1956 Ford Thunderbird

2dr Convertible

8-cyl. 292cid/200hp 4bbl

#1 Concours condition#1 Concours
#2 Excellent condition#2 Excellent
#3 Good condition#3 Good

$19,200*

-14.3%
#4 Fair condition#4 Fair
Value Graph04/2407/2410/24$5k$10k$15k$20kJan 2025

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1955-1957 Ford Thunderbird stats
Highest sale
$660,000
Lowest sale
$1,100
Most recent sale
$12,862
Sales
4483

Photos

72 photosImages may not reflect selected vehicle.

1956 Ford Thunderbird 2dr Convertible Courtesy of RK Motors
1956 Ford Thunderbird 2dr Convertible Courtesy of RK Motors
1956 Ford Thunderbird 2dr Convertible Courtesy of RK Motors
1956 Ford Thunderbird 2dr Convertible Courtesy of RK Motors
1956 Ford Thunderbird 2dr Convertible Courtesy of RK Motors
1956 Ford Thunderbird 2dr Convertible Courtesy of RK Motors
1956 Ford Thunderbird 2dr Convertible Courtesy of RK Motors
1956 Ford Thunderbird 2dr Convertible Courtesy of RK Motors
1956 Ford Thunderbird 2dr Convertible Courtesy of RK Motors
1956 Ford Thunderbird 2dr Convertible Courtesy of RK Motors
1956 Ford Thunderbird 2dr Convertible Courtesy of RK Motors
1956 Ford Thunderbird 2dr Convertible Courtesy of RK Motors
1956 Ford Thunderbird 2dr Convertible Courtesy of RK Motors
1956 Ford Thunderbird 2dr Convertible Courtesy of RK Motors
1956 Ford Thunderbird 2dr Convertible Courtesy of RK Motors
1956 Ford Thunderbird 2dr Convertible Courtesy of RK Motors
1956 Ford Thunderbird 2dr Convertible Courtesy of RK Motors
1956 Ford Thunderbird 2dr Convertible Courtesy of RK Motors
1956 Ford Thunderbird 2dr Convertible Courtesy of RK Motors
1956 Ford Thunderbird 2dr Convertible Courtesy of RK Motors
1956 Ford Thunderbird 2dr Convertible Courtesy of RK Motors
1956 Ford Thunderbird 2dr Convertible Courtesy of RK Motors
1956 Ford Thunderbird 2dr Convertible Courtesy of RK Motors
1956 Ford Thunderbird 2dr Convertible Courtesy of RK Motors
1956 Ford Thunderbird 2dr Convertible Courtesy of RK Motors
1956 Ford Thunderbird 2dr Convertible Courtesy of RK Motors
1956 Ford Thunderbird 2dr Convertible Courtesy of RK Motors
1956 Ford Thunderbird 2dr Convertible Courtesy of RK Motors
1956 Ford Thunderbird 2dr Convertible Courtesy of RK Motors
1956 Ford Thunderbird 2dr Convertible Courtesy of RK Motors
1956 Ford Thunderbird 2dr Convertible Courtesy of RK Motors
1956 Ford Thunderbird 2dr Convertible Courtesy of RK Motors
1956 Ford Thunderbird 2dr Convertible Courtesy of RK Motors
1956 Ford Thunderbird 2dr Convertible Courtesy of RK Motors
1956 Ford Thunderbird 2dr Convertible Courtesy of RK Motors
1956 Ford Thunderbird 2dr Convertible Courtesy of RK Motors
1956 Ford Thunderbird 2dr Convertible Courtesy of RK Motors
1956 Ford Thunderbird 2dr Convertible Courtesy of RK Motors
1956 Ford Thunderbird 2dr Convertible Courtesy of RK Motors
1956 Ford Thunderbird 2dr Convertible Courtesy of RK Motors
1956 Ford Thunderbird 2dr Convertible Courtesy of RK Motors
1956 Ford Thunderbird 2dr Convertible Courtesy of RK Motors
1956 Ford Thunderbird 2dr Convertible Courtesy of RK Motors
1956 Ford Thunderbird 2dr Convertible Courtesy of RK Motors
1956 Ford Thunderbird 2dr Convertible Courtesy of RK Motors
1956 Ford Thunderbird 2dr Convertible Courtesy of RK Motors
1956 Ford Thunderbird 2dr Convertible Courtesy of RK Motors
1956 Ford Thunderbird 2dr Convertible Courtesy of RK Motors
1956 Ford Thunderbird 2dr Convertible Courtesy of RK Motors
1956 Ford Thunderbird 2dr Convertible Courtesy of RK Motors
1956 Ford Thunderbird 2dr Convertible Courtesy of RK Motors
1956 Ford Thunderbird 2dr Convertible Courtesy of RK Motors
1956 Ford Thunderbird 2dr Convertible Courtesy of RK Motors
1956 Ford Thunderbird 2dr Convertible Courtesy of RK Motors
1956 Ford Thunderbird 2dr Convertible Courtesy of RK Motors
1956 Ford Thunderbird 2dr Convertible Courtesy of RK Motors
1956 Ford Thunderbird 2dr Convertible Courtesy of RK Motors
1956 Ford Thunderbird 2dr Convertible Courtesy of RK Motors
1956 Ford Thunderbird 2dr Convertible Courtesy of RK Motors
1956 Ford Thunderbird 2dr Convertible Courtesy of RK Motors
1956 Ford Thunderbird 2dr Convertible Courtesy of RK Motors
1956 Ford Thunderbird 2dr Convertible Courtesy of RK Motors
1956 Ford Thunderbird 2dr Convertible Courtesy of RK Motors
1956 Ford Thunderbird 2dr Convertible Courtesy of RK Motors
1956 Ford Thunderbird 2dr Convertible Courtesy of RK Motors
1956 Ford Thunderbird 2dr Convertible Courtesy of RK Motors
1956 Ford Thunderbird 2dr Convertible Courtesy of RK Motors
1956 Ford Thunderbird 2dr Convertible Courtesy of RK Motors
1956 Ford Thunderbird 2dr Convertible Courtesy of RK Motors
1956 Ford Thunderbird 2dr Convertible Courtesy of RK Motors
1956 Ford Thunderbird 2dr Convertible Courtesy of RK Motors
1956 Ford Thunderbird 2dr Convertible Courtesy of RK Motors
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Model overview

