1956 Ford ThunderbirdWhen I posted this 1956 Ford Thunderbird before, I didn’t do it justice.

First is the pain job. I lost my notes when I got rid of my old smartphone, but if I remember correctly, the paint was black with green speckles.

I might have the colors wrong because of memory and/or because of the bright sunlight, which does turn some darker paint colors into appearing as black.

This is particularly acute with digital cameras that sometimes cannot distinguish subtle color variations. This even occurs on my expensive DSLR cameras and Nikkor lenses.

I would welcome any corrections to my memory and apologize for the loss of notes. I waited too long to write about the cars I photographed in 2022.

The 1956 Thunderbird is a popular model among Thunderbird enthusiasts.

Ford Motor Co.’s brochure of this model tells a lot and takes us back a step back in time.

“In achieving its flashing new style and performance, the Thunderbird sacrifices nothing in luxurious comfort and generous convenience,” the brochure states. “It combines for the first time the superior roadability and dashing flair long attributed to foreign sports cars with the American idea of what constitutes practical transportation.

“The result is the most exciting personal car that America has yet produced,” the brochure continues. “One inspection and you’ll agree that here, indeed, is the ultimate in personal transportation!”

In an image of the interior, with an attractive model standing against the car, the brochure states, “Here is beauty that is breathtaking! Notice how the control panel groups its instruments so that they can be read at a glance.

“Signal lights warn of low oil pressure and insufficient generator output. A tachometer which allows engine revolutions per minute is standard. So is the electric clock with the sweep second hand. And, in addition, there’s a room for three in the comfort-contoured full-width seat!” When I posted this 1956 Ford Thunderbird before, I didn’t do it justice. It's truly one of the most remarkable Thunderbirds I've ever had the pleasure to see. 

I photographed it at the 2022 Downtown Revival Car Show will be held in Carson City.

(This year's event will be held in Carson City on Saturday, July 8, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Hosted by Esther Chapter #3, Order of the Eastern Star, the awesome car show will be held on Carson Street between Robinson and Fifth streets. For more information, phone Jim Hoff at 775-741-0899 or Sharon Hoff at 775-790-0921.)

First is the paint job. I lost my notes when I got rid of my old smartphone, but if I remember correctly, the paint was black with teal-type speckles. I'm not sure if it's an after-market paint job.

I might have the colors wrong because of memory and/or because of the bright sunlight, which does turn some darker paint colors into appearing as black. This is particularly acute with digital cameras that sometimes cannot distinguish subtle color variations. This even occurs on my expensive DSLR cameras and NIKKOR lenses.

1956 Ford ThunderbirdWhen I posted this 1956 Ford Thunderbird before, I didn’t do it justice.

First is the pain job. I lost my notes when I got rid of my old smartphone, but if I remember correctly, the paint was black with green speckles.

I might have the colors wrong because of memory and/or because of the bright sunlight, which does turn some darker paint colors into appearing as black.

This is particularly acute with digital cameras that sometimes cannot distinguish subtle color variations. This even occurs on my expensive DSLR cameras and Nikkor lenses.

I would welcome any corrections to my memory and apologize for the loss of notes. I waited too long to write about the cars I photographed in 2022.

The 1956 Thunderbird is a popular model among Thunderbird enthusiasts.

Ford Motor Co.’s brochure of this model tells a lot and takes us back a step back in time.

“In achieving its flashing new style and performance, the Thunderbird sacrifices nothing in luxurious comfort and generous convenience,” the brochure states. “It combines for the first time the superior roadability and dashing flair long attributed to foreign sports cars with the American idea of what constitutes practical transportation.

“The result is the most exciting personal car that America has yet produced,” the brochure continues. “One inspection and you’ll agree that here, indeed, is the ultimate in personal transportation!”

In an image of the interior, with an attractive model standing against the car, the brochure states, “Here is beauty that is breathtaking! Notice how the control panel groups its instruments so that they can be read at a glance.

“Signal lights warn of low oil pressure and insufficient generator output. A tachometer which allows engine revolutions per minute is standard. So is the electric clock with the sweep second hand. And, in addition, there’s a room for three in the comfort-contoured full-width seat!”
I would welcome any corrections to my memory and apologize for the loss of notes. I waited too long to write about the cars I photographed in 2022.

