In 1952 Ford Motor Company made an unusual acquisition, placing an order on behalf of Henry Ford II for a Ferrari 212/225 Inter Barchetta by Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera. Ford Motor Company would utilize the Ferrari as a design study, drawing from it inspiration for the Blue Oval’s first sporty personal luxury car, the Thunderbird.

A response to Chevrolet’s Corvette, which was released in 1953, Ford’s new Thunderbird followed a broadly similar outline as a short-wheelbase, two-seat, rear-wheel-drive convertible. Introduced on 22 October 1954 for the next model year, the Thunderbird featured the sportiest new Ford design since the ‘49 Fords, and it unsurprisingly exhibited numerous Ferrari Barchetta-inspired design cues including an egg-crate grille, headlight surrounds, hood scoop, front fender peaks, chrome-trimmed circular taillights, and a dual exhaust that exited through the bodywork. For 1955 its only powerplant option was a 292-cubic-inch Y-block V-8, a confident swing at Chevrolet, as the Corvette to date had only been offered with a straight-six.

For 1956, the Thunderbird’s exterior was refined with functional side fender vents, updated badging, and exhaust tips relocated out of the bodywork and through the corners of the rear bumper. It also saw the introduction of two of the model’s most iconic features: the rear-mounted "continental kit" and the optional hardtop with “porthole” windows. Inside, the cockpit prioritized modern safety with a deeply dished steering wheel and a thick, vinyl-wrapped foam dashboard. The 292-cubic-inch V-8 remained the standard engine, while Ford introduced a larger, more powerful optional engine, the 312-cubic-inch “Thunderbird Special” V-8.

This 1956 Ford Thunderbird has benefited from a high-quality restoration by the renowned experts at Dallas, Texas-based Amos Minter’s. It is finished in Colonial White over a Fiesta Red and White interior. It rides on wire wheels with a continental kit rear spare and includes both a convertible top and porthole-window hardtop. The Thunderbird features dual sideview mirrors, a modern radio, and Vintage Air for added comfort, in addition to power steering for easy low-speed maneuverability. It is further outfitted with a reduced-diameter steering wheel and shorter turn signal stalk, subtle upgrades to accommodate taller drivers.

Powering this 1956 Ford is the legendary Thunderbird Special V-8 upgraded with an Edelbrock four-barrel carburetor, MSD electronic ignition and distributor, alternator, and the Thunderbird engine dress-up kit. The engine is backed by the Ford-O-Matic three-speed automatic transmission.

The Thunderbird has always held a special place for Mr. Groendyke, as his father proudly purchased the very first example in the state of Oklahoma in 1955. Throughout the years of his impressive collection, Mr. Groendyke always ensured there was a “baby bird” in the stable, frequently trading up when he found a better example. This was it—the finest Thunderbird he ever owned.