1956 Ford Thunderbird Convertible
Add to SetSummary
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
On Exhibit
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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