The 1956 Thunderbird is a popular model among Thunderbird enthusiasts.

Ford marketed it as a safer car with enough power to navigate what were increasingly becoming congested freeways, highways, city streets and roads.

Performance was a key selling point.

“One trial run in the new Thunderbird is enough to quicken the pulse of even the most seasoned driver,” a 1956 Ford Thunderbird brochure states.

Even in 1956, Ford knew it had something special.

“For here is the newest version of an automotive classic,” the brochure rightly proclaims. “Here is enormous power, triggered by a magnificent 225-horsepower engine; power that captured first place in international acceleration tests at Daytona beach!

1956 Ford ThunderbirdWhen I posted this 1956 Ford Thunderbird before, I didn’t do it justice.

First is the pain job. I lost my notes when I got rid of my old smartphone, but if I remember correctly, the paint was black with green speckles.

I might have the colors wrong because of memory and/or because of the bright sunlight, which does turn some darker paint colors into appearing as black.

This is particularly acute with digital cameras that sometimes cannot distinguish subtle color variations. This even occurs on my expensive DSLR cameras and Nikkor lenses.

I would welcome any corrections to my memory and apologize for the loss of notes. I waited too long to write about the cars I photographed in 2022.

The 1956 Thunderbird is a popular model among Thunderbird enthusiasts.

Ford Motor Co.’s brochure of this model tells a lot and takes us back a step back in time.

“In achieving its flashing new style and performance, the Thunderbird sacrifices nothing in luxurious comfort and generous convenience,” the brochure states. “It combines for the first time the superior roadability and dashing flair long attributed to foreign sports cars with the American idea of what constitutes practical transportation.

“The result is the most exciting personal car that America has yet produced,” the brochure continues. “One inspection and you’ll agree that here, indeed, is the ultimate in personal transportation!”

In an image of the interior, with an attractive model standing against the car, the brochure states, “Here is beauty that is breathtaking! Notice how the control panel groups its instruments so that they can be read at a glance.

“Signal lights warn of low oil pressure and insufficient generator output. A tachometer which allows engine revolutions per minute is standard. So is the electric clock with the sweep second hand. And, in addition, there’s a room for three in the comfort-contoured full-width seat!”
“With this new Thunderbird, you get precision handling that makes you the master; road-holding stability that gives you new confidence and skill; new Lifeguard Design that provides added protection for you and yours.”

Buyers must have felt special with the purchase of such a grand Ford automobile; truly a legacy of excellent engineering that Ford should still be proud of.

“You who have special appreciation for advanced design and custom craftsmanship, you who get keen enjoyment from a car that responds to your touch with the sureness of a thoroughbred, should really be driving a Thunderbird! It is for people such as you that this distinguished personal car was designed.”

1956 Ford ThunderbirdWhen I posted this 1956 Ford Thunderbird before, I didn’t do it justice.

First is the pain job. I lost my notes when I got rid of my old smartphone, but if I remember correctly, the paint was black with green speckles.

I might have the colors wrong because of memory and/or because of the bright sunlight, which does turn some darker paint colors into appearing as black.

This is particularly acute with digital cameras that sometimes cannot distinguish subtle color variations. This even occurs on my expensive DSLR cameras and Nikkor lenses.

I would welcome any corrections to my memory and apologize for the loss of notes. I waited too long to write about the cars I photographed in 2022.

The 1956 Thunderbird is a popular model among Thunderbird enthusiasts.

Ford Motor Co.’s brochure of this model tells a lot and takes us back a step back in time.

“In achieving its flashing new style and performance, the Thunderbird sacrifices nothing in luxurious comfort and generous convenience,” the brochure states. “It combines for the first time the superior roadability and dashing flair long attributed to foreign sports cars with the American idea of what constitutes practical transportation.

“The result is the most exciting personal car that America has yet produced,” the brochure continues. “One inspection and you’ll agree that here, indeed, is the ultimate in personal transportation!”

In an image of the interior, with an attractive model standing against the car, the brochure states, “Here is beauty that is breathtaking! Notice how the control panel groups its instruments so that they can be read at a glance.