Model description

For the Ford Thunderbird’s sophomore year of 1956, various style changes took place, with the ultimate goal of adding room in the trunk. This was, after all, an upscale luxury cruiser (as opposed to the Corvette’s sports car positioning), and there was a good chance the two occupants may be traveling with luggage to their destination.

The added trunk space was achieved my moving the spare wheel to the outside, in its own very stylish container. Additionally, the exhaust outlets, once integrated into the rear fascia on the 1955 model, were now worked into very subtle outlets on the corners of the rear bumper.

The addition of “porthole windows” for the 1956 Thunderbird improved rearward visibility and added one of the T-Bird’s signature styling cues. This was a no-cost option.

To improve cabin ventilation, small air vents were added behind the front wheels, which made for another functional component that became a signature stylish touch.

V-8 power continued to be standard for the ’56 T-Bird, with the 292 cid Y-Block sending 202 horsepower to the rear wheels though either a 3-speed manual or a Ford-O-Matic automatic transmission.

For 1956, Ford added an optional 312 cid version of the Y-Block V-8. This engine put out 260 horsepower with the manual transmission, or 225 horsepower with the Ford-O-Matic. There was a third transmission option – an overdrive transmission with planetary gear-sets. With this transmission, output was just 215 horsepower.

Production volume for the 1956 Ford Thunderbird was 15,631 units, which was the lowest of the first three years of the T-Bird, but still well more than three times higher than the Corvette at the time.

Vehicle specifications

  • Shipping Weight3088 lbs
  • Vehicle Length175.3 in
  • Wheelbase - Inches102 in

Equipment

  • StandardOptional
  • Transmission3-Speed Manual TransmissionAutomatic Transmission
  • BrakesPower Brakes
  • Power SteeringYes
  • TiresWhite Sidewall Tires
  • EntertainmentAM
  • WindowsPower Windows
  • Comfort Equipment Heater/Defroster
  • SeatsBench Seat
  • TachometerYes
  • Roof DescriptionRemovable HardtopSoft Top-Fabric
  • Restraint TypeSeat Belts

Equipment

Standard

  • Transmission3-Speed Manual Transmission
  • SeatsBench Seat
  • TachometerYes
  • Roof DescriptionRemovable Hardtop

Optional

  • TransmissionAutomatic Transmission
  • BrakesPower Brakes
  • Power SteeringYes
  • TiresWhite Sidewall Tires
  • EntertainmentAM
  • WindowsPower Windows
  • Comfort Equipment Heater/Defroster
  • Roof DescriptionSoft Top-Fabric
  • Restraint TypeSeat Belts
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Common Questions

The value of a 1956 Ford Thunderbird can vary greatly depending on its condition, mileage, options, and history. Typically, you can expect to pay around $20,300 for a 1956 Ford Thunderbird in good condition with average spec.

The highest selling price of a 1956 Ford Thunderbird at auction over the last three years was $385,000. The highest prices are usually reserved for rare or exceptionally well-maintained examples with desirable features or modifications and excellent history.

The lowest selling price of a 1956 Ford Thunderbird at auction over the last three years was $6,600. The lowest prices are usually paid for examples that have extensive maintenance needs, differ greatly from their original configuration, or have accident histories or title problems.

In the last three years there have been 161 1956 Ford Thunderbirds sold at public auction.

The most recent auction sale of a 1956 Ford Thunderbird was $25,725 on March 04, 2025 by SOMO.

Many factors can increase a car's value including excellent condition, exceptional originality, a recent restoration, low mileage, unique provenance, desirable options, popular or unique color choices, and excellent maintenance records. Upgrades and modifications that enhance performance or aesthetics can also add value.

Factors that can decrease a car's value include unusually high mileage, poor maintenance history, visible wear and tear, accidents or damage, title issues, and gaps in ownership history. Additionally, less popular color choices and extensive modifications that don't appeal to a broad audience can reduce value.

Mileage plays a significant role in a classic car’s value. Lower mileage usually increases value because it indicates a higher degree of originality, is rarer, and suggests less wear and tear. However, cars with exceptionally low mileage may also have maintenance needs due to lack of use. Whether someone should pay more for a vehicle with lower miles will depend on how they plan on using it, and the vehicle's specific condition.

The value of modified cars differs widely based on the type and quality of modifications. While some modifications can significantly increase value, especially performance enhancements and high-quality custom work, others may not add much or could even detract from the car’s value if they appeal to only a limited audience.

All prices shown here are based on various data sources, as detailed in About Our Prices. The Hagerty Price Guide is for informational purposes only and is not intended as financial advice. More information on how forecast models are calculated can be found on Forecasted Values page. For additional information and a complete description of benefits, visit hagerty.com/legal. Purchase of insurance not required for membership in HDC. Hagerty, Hagerty Valuation Tools & Hagerty Drivers Club are registered trademarks of The Hagerty Group LLC, ©2025 The Hagerty Group, LLC. All Rights Reserved. The Hagerty Group, LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hagerty, Inc.