This 1956 Ford Thunderbird represents the second and most refined year of the original two-seat Bird, the model year that moved the spare tire to an exterior mount for added trunk space, relocated the exhaust tips to the bumper ends, and introduced the no-cost porthole hardtop option. This example has been through a frame-off, rotisserie restoration carried out to concours standard, and it comes with the paperwork to back that up: an inspection score of 297.5 out of a possible 300 points, along with the complete scoring documentation.
Power comes from the factory 292 cubic-inch Y-block V8, the M-code engine confirmed on the car's original data plate, paired with the three-speed manual Ford offered as the base gearbox behind the 292 that year. In manual form the 292 was factory-rated at 200 horsepower, giving this car the more engaged, driver-focused character that manual-equipped first-generation Birds are known for, versus the Fordomatic-equipped majority of the model's production.
The data plate itself is intact and fully legible, serial number M6FH327766: engine code M for the 292, model year 6 for 1956, built at Ford's Dearborn assembly plant on the Thunderbird's H body series. Body, color, and trim codes decode to 40A, KK, and XB: a solid Fiesta Red exterior, body and removable hardtop finished to match, over a red and white vinyl interior, the same combination the car presents in today following this restoration. Ford built 15,631 Thunderbirds for the 1956 model year, and this one presents with a professionally scored concours result in hand.
For a buyer looking for a first-generation Thunderbird they can show, drive, and document with confidence, this is a well-rounded package on both fronts.
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