1956 Ford Thunderbird Convertible

Summary

To customers, Thunderbird was a "personal car" that combined a sporty feel with the comfortable appointments of a prestige model. To Ford, Thunderbird was a "halo car" that attracted customers to showrooms. It sold well with buyers who enjoyed the pure fun of driving. Some of that fun was traded for practicality when Thunderbird grew to four seats for 1958.

To customers, Thunderbird was a "personal car" that combined a sporty feel with the comfortable appointments of a prestige model. To Ford, Thunderbird was a "halo car" that attracted customers to showrooms. It sold well with buyers who enjoyed the pure fun of driving. Some of that fun was traded for practicality when Thunderbird grew to four seats for 1958.

Artifact

Automobile

Date Made

1956

Ford Rouge Factory Tour
 On Exhibit

at Ford Rouge Factory Tour

Object ID

2003.36.1

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Steel (Alloy)
Metal
Glass (Material)
Rubber (Material)

Color

Blue

Dimensions

Diameter: 3.8 in  (Bore)

Length: 3.44 in  (Stroke)

Horsepower: 215 hp  (160.33 kW)

Specifications

Make & Model: 1956 Ford Thunderbird convertible

Maker: Ford Motor Company, Dearborn, Michigan

Engine: V-8, overhead valves, 312 cubic inches

Transmission: 3-speed automatic

Height: 52 inches

Wheelbase: 102 inches

Width: 70.5 inches

Overall length: 175.5 inches

Weight: 3088 pounds

Horsepower: 215 at 4600 revolutions per minute

Pounds per horsepower: 14.4

Price: $3,151

Average 1956 wage: $4,342 per year

Time you'd work to buy this car: about 8-1/2 months

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