Motor Trend magazine presented its Car of the Year award to the entire 1956 Ford lineup in acknowledgment of its “progress in automotive safety.” Not unnoticed, the T-Bird was identified for better performance, a modern 12-volt electrical system, better interior cooling, and more trunk space, thanks to the stylish Continental kit.

All of these features are nicely presented on this attractive Fiesta Red example. It was originally painted Colonial White, but it was refinished some time ago and is believed to be an otherwise largely original example. It came factory-equipped with the 312-cubic inch engine and an automatic transmission. The Thunderbird also features a factory porthole hardtop, power steering, Sure Swift power brakes, a four-way power seat, a Town & Country radio, fender skirts with stone guards, and Coker Classics wide whitewall tires that further enhance the wire spinner wheel covers. Under the hood, enhancements include a chrome dress-up air cleaner, finned aluminum valve covers, inspection stamps on the firewall, and original-style clamps and hoses. The two-tone passenger compartment is quite clean, as is the tidy trunk compartment. Meanwhile, the underside and engine compartment exhibits a light patina, indicating that this Ford has been enjoyed on the open road.