Fiberglass Body/5.0 Liter EFI/12V System/2 Tops & Stand

1956 Ford Thunderbird Replica Convertible Description

1956 Ford Thunderbird Replica Convertible

Replica cars are copies of drivers' favorite vehicles and are designed to resemble the original as closely as possible, if only in appearance. They are also known as kit or component cars and come in parts or as a complete vehicle.

Gracing our hallowed halls here at Classic Auto Mall we have an example of a replica of the 1956 Ford Thunderbird, only not manufactured by Ford? Yup! It's a kit car, and it looks very similar to the original, however without the rust (because its fiberglass), and all up to date powertrain, and suspension. This convertible, with porthole hardtop, can be driven year-round. It is reliable, and not fraught with the known problems of an original. If you love classic cars, and are on a budget, take note of this kit example, and you can be in the game for less hassle and cost than you may think.

Exterior
Bathed in Midnight Blue Metallic imbedded into the fiberglass and metal reinforced body, which makes it very difficult to tell a difference from the original. A cream convertible top, which is removable, as well as a cream port hole hardtop with rolling stand allow you to drive this car year-round. Regal Roadsters, of Madison, Wisconsin is the manufacturer, and this car comes with the optional "Continental" rear bumper, complete with enclosed spare attachment. All chrome and badging is correct right down to the hood scoop trim, and rear bumper bump out, all in mirror like chrome. For all corners we note the turbine style wheel covers, and thin whites wrapping them. Last a shout out to the jet age with the jet engine styled round taillights, and inverted V backup lights to end the fin line on this sports car.

Interior
A swing of the door and the original bird styling cues abound. Starting with the door panels with an aluminum swoop diamond textured pattern up top and a tuck and roll white vinyl below. Separating these two surfaces is a long and perfectly curved door pull, wrapped in blue vinyl. Power window toggles are noted on the doors. Moving inside white inserts are surrounded by smooth blue bolsters on the front bench which appears as dual buckets. More machined metal trimmings for the dash front, which has taken on a more squared off diversion from the original curved Ford design. Modern AutoMeter gauges sit within a curved upward dash front, fronted by a modern steering wheel with cruise control buttons in the spokes of the wheel. A digital AM/FM/MP3/USB/Cassette Radio, and climate control with A/C. Power door locks are also added all in 12-volt convenience. Nice black carpet floods the floors, and all is looking good inside right down to the modern automatic shifter.

Drivetrain
A flip of the fiberglass scooped hood, and we are greeted by a 5.0-liter mass air fuel injected V8, thanks to a 1989 Mustang. Also, from that similar car are an AOD 4-speed automatic, and an 8.8 rear axle. The engine bay is fairly clean and shows some corrosion albeit light in nature.

Undercarriage
Underneath is looking just fine, and frame is from the body manufacturer Regal Roadsters. Slight surface rust is seen, but all remains structurally sound and all buttoned up. Mustang II front suspension and beefed up leaf springs for the rear to handle the extra weight of the Continental kit on the rear bumper. Flowmaster dual baffle mufflers and custom H pipes are seen making their way rearward. Power disc brakes for upfront and power drums for the rear can be seen underneath.

Drive-Ability
This car lights right up and has a nice rumble from those Flowmasters. It handled the test track with ease, good acceleration, smooth shifting, and solid quick stop braking. All controls were working save for the fan motor for the A/C sticks intermittently. Also, the windshield washer reservoir has a small leak. I drove hardtop on, and the car is very quiet inside.

The advantages of a replica are obvious in terms of reliability, and modern technology added to make life just a bit easier. For this car, I do miss the curvaceous dash that was so beautifully done on the original 56 Bird, however the addition of the added technology, comfortable matching to the exterior seating, and 12V electrics installed by an electrical engineer friend of the consigner, reliability is a shoe in for this car. It's a trade off, but certainly not on the headache front. You just have to decide if you are a purist or a non-purist!

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.