“Signal lights warn of low oil pressure and insufficient generator output. A tachometer which allows engine revolutions per minute is standard. So is the electric clock with the sweep second hand. And, in addition, there’s a room for three in the comfort-contoured full-width seat!” And my late father was one of the buyers!

The brochure also tells us a lot and takes us a step back in time.

“In achieving its flashing new style and performance, the Thunderbird sacrifices nothing in luxurious comfort and generous convenience,” the brochure states. “It combines for the first time the superior roadability and dashing flair long attributed to foreign sports cars with the American idea of what constitutes practical transportation.

“The result is the most exciting personal car that America has yet produced,” the brochure continues. “One inspection and you’ll agree that here, indeed, is the ultimate in personal transportation!”

In an image of the interior, with an attractive model standing against the car, the brochure states, “Here is beauty that is breathtaking! Notice how the control panel groups its instruments so that they can be read at a glance.

1956 Ford ThunderbirdWhen I posted this 1956 Ford Thunderbird before, I didn’t do it justice.

First is the pain job. I lost my notes when I got rid of my old smartphone, but if I remember correctly, the paint was black with green speckles.

I might have the colors wrong because of memory and/or because of the bright sunlight, which does turn some darker paint colors into appearing as black.

This is particularly acute with digital cameras that sometimes cannot distinguish subtle color variations. This even occurs on my expensive DSLR cameras and Nikkor lenses.

I would welcome any corrections to my memory and apologize for the loss of notes. I waited too long to write about the cars I photographed in 2022.

The 1956 Thunderbird is a popular model among Thunderbird enthusiasts.

Ford Motor Co.’s brochure of this model tells a lot and takes us back a step back in time.

“In achieving its flashing new style and performance, the Thunderbird sacrifices nothing in luxurious comfort and generous convenience,” the brochure states. “It combines for the first time the superior roadability and dashing flair long attributed to foreign sports cars with the American idea of what constitutes practical transportation.

“The result is the most exciting personal car that America has yet produced,” the brochure continues. “One inspection and you’ll agree that here, indeed, is the ultimate in personal transportation!”

In an image of the interior, with an attractive model standing against the car, the brochure states, “Here is beauty that is breathtaking! Notice how the control panel groups its instruments so that they can be read at a glance.

“Signal lights warn of low oil pressure and insufficient generator output. A tachometer which allows engine revolutions per minute is standard. So is the electric clock with the sweep second hand. And, in addition, there’s a room for three in the comfort-contoured full-width seat!” “Signal lights warn of low oil pressure and insufficient generator output. A tachometer which allows engine revolutions per minute is standard. So is the electric clock with the sweep second hand. And, in addition, there’s a room for three in the comfort-contoured full-width seat!”

That awesome “continental” look also included a change for the spare tire, giving the ’56 Thunderbird a distinctive look.

“With the spare tire mounted outside, there’s space for all the luggage …,” the brochure states, “and more, in the Thunderbird’s big new luggage department.

“{The} new spare tire mount moves back out of {the} way on {a} hinged bracket. {The} deck-lid pops open on counterbalancing hinges when you turn the key.”

1956 Ford ThunderbirdWhen I posted this 1956 Ford Thunderbird before, I didn’t do it justice.

First is the pain job. I lost my notes when I got rid of my old smartphone, but if I remember correctly, the paint was black with green speckles.

I might have the colors wrong because of memory and/or because of the bright sunlight, which does turn some darker paint colors into appearing as black.

This is particularly acute with digital cameras that sometimes cannot distinguish subtle color variations. This even occurs on my expensive DSLR cameras and Nikkor lenses.

I would welcome any corrections to my memory and apologize for the loss of notes. I waited too long to write about the cars I photographed in 2022.

The 1956 Thunderbird is a popular model among Thunderbird enthusiasts.

Ford Motor Co.’s brochure of this model tells a lot and takes us back a step back in time.

“In achieving its flashing new style and performance, the Thunderbird sacrifices nothing in luxurious comfort and generous convenience,” the brochure states. “It combines for the first time the superior roadability and dashing flair long attributed to foreign sports cars with the American idea of what constitutes practical transportation.

