I have always loved the early Thunderbirds. 55's are great, 56's too. I had put out a word to a Thunderbird friend to pass along any leads he came across.... one evening I got a voice mail.
At a car show out east, my friend was approached by a fellow who's buddy back home in CO was putting a Thunderbird up for sale.
The car was reported to be a project car - but a running, driving machine. I couldn't resist making the call to find out more. Turns out the car was Thunderbird Green, w/ a white hardtop. I hadn't really considered owning a green car, but I kept an open mind as I talked to the owner. It was a converted 5.0 EFI/AOD car, and had a Vintage air conditioning unit replacing the factory equipment. He reported it as a project car with good potential but due to health issues, he had decided to sell.
After seeing a few pictures and talking through some questions, I thought about a green 'Bird as a pretty cool little vintage hot rod. Researching a bit the color was apparently only a very small percentage of the 15,xxx 'Birds built in '56. Sure everyone has a red, black or white 'rod, how 'bout Thunderbird Green!
The car needs a lot of TLC from interior, suspension, motor, HVAC, body, gages.... but it is complete and most importantly had some steps made in the direction I wanted to go, the 5.0 EFI motor and AOD trans.. plus the Vintage Air.
A trip out west was made, and the car brought back to Texas. When I arrived, a starting gremlin affected the car - it was dead, a no start, which was bit of a worry. Knowing EEC IV Ford EFI, I figured I would get it going sooner or later. We loaded it up and began the long drive home.
The car got all kinds of thumbs up and compliments along the way. The white top is a nice touch over the body color and these little 'Birds are just plain cool!
My family had a great time on the big road trip for the most part... although we had planned a lot more excursions and sightseeing, a lot of that got cut short.
Well - lots to do on the car, it looks like a fun project!
The Data Plate decode turned out as follows:
1956 'Bird, 312 V8, Dearborn, MI, Thunderbird Green Body w/ a Colonial White Hardtop; Green and White Interior Trim, built on 2/2 for dealer code Jacksonville.
The car has attracted not only compliments and excitement, but a surprising little unexpected admirer as well. One night I had the garage open after dark, and the evening's nightfall brought with it an early dense fog. Before bed I went out to close the garage door and noticed a little gecko near the Thunderbird on the garage floor. He appeared to be the same color as the 'Bird!! He proceeded to jump on the tire and then on the green steel wheel. He had to be attracted to the color and didn't mind a bit as I watched him explore the car. Before long he had made it to the front cowl and ended up spending the night there on the car.
He stayed there all night for several nights, using the chrome trim as a mirror and the green car body as a safe place from the elements. Every morning and evening was a surprise to see him still there!!
