Lot 110

Santa Monica 2017

1956 Ford Thunderbird

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$23,100 USD | Sold

United States | Santa Monica, California

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  • Two owners from new; original owner from 1956 until 2002
  • Recently discovered in a Northern California collection
  • Original owner reportedly worked at Ford and purchased car directly from the factory
  • Well-optioned example including hardtop, wire wheels, and continental kit

This very attractive black 1956 Thunderbird has an equally interesting and intriguing history to go with it. Included in its file are copies of a Ford Motor Company Statement of Motor Vehicle Sale – direct from the factory in Dearborn, Michigan – and dated December 19th, 1955. The car was invoiced to Mr. Willard Dann in Huntington Woods, Michigan, complete with $427.69 in factory installed extras.

It is understood from the consignor that Dann had been an engineer at Ford Motor Company and as such, was afforded the opportunity to purchase one of the early cars off the assembly line. The consignor had been told that this was the first 1956 Thunderbird off the assembly line, though RM Sotheby’s have not been able to verify this as fact. What is known is that Mr. Dann retained his Thunderbird even after a move west to Northern California, until his death in 2002. Later that year, the car was sold from Dann’s estate to its current private owner, as a package deal with Dann’s house. It is understood that the Thunderbird has seen very little if any use in its current ownership, remaining in its California garage for many years.

The Thunderbird is a wonderful color combination of black over a two-tone red and white interior. It is fitted with desirable extras such as a hardtop with porthole, wire wheels, and a continental kit.

Please note, though, that this vehicle has been sitting for an extended period and will need some recommissioning to make it run again, as it has not been on the road in many years.