Beschreibung:

Photo credit: Jay Hirsch Formerly the property of Barbra Streisand 1956 FORD THUNDERBIRD Chassis No. P6F-H285441 Black with black and white vinyl interior Engine: V8, 312ci., 215bhp at 4,600rpm; Gearbox: Fordomatic automatic; Suspension: independent front with rear semi-elliptic leaf springs; Brakes: power assisted four wheel drums. Left hand drive. Following its introduction in late 1954, the Ford Thunderbird proved itself to be America's hottest little sports car as the T-Bird outsold the Chevy Corvette nearly 24 to 1 in 1955. The success of the Thunderbird in its first year solidified the car as an instant classic and the model quickly formed its own impressive following. General Motors executives could do little to halt the popularity of their competition and Ford responded in 1956 by offering a slightly more stylized example of the sporty coupe. Though the 1955 and 1956 Thunderbirds shared the same standard chassis, body styling was altered to include an exterior spare mounted at the rear. The new Continental kit gave a stylish finish to the Thunderbird's compact design and provided ample trunk space for weekend luggage and storage. Other changes to the body included the addition of cowl vents on each fender side, a new rear bumper configuration and wind wings mounted on the windshield. Like the 1955 model, options were readily available on the 1956 Thunderbird as well, however list prices suggest the popularity of the car led to a slight price hike for many of the added conveniences. Notably new design improvements like tinted glass, Life-Guard safety equipment and an improved three speed manual transmission were all included at no cost. The Thunderbird on offer is a rare low production 1956 model which comes equipped with the Fordomatic automatic gearbox, power steering, power brakes and wide whitewall tires. The car was purchased by Barbra Streisand in the Christie's Antique, Classic and Collectors' Cars auction at the Los Angeles Convention Center in February 1979 (lot 31). It was subsequently sold by Ms. Streisand at the Christie's sale of her property in New York in December 1999 (lot 1068) to the current owner. Since then the car has remained in storage and in fairness it is beginning to show age and it has clearly not been run for some time. The car really requires repainting as the paintwork has begun to spider and crack across most of the bodywork. The brightwork appears to have blemished as well. The indicated mileage is now showing 59,834. The Thunderbird has a porthole hard top fitted, but not a soft top. It also has a rear bumper-mounted spare. The engine bay requires attention as it is very grimy, although probably quite rust free underneath. The door fit is not good but this should be relatively easy to rectify in due course. A new battery will be fitted by the time of the sale. 1956 was the rarest year of production for the Thunderbird and as this car has all the desirable options, it would make a good project for an enthusiast - and of course it had a personality owner for twenty years.