Chassis No. P6FH340479

With soldiers returning home from the Second World War desiring a sporty European style automobile, both Ford and General Motors quickly started plans to design and manufacture one. While General Motors was first to introduce the Corvette, Ford followed suit, introducing the Thunderbird in 1955. The standard 292 cubic inch Y-block V8, shared with Mercury's lineup, provided motivation for the stylish two-seater model. For 1956, changes were minimal but notable—distinctive porthole windows were added to the removable hardtop, and the iconic Continental Kit moved the spare tire to the rear bumper, increasing trunk space. After just three years of the original two-seat design, Ford would reshape the Thunderbird into a larger four-seater for 1958. Despite its brief production run, the early "Baby Bird" vastly outsold the Corvette and left an indelible mark on the American sports car market.

This Thunderbird represents a well-maintained example that reportedly spent two decades as a showroom display car at a California dealership. In 2006, it was purchased by Dr. Richard Stephens as it wore an identical specification to a 1956 Thunderbird he bought new for his mother at age 31. The solid California car is finished in Raven Black with a matching Black and White interior, complemented by both a Colonial White hardtop and a black convertible top. Extensively equipped from the factory, it features a Fordomatic automatic transmission, Master-Glide power steering, Swift Sure power brakes, Power-Lift Windows, a four-way power front bench seat, wind wings, fender moldings, wire wheel covers, Town Country radio, and the desirable Continental Kit. Throughout, the car presents nicely, with tidy brightwork, a clean engine compartment, and a nicely-preserved interior. Accompanied by a Ford Thunderbird handbook, this 1956 “Baby Bird” is a sound example that is sure to deliver an authentic 1950s motoring experience.