This was the car that started it all. It was an instant classic, and it became an American icon. It defied classification: It was sporty but it wasn't a sports car, it was luxurious, but it wasn't a luxury car. It was both a hardtop and a convertible.
The 1955 Thunderbird was a sensation on America's roadways, and there was absolutely nothing else like it anywhere. Overnight, it made the 6 cylinder Chevrolet Corvette seem underpowered, uncomfortable due to its plastic side curtain windows, and utilitarian with its lack of accessories and color choices. Standard equipment included: Y-block V-8 engine, Telescoping steering column, Astra-Dial control panel, electric clock with sweep second hand tachometer and a rear view mirror. The dual exhaust system new to 1956 as was the 312 V8 and offered 215hp at 4,600 rpm and was fitted with a 4 barrel Holley carburetor.
This 1956 Thunderbird in Sunset Coral with removable hardtop and new convertible soft top recently came out of a collection where it had served as a centerpiece for a remarkable group of cars and just recently re-commissioned and fully serviced with all new fluids, safety checked and test driven.