It’s a beautiful day to admire a “bluebird.” More specifically, a Peacock Blue Thunderbird.
The Pick of the Day is a 1956 Ford Thunderbird listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Sammamish, Washington. (Click the link to view the listing)
“If you are one of those people who loves the iconic look of the old T-birds or just want to pick up your special someone for an evening they’ll never forget, this is the car for you. Take a cruise around the town in style,” the listing states.
The first-generation Thunderbird (sold between model years 1955 and 1957) was offered only as a two-seat convertible and took on the classification of “personal luxury car.” It was designed to be more of a grand tourer than an all-out sports car like the Corvette. In 1955, it sold 16,155 units in comparison to the Corvette’s 674, so the marketplace reception of the car was warm. There were some changes to the car’s overall design the following year including the addition of a rear-mounted continental kit, portholes in the hardtop, a 12-volt electrical system, and revised moldings.
The seller provides some background on this specific car: “This one came off the Dearborn, Michigan assembly line on January 6, 1956, destined for the Los Angeles market. She has been with the same owner since 1987, a vintage car collector for many years before that, and is now ready for the next person to love and enjoy her.”
One of the most striking things about this car is its Peacock Blue exterior shade. This vivid color was classified as code “L” on the data plate for 1956-model-year Thunderbirds. This car’s plate shows color code “E” which crosswalks to Colonial White, so at some point in the car’s lifetime it was resprayed. The seller notes that the paint has a few minor chips, but it presents well in the photos.
Under the front-hinged hood lives a four-barrel 312cid Y-block V8 paired with a floor-shifted three-speed Ford-O-Matic automatic transmission. The powertrain was good for 225 horsepower and 324 lb-ft of torque, so even as “luxury” car, the Thunderbird could still move with authority.
“If you want to be the next loving caretaker of this vintage classic automobile, please contact me,” the listing concludes. The asking price is $59,900 for this blue ‘bird, which includes a jack, a service manual, and a car cover.
To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.
I had a nice one as well.. same year. For some reason they do not fetch the big bucks. A Mintner Bros restoration example not withstanding. This nice car is more like a 38000 example
Best of luck on sale
Alan – I agree. The asking price is not in line with today’s market. But good luck to the seller anyway.
Nice 56 T – Bird , would look good in Blue & White Interior & Spoked W / C ‘s Or Wire wheels .