225 bhp, 312 cu. in. overhead valve V-8 engine, four-barrel Holley carburetor, two-speed automatic transmission, independent wishbone front suspension, and four-wheel power drum brakes. Wheelbase: 102 in.

More than 5,000 names were considered for the new Ford project in 1954. A young Ford car stylist, Alden “Gib” Biberson, won a $95 suit and an extra pair of pants from Saks Fifth Avenue for suggesting the name Thunderbird. Production of the car (designed by William P. Boyer under the direction of Franklin Q. Hershey) began on September 9, 1954, at Ford’s Dearborn assembly plant, and it generated immediate excitement.

Although all-new and just introduced the previous year, Ford’s Thunderbird underwent significant improvements in 1956, in both performance and convenience. With the steering adjusted, the rear springs softened slightly for a better ride, and improved weight distribution, the 1956 Thunderbird had better balance. Visibility improved through the hardtop due to the addition of the now classic porthole. From a convenience standpoint, the 1956 model featured a 12-volt electrical system, much needed fender vents for interior cooling, and more trunk space, thanks to the stylish Continental kit.

The 1956 T-Bird’s performance capabilities were proven at the Daytona Beach Speed Week by beating all the American and European competitors except one. Not just faster, the Thunderbird was made safer, as part of a company wide safety initiative. In 1956, Motor Trend magazine presented its Car of the Year award to the entire Ford line-up for “progress in automotive safety.” Ford’s new safety concepts included a safety-padded dash, a concave safety steering wheel, safety door locks, and a shatter-resistant mirror; however, seatbelts were optional.

The 1956 Thunderbird presented here previously benefitted from a full restoration done to a high standard. Finished in black with a black and white vinyl interior, it is a very nicely presented car that displays a high gloss finish, excellent panel fit, and only limited wear evident throughout the entire car. It is complete with a correct porthole hardtop accompanying the black canvas top, a signal seeking AM radio, a heater, dual mirrors, power steering, power brakes, a black carpeted trunk, Kelsey Hayes wire wheels, and during the extensive restoration, we were told that front disc brakes were installed on the car as well. Overall, this is a very attractive and nicely restored Ford that shows just over 750 miles on the odometer, undoubtedly since the completion of the restoration, and as such, it remains ready for continued enjoyment by its next owner.