“The result is the most exciting personal car that America has yet produced,” the brochure continues. “One inspection and you’ll agree that here, indeed, is the ultimate in personal transportation!”

In an image of the interior, with an attractive model standing against the car, the brochure states, “Here is beauty that is breathtaking! Notice how the control panel groups its instruments so that they can be read at a glance.

“Signal lights warn of low oil pressure and insufficient generator output. A tachometer which allows engine revolutions per minute is standard. So is the electric clock with the sweep second hand. And, in addition, there’s a room for three in the comfort-contoured full-width seat!” With a convertible, Ford added a “new optional color-keyed tonneau cover {that} snaps on neatly and quickly,” according to the brochure. 
Ford said the tonneau protected the driver and passenger compartments from dust, dirt and rain.

Until I read the brochure, I had no idea the Thunderbird came with that. It’s quite ingenious. I wish I would have had one for our 2003 convertible.

The tonneau “converts from one piece to two pieces in seconds,” the brochure notes. “Simply unzip it and you can remove {the} cover from {the} driver’s side.”

And, speaking of the convertible, it came with a new hard top.

1956 Ford ThunderbirdBrochure image from Ford Motor Co.® for the 1956 Ford Thunderbird.

Disclaimer: Copyrighted Ford images and text used on this site are courtesy of Ford Motor Co.® Its multimedia license agreement says "images, video and audio from {its} Website are provided for the purpose of editorial use only."

My site does not accept commercial advertisements on the general website or its editorial portions, including the blog.

I have used Ford's brochure images and information only for editorial purposes. They are not available from my site for commercial use or for non-commercial downloads. I do not make any money from displaying the images or using the text. I do not use any of the images or text for promotional, marketing, advertising or other uses that would violate Ford's copyright.

Please be aware that the images and text remain copyrighted by Ford Motor Co. (© 2023 The Ford Motor Company. All Rights Reserved.)

Thank you to Ford for making its archives available for car enthusiasts. “This new standard glass-fiber hard top is distinguished by its stylish ‘port’ window providing greater visibility,” the brochure states. “It comes in contrasting colors for a smart two-tone effect. {It’s} also available in matching color, if desired.”

I think my late father’s top was a matching yellow, but I’m not sure.

There was also a top without the port window.

“Here’s a sleek glass-fiber top, optional for those who prefer this style,” according to the brochure. “Each of these snug-fitting hard tops is almost as convertible as a ‘convertible’ and each can be put on or taken off in a jiffy.”

I prefer the porthole, but the optional top is also classic.

Looking at the Ford brochure images, one cannot but be compelled by the optimistic portrayal of what is admittedly a classic from the beginning.

“This new Thunderbird is a fun car all the way through! Here you see it with the optional rayon convertible top that folds right down out of sight behind the seat. A white, fabric-grained vinyl top is also available.”

I also didn’t realize that the Thunderbird was an actual convertible.

“… With a Thunderbird you can have a convertible or hard top ~ or both!” exclaims the brochure.

When we recently ordered a car, we needed an SUV because we were snowed in constantly this winter. Our small hybrids just couldn’t get out, so we parted with one. The color choice was amazingly sparse, and you had to wait months longer for my preferred color, red. Instead, we got boring white.

1956 Ford ThunderbirdBrochure image from Ford Motor Co.® for the 1956 Ford Thunderbird.

Disclaimer: Copyrighted Ford images and text used on this site are courtesy of Ford Motor Co.® Its multimedia license agreement says "images, video and audio from {its} Website are provided for the purpose of editorial use only."

My site does not accept commercial advertisements on the general website or its editorial portions, including the blog.

I have used Ford's brochure images and information only for editorial purposes. They are not available from my site for commercial use or for non-commercial downloads. I do not make any money from displaying the images or using the text. I do not use any of the images or text for promotional, marketing, advertising or other uses that would violate Ford's copyright.

Please be aware that the images and text remain copyrighted by Ford Motor Co. (© 2023 The Ford Motor Company. All Rights Reserved.)

Thank you to Ford for making its archives available for car enthusiasts. Contrast that to Ford Thunderbird’s vast array of colors.

