957 sales were $21,380, including three extra months of production because the 1958 models were late. The Ford Thunderbird was launched in October 1954 and in the past 50 years, over 1.2 million roadsters, convertibles and even four door versions bearing this famous name have been sold.
1955 Ford Thunderbird
1956 sales, 1957 sales, sporty two seater, thunderbird model years
The Thunderbird 1955 model had a removable hardtop with a 102 inch wheelbase chassis that was 175. In 1956 model was very similar to the 1955 model with some notable exceptions. And the 1957 season actually had three extra months of production because the 1958 models were not ready to be sold. In the 1955 model year, Ford revolutionized the automobile market by releasing the Ford Thunderbird. Ever since the first production model was built in 1954, the Ford Thunderbird appeal has spread from its American roots all over the world. The original Ford Thunderbird, introduced in 1954 as a ‘55 model, was a sporty two seater.
1955 Ford Thunderbird
102 inch wheelbase chassis, automobile market, Ford Thunderbird, removable hardtop, t-bird built in 1954