6th Sep, 2025 11:00

The September 2025 Car Auction

1956 Ford Thunderbird
Fantastic looking 50s classic with real presence

Estimate
£22,000 - £24,000

 Lot details

Registration: HVS 371
Chassis: P6FH326607
Odometer: 4677 miles
Transmission: Auto

• Stunning looking example
• Imported into the UK in 1989
• Enthusiast owned
• Fitted with the uprated Thunderbird Special V8 with Ford O Matic auto transmission
• Correctly registered as a Historic vehicle
• Believed to be matching numbers and factory specification

Introduced by Ford as a competitor to Chevrolet’s Corvette, the Thunderbird range first appeared in 1955, making this 1956 model and early example of the marque. Being a 1956 model, it benefits from the correct Continental spare wheel arrangement at the rear which really suits the look of the car.

We have been told that this car was Mum and son owned since new in the USA before being exported to the UK in 1989, at which point a full restoration was undertaken and not long after the car was placed into long term storage. It was obviously a quality job given the condition of the car today. We believe the odometer was zero’d as part of the restoration.

Since they bought the car in 2023, the present owners have bought a new grille surround (imported from the USA) plus they had the chrome bumper bullets re-chromed, new white wall tyres fitted, full wheel alignment carried out, brakes overhauled plus a full service. There was also a small dent in the front panel when they purchased the car which has now been professionally repaired.

As a result of the attention the car has received over the years, it looks great both internally and externally. The Sunset Coral paintwork really pops and the chrome work shines, although being picky there is some pitting on the front bumper and a small localised area of paint micro blistering on the top edge of the offside rear wing. The underside of the car is also very clean as evidenced in our pictures.

The two tone black and white ‘tuck and roll’ upholstered interior is lovely, with the dash dominated by the Town and Country radio and aluminium trim. Power steering and power windows also feature. The fabric roof is in good condition with very minor signs of wear and tear.

The 312 cubic inch Thunderbird Special V8 starts on the key and sounds great, and the Ford O Matic 2 speed auto transmission gearbox shifts through the gears without drama.

The Thunderbird comes with an array of receipts, manuals and catalogues plus a copy of the Classic American magazine (March 2025) that features the car in depth. There is also a set of spare keys.

Overall, a stunning looking car in great condition and definitely not to be missed !