1956 Ford Thunderbird Facts: Resources

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1956 Ford Thunderbird Facts – Body Paint Color Mix Codes

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1956 Ford Thunderbird

1956 Ford Thunderbird Facts and Specifications

General Year Information – 1956 Ford Thunderbird

The 1956 Thunderbird shared the same body as the 1955 vehicle but there were a few changes that made the 1956 model unique. The most visible change is the location of the spare tire, designed as a “Continental kit”, done so to give needed room in the small trunk Unfortunately, this move put significantly more weight behind the rear wheels, adversely affecting the handling in sharp turns or swerves. A small but useful addition, however, were the wind wings on the windshield, allowing for better air circulation with the top up and the windows closed, as well as with the top down, where they deflected turbulence. Cowl vents were added on each fender – they were also a significant interior ventilation improvement. Also added were a different rear bumper configuration with the simplified exhausts routed out the sides of the rear bumper. (In actuality, the exhaust exited below these openings, that were more show than anything else.

A 12-volt electrical system was new for 1956, as well as new paint colors, and the addition of standard circular porthole windows in the fiberglass roof to improve rearward visibility with a delete option. Big news was a 312 CID Y-block V-8. It was rated at 215 HP when mated to the 3-speed manual overdrive transmission and 225 HP when mated to a Ford-O-Matic three-speed automatic transmission. The 3-speed standard transmission models received the old 292 CID 200 HP unit. In 1956, Ford also added its new Lifeguard safety package as an option.

After a very successful sales year in 1955, Ford anticipated selling 20,000 Thunderbirds in 1956. This didn’t happen in 1956, but the numbers were still strong at 15,631. There were several reasons for for the lower sales, including a late introduction date due to production problems with the rear spare tire carriers. And for 1956, the Thunderbird’s main competitor, the Chevrolet Corvette, made some big improvements, introducing a new V-8.

1956 Ford Thunderbird Facts – Powertrains

• Three Speed Automatic Transmission Ratios
  • All: 1st – 2.40:1, 2nd – 1.47:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 2.00:1, Shifter on floor. (2nd obtainable only by WOT)
• Three Speed Manual Transmission Ratios
  • 1st – 2.32:1, 2nd – 1.48:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 2.82:1, Shifter on floor.
• Three Speed Overdrive Manual Transmission Ratios
  • 1st – 2.32:1, 2nd – 1.48:1, 3rd – 1:1, Overdrive – 0.70:1 Reverse – 2.82:1, Shifter on floor.
• Rear Gear Standard Ratios
  • 3-Speed SMT – 3.73:1, Optional 3.92:1.
  • 3-Speed SMT with Overdrive – 3.92:1, Optional 3.73:1.
  • 3-speed AMT – 3.31:1, Optional 3.73:1.
• Engines
  • 292 CID V-8 was standard with Three Speed Manual Transmission.
  • 312 CID V-8 was standard with Three Speed Overdrive Transmission and Automatic Transmission
  • 312 CID V-8 with “High Output Camshaft” was available in single or dual 4-barrel configurations. Dealer-Installed.

1956 Ford Thunderbird Facts – Powertrain Options

• Transmissions
  • Three speed manual was standard equipment.
  • Three-speed with automatic overdrive was optional. Approximate drive ratio: 0.70:1. Manual control below instrument panel. ($110).
  • Ford-o-Matic automatic transmission was optional.
• Engines
  • 312 CID  AMT transmission –  225 HP V-8 (9.0:1 compression ratio).
  • 312 CID  SMT overdrive transmission – 215 HP V-8 (8.4:1 compression ratio).
  • 292 CID  SMT transmission – 202 HP V-8 (8.4:1 compression ratio).
  • 312 CID 4-barrel V-8 with “High Output Camshaft” (9.5:1 compression ratio). Dealer-Installed.
  • 312 CID dual 4-barrel V-8 with “High Output Camshaft” (9.5:1 compression ratio). Dealer-Installed.

1956 Ford Thunderbird Facts – Significant Options

• • Automatic overdrive transmission ($148).
  • Back-Up Lights ($8.50).
  • Chrome engine dress-up kit ($25).
  • Convertible Fabric Top ($290 with Fiberglass Top).
  • Convertible Fabric Top ($75 without Fiberglass Top).
  • Engine Dress-Up Kit ($25).
  • Ford-O-Matic Drive ($178.20).
  • Front and rear bumper guards.
  • Full Wheel Covers ($12.75).
  • Full-Flow Oil Filter ($9.15).
  • Heater ($85).
  • Life-Guard safety equipment.
  • Oil Bath Air Cleaner.
  • Outside Rear View Mirror ($5)
  • Overdrive ($109.70).
  • Power brakes ($32).
  • Power seat ($60).
  • Power Steering ($91.40).
  • Power windows ($70).
  • Radio ($100).
  • Rear Fender Shields ($26.60)
  • Rear guard package.
  • Special Fuel and Vacuum Pump Unit ($11.70).
  • Thunderbird Special V-8 225 HP for Thunderbirds ($123).
  • Tinted Safety Glass ($23.13).
  • Tinted windshield.
  • White Sidewall Tires ($30).
  • Windshield washers ($10).
  • Wire wheel covers ($35).