“As for exterior colors, you have 17 gorgeous two-tone color combinations to choose from,” according to the brochure. “And there are five gay all-vinyl interiors, too ~ each color-keyed to the exterior finish of your choice!”

Exterior colors included (note you could also opt for a matching top to body color):

Raven Black, Navajo Gray, Goldenglow Yellow and Sunset Coral, which all came with a Colonial White top and white and black.

Colonial White, Navajo Gray, Goldenglow Yellow and Sunset Coral, which all came with a Raven Black top and a white and black interior.

Raven Black, Fiesta Red and Navajo gray came with a Colonial White top and white and red interior.

Raven Black and Colonial White came with a Fiesta Red top and a white and red interior.

Peacock Blue came with a Colonial White top and a white and Peacock Blue interior. That must have been neat!

Colonial White came with a Peacock Blue top and a white and Peacock Blue interior. Also, a neat combination!

1956 Ford ThunderbirdBrochure image from Ford Motor Co.® for the 1956 Ford Thunderbird.

Disclaimer: Copyrighted Ford images and text used on this site are courtesy of Ford Motor Co.® Its multimedia license agreement says "images, video and audio from {its} Website are provided for the purpose of editorial use only."

My site does not accept commercial advertisements on the general website or its editorial portions, including the blog.

I have used Ford's brochure images and information only for editorial purposes. They are not available from my site for commercial use or for non-commercial downloads. I do not make any money from displaying the images or using the text. I do not use any of the images or text for promotional, marketing, advertising or other uses that would violate Ford's copyright.

Please be aware that the images and text remain copyrighted by Ford Motor Co. (© 2023 The Ford Motor Company. All Rights Reserved.)

Thank you to Ford for making its archives available for car enthusiasts. Buckskin Tan came with a Colonial White top and a white and brown interior. 

Colonial White came with a Buckskin Tan top and a white and brown interior.

Thunderbird Green came with a Colonial White top and a white and green interior. 

Colonial White came with a Thunderbird Green top and a white and green interior. Also, a neat combination!

And if you preferred European sports cars up to this point, Ford was convincing in its portrayal of this new American sports car.

“As a gunsmith ‘proves’ a fine shotgun with a heavy overload, so Ford engineers ‘prove’ the Thunderbird with screaming acceleration and flying high-speed runs on the test track,” the brochure rightly boasts.

1956 Ford ThunderbirdBrochure image from Ford Motor Co.® for the 1956 Ford Thunderbird.

Disclaimer: Copyrighted Ford images and text used on this site are courtesy of Ford Motor Co.® Its multimedia license agreement says "images, video and audio from {its} Website are provided for the purpose of editorial use only."

My site does not accept commercial advertisements on the general website or its editorial portions, including the blog.

I have used Ford's brochure images and information only for editorial purposes. They are not available from my site for commercial use or for non-commercial downloads. I do not make any money from displaying the images or using the text. I do not use any of the images or text for promotional, marketing, advertising or other uses that would violate Ford's copyright.

Please be aware that the images and text remain copyrighted by Ford Motor Co. (© 2023 The Ford Motor Company. All Rights Reserved.)

Thank you to Ford for making its archives available for car enthusiasts.
“In addition, Ford entered the mighty Thunderbird in National Speed Championships at Daytona Beach where it placed first in the unlimited competition for acceleration …, beating all American and European sports cars … regardless of price or class.

“All these indicate that you can expect exceptional driving pleasure, performance and safety when operating your Thunderbird at normal highway speeds,” the brochure notes.

OK, so what’s so special about what’s under the hood of the 1956 Thunderbird?

“Ford goes first with this 225-H.P. Thunderbird Special V-8 engine,” the brochure informs. “There’s more ‘GO’ than ever, beneath the sleek hood of every ’56 Ford Thunderbird.

“Whether you select the 225-h.p. Thunderbird special V-8 with Fordomatic; 215 h.p. with overdrive; or the 202-h.p. Thunderbird with Conventional Drive, what a promise of high-performance motoring awaits you behind the wheel!

“In traffic, these V-8s are as docile as a lady could desire,” the brochure continues. “They start easily, idle smoothly, yet respond with a change of pace that’s as agile as a panther.”

