1956 Ford Thunderbird Convertible with Hardtop
Registration no. not registered
Chassis no. P6FH233329
•Iconic American classic
•Restored in the USA
•Stored since acquisition in 2008
•Requires re-commissioning
Footnotes:
Conceived to challenge Chevrolet's Corvette sports car, the iconic Thunderbird debuted in October 1954 and was one of the first models produced with Ford's new overhead-valve V8 engine. In its '55 Thunderbird configuration, the latter displaced 292ci (4.8 litres) and produced 193bhp, while the 'Ford-O-Matic' equipped versions were more powerful still. Introduced in two-seat 'personal car' form, the Thunderbird was intended to appeal to image-conscious younger customers, and beat the Corvette hands down in the sales war thanks to its superior V8 engine and greater refinement. Its success took Ford by surprise: 16,000 were sold in the first year when a total of only 10,000 had been expected, and the production run over three years exceeded 53,000.

Understandably, there were few alterations made for the '56 season, the most obvious being 'portholes' in the hardtop and the relocation of the spare wheel to the outside of the trunk in 'Continental Kit' style, while a 312ci, 215bhp Thunderbird Special V8 was added to the engine options. A more thoroughgoing re-style for 1957 saw the adoption of a longer tail section featuring prominent fins. This alteration provided greater luggage space while enabling the spare wheel to be relocated in the boot, a move that improved the handling. Despite its success, the original Thunderbird concept soon was abandoned and a larger - and slower - four-seat version introduced for 1958, a move that turned the early two-seater cars into collectors' items almost overnight. Today the original 1955-'57 Thunderbirds are among the most desirable and sought after of all post-war American automobiles.

This attention grabbing '56 Thunderbird was purchased from the Legendary Motorcar Company of Halton Hills, Ontario on 4th June 2008, since when it has been kept in storage (bill of sale on file). An automatic transmission model, the car was described at time of purchase as benefiting from a complete frame-off rotisserie restoration (sadly there are no bills on file for this). Air conditioning, power steering, rear fender shields, full wheel covers, a heater and an AM/FM radio were listed as specification highlights. This desirable Thunderbird is offered in need of re-commissioning and sold strictly as viewed.

Please note that if this vehicle is to remain in the UK, it will be subject to Import VAT at the reduced rate of 5% on the hammer price. It will also require a NOVA (Notification of Vehicle Arrival) and an additional fee of £350 (plus VAT) will be charged on the Invoice to prepare the NOVA. This vehicle will not be available for immediate collection after the sale and will only be released on completion of customs clearance. If you have any questions regarding customs clearance, please contact the Bonhams Motorcar Department or our recommended shippers.
Lot to be sold without reserve.
This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: * N
* VAT on imported items at a preferential rate of 5% on Hammer Price and the prevailing rate on Buyer's Premium.
N MOTORCYCLES
If purchased by a UK resident, this machine is subject to a NOVA declaration, whilst the responsibility of submitting the NOVA rests with the Buyer to do so, Bonhams will facilitate the process by engaging an agent (SHIPPIO) to undertake the NOVA and C88 (customs) application if applicable on the Buyer's behalf. A fee of £125 + VAT to do so will be added to the Buyer's invoice.

CARS
If purchased by a UK resident, this machine is subject to a NOVA declaration, whilst the responsibility of submitting the NOVA rests with the Buyer to do so, Bonhams will facilitate the process by engaging an agent (CARS) to undertake the NOVA on the Buyer's behalf. A fee of £250 + VAT to do so will be added to the Buyer's invoice.