56 Thunderbird 53k Miles Orig. #s-Match Barn Find Family-Owned 40+ Years Estate

1956 Ford Thunderbird Description

Please Note: There are 143 photos and a video at the end of this description. The video may not play on all mobile phones and there may be a blank “placeholder” if it does not appear. Please scroll past the video or placeholder. The pictures are located below.

You are bidding on a rare, super solid, all-original, 53,000 mile, BARN FIND, 1956 Ford Thunderbird Convertible. Options include…312ci engine, Automatic transmission, bucket seats, and spare tire carrier. This beautiful T-Bird is in mostly original condition from the engine to the interior! Truly a barn find! This Ford has been family-owned for 40+ years and has not been driven in 5+ years. She still has all the dust and cobwebs, a rare piece that would stand out in any collection. Yes, it starts, runs and drives!

She is a beauty from the Peacock Blue body and Cameo white top (has soft top and hard top) to the matching Peacock Blue interior and tons of shiny chrome. With only 53,000 miles, she is in very nice condition with most of her parts! The body is very straight with no major visible issues. I believe the 312 cubic inch V8 and automatic transmission are the original numbers-matching units for this car. She starts, runs and operates smoothly without any issues! She was a driver for years and then parked years ago. The owner no-longer drives her and would like to find his prized possession a new home! This is one car that could be restored to show condition without much trouble!

The Body is very solid, nice, shiny, and straight with what looks like the original body panels with one repaint. Never been in the snow or salt! There are no dents, dings, or damage to the body except for minor scratches and some peeling paint. The body looks to be all-original with no major damage or body work performed. It does appear that the lower inner rockers and trunk drop offs have been replaced years ago. Not professionally done but the repairs are stable and show no signs of failure after 30 years. The area is straight and free from rust and bubbles, just wanted to note it for the purists that get picky. This T-Bird will need a new paint job. Again, this car has been sitting for years and still has all the dust and cobwebs! She needs a full detailing, polishing and mechanical systems check!

They are “ONLY ORIGINAL ONCE”, so this was left in the condition it was pulled out of the garage in. We chose not to detail it so that the new owner could decide how to restore it themselves.

The condition of the chrome and brite work is very nice to excellent condition. Most just needs polishing and buffing. The side mirrors and door handles will need polishing and/or rechroming as the chrome is aged from sitting. Bumpers are nice and straight, and will need the same attention as the door handles if making this a show car. The glass is in great condition with no cracks or delamination. Rear window in hard top and plastic window in convertible are in great shape. Both tops are in good condition. Trunk floor and side look original and look great. No signs of rust or common issues which are commonly found here. The windows, doors, trunk and hood operate as they should. The weatherstripping appears to be original and in ok condition.

The Peacock Blue and White Interior is in nice shape with no rodent or mildew smell! With bench seat and padded dash that are nearly damage-free, the interior won’t take much to restore. Looks like the seat may have been reupholstered at some point in its past. Again, this car has been sitting for years and will need a full interior detailing. Most of the interior is free from damage, rips or tears. The rest of the interior looks to be rodent-damage free. The bench seat, door panels and padded dash are soft with no fading or issues but are dirty. The dash is in great shape with no cracks or damage. Some items on the dash don’t work (Fuel gauge, clock and wipers). The steering wheelis in great condition with no cracks or damage! Carpeting and the door carpeting are slightly sun faded and worn.

The Drivetrain does operate! The 312ci engine and automatic transmission appear to be original units and we have also been told that by the owner. The 312ci engine runs good has good power, idles and drives with no issues. It does have a loose rocker arm or sticky lifter causing some valvetrain noise. Motor bottom end is quiet and the motor does not smoke or have major leaks. The brakes appear to be good as I did drive it around and up to 35mph. The transmission shifted as it should without slipping. Front end steering is a bit loose but driveable. I did drive it for a mile and I don’t think there are any more issues. All systems need to be checked, serviced and inspected before putting back on the road. Yes it does run and drive but would HIGHLY recommend this be trailered to it’s new home, not driven!

The Undercarriageis in nice condition too. No rust or rot. Floor pans and frame are original and are in great condition. Again there has been some minor repairs made to the inner rockers and trunk drop offs. The repairs were done 30+ years ago and they are stable. Fuel and brake lines appear to be in ok condition as well. Exhaust is there, looks original but the mufflers are bad. The bias ply white wall tire look is good condition with no dry rot or flat spots. Rims look good with nice hub caps.

Other info: The car is in pretty much original condition with the following items replaced… 12-volt battery, tires, some hoses, and radio.

Car comes with one set of factory keys and clear Ohio title showing 53,247 mile with the odometer showing 53,245 miles (the vehicle was re-titled within the family in February 2017 as part of an estate when the original family owner passed away).

I realize that it is difficult to purchase a vehicle you may not be able to inspect in person. I build vehicles too – so I try to show you everything I would want to see if I was buying a vehicle for myself. As you can see by my feedback (100% positive), I describe my vehicles accurately. I have sold other vehicles on eBay to happy buyers worldwide so you can be confident when making a purchase.

I have made my best effort to accurately represent the car based on my expertise as a vehicle builder, what I have observed in evaluating it and preparing it for sale, and what I have been told by the owner, but this is the extent of my knowledge. Please ask questions before bidding! This is being solid AS IS with no warranty or guarantees and is up to the buyer to verify any and all info listed above in the description! This vehicle is also for sale locally. You are welcome to arrange a viewing of this vehicle. Again, this is a classic vehicle that has been driven and enjoyed. It’s not perfect or a museum piece so there may be minor imperfections in the body, brite work and glass. Anything to note is listed above.

Vehicles that are described as Estate or Barn Find have usually been sitting for several years. Unless otherwise noted, these vehicles need to have a system/safety check before embarking on any long road trips and are recommended to be trailered to your destination.

Terms: Contact must be made by the buyer within 48 hours and a non-refundable $500 Paypal deposit is due within 48 hours of end of auction close, balance due within 7 days of auction close as cash or bank wire only. Due to space limitations and other upcoming auctions, buyer MUST take possession within 7 days of auction close unless other arrangements are agreed upon. I can store this vehicle for $125 a month (in advance) if you need time to make affordable shipping arrangements. Paid storage is in a dry, heated, secure indoor location. I do not finance. No trade or barter.

I am not responsible for any fees or taxes associated with registration, license plates or any out-of-pocket costs. Nor am I responsible for emissions compliance. Buyer is responsible for all state, county, city taxes & fees as well as title, registration, license plates and emissions compliance in the State/County that the vehicle will be registered. No warranty, sold as is.

Shipping is the Buyer’s responsibility. I will not ship but will work with your shipping company. A list of contact information for some of the shipping companies previous Buyers have used can be provided upon request for your quotation and shipping needs. Pick-up arrangements (by the Buyer or the shipping company) must be coordinated in advance to insure my availability since I am often in and out on business. Local delivery may be possible within 200 miles of zip code 44056 for an extra charge. Buyer is responsible for all shipping and related arrangements and payments. Vehicle must be paid in full before it leaves my premises.

Insurance: I highly recommend that the buyer put insurance on the vehicle upon purchase as I am not responsible for any damage incurred after leaving my premises.

Good luck and happy bidding!

Please Note: The video below may not play on all mobile phones and there may be a blank “placeholder” if it does not appear. Please scroll past the video or placeholder. The pictures are located below.

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