Whomever wrote this advertising brochure did such an excellent job, I want to run down and buy one!

Safety was on the minds of Ford’s engineers. As a result, Ford introduced what it called “Lifeguard Design.”

“Ford is first to bring you the safeguards you need for today’s more congested driving {with} security features designed specially to protect you and your passengers in case of accident,” the brochure notes. “In fact, only Ford can offer you all the extra protection of Lifeguard Design, a whole new family of safety features. …”

Let’s start with the steering wheel.

1956 Ford ThunderbirdBrochure image from Ford Motor Co.® for the 1956 Ford Thunderbird.

Disclaimer: Copyrighted Ford images and text used on this site are courtesy of Ford Motor Co.® Its multimedia license agreement says "images, video and audio from {its} Website are provided for the purpose of editorial use only."

My site does not accept commercial advertisements on the general website or its editorial portions, including the blog.

I have used Ford's brochure images and information only for editorial purposes. They are not available from my site for commercial use or for non-commercial downloads. I do not make any money from displaying the images or using the text. I do not use any of the images or text for promotional, marketing, advertising or other uses that would violate Ford's copyright.

Please be aware that the images and text remain copyrighted by Ford Motor Co. (© 2023 The Ford Motor Company. All Rights Reserved.)

Thank you to Ford for making its archives available for car enthusiasts.
“{The} New deep-center Lifeguard steering wheel acts as a cushion to help protect {the} driver from the unyielding steering post, should he be thrown forward in an accident.”

A nice feature was the wheel’s position, which Ford said was “telescopically adjustable.”

Other safety features, which may now seem antiquated, were introduced and are a tribute to the increasing awareness of passenger safety on the part of Ford.

“New optional Ford seat belts help hold you and your passengers firmly in the seat in the event of an accident,” according to the brochure. “Belts are securely anchored to {a} reinforced, all-steel floor structure. “They’re easily adjusted or released with one hand.”
Vision was also a priority.

“{A} Lifeguard rear-view mirror and new optional Lifeguard sun visors give you extra protection against injury should an accident occur,” the brochure notes. “New optional Lifeguard padding is available for {the} instrument panel and sun visors. This special new protective padding material has proved to be five times more shock absorbent than foam rubber.”

In an accident, the last thing you want is doors popping off. Ford engineers also had this problem in mind in the design of the 1956 Thunderbird.

“New Lifeguard double-grip door latches reduce the possibility of doors springing open,” the brochure noted. “{They} give added protection against being thrown from the car in accidents.”

1956 Ford ThunderbirdBrochure image from Ford Motor Co.® for the 1956 Ford Thunderbird.

Disclaimer: Copyrighted Ford images and text used on this site are courtesy of Ford Motor Co.® Its multimedia license agreement says "images, video and audio from {its} Website are provided for the purpose of editorial use only."

My site does not accept commercial advertisements on the general website or its editorial portions, including the blog.

I have used Ford's brochure images and information only for editorial purposes. They are not available from my site for commercial use or for non-commercial downloads. I do not make any money from displaying the images or using the text. I do not use any of the images or text for promotional, marketing, advertising or other uses that would violate Ford's copyright.

Please be aware that the images and text remain copyrighted by Ford Motor Co. (© 2023 The Ford Motor Company. All Rights Reserved.)

Thank you to Ford for making its archives available for car enthusiasts.
Disclaimer: Copyrighted Ford images and text used on this site are courtesy of Ford Motor Co.® Its multimedia license agreement says "images, video and audio from {its} Website are provided for the purpose of editorial use only."

My site does not accept commercial advertisements on the general website or its editorial portions, including the blog.

I have used Ford's brochure images and information only for editorial purposes. They are not available from my site for commercial use or for non-commercial downloads. I do not make any money from displaying the images or using the text. I do not use any of the images or text for promotional, marketing, advertising or other uses that would violate Ford's copyright.

Please be aware that the images and text remain copyrighted by Ford Motor Co. (© 2023 The Ford Motor Company. All Rights Reserved.)

Thank you to Ford for making its archives available for car enthusiasts.

(Be sure to visit the gallery to view more all photos and brochure images.)