French registration title as historic vehicle

First interesting version
Iconic model of the 50's
Rare hard-top option from 1956

To compete with the Chevrolet Corvette, Launched two years earlier, Ford launched its new convertible sports car in 1955. Its name, the Thunderbird! From 1955 to 1957, it was a two-seater convertible model equipped with a powerful V8 engine. 16,000 units were sold in the first year, making it a commercial success that reached 53,166 units in its first three years of production. Gradually, the Thunderbird became a luxury car as the Cadillac Eldorado. In fact, as early as 1958, the Ford Motor Company's design department decided to make this car a four-seater with a sporty look. Sales were on the rise, as Ford surfed on the typically American interpretation of the sports car, with a V8 engine mounted in a comfortable and spacious car, dedicated to a young and forward-looking clientele.
The example we are lucky enough to have on display is a rare 1956 model that differs from its predecessor by a rear bumper with the Continental Kit that places the spare wheel on the outside to increase the space in the luggage compartment. Another detail that was much talked about at the time and that shakes the microcosm of collectors today, the 1956 hard top is recognizable among all thanks to its porthole, never seen before on a vehicle and aesthetically very successful, it was an option at the time. In its original condition, the black paint is chipped in places but deserves to be kept as it gives our model an inimitable look. The white hard top contrasts with the bodywork but covers a black and white imitation interior. Equipped with the optional automatic gearbox, it was not possible to check its correct functioning but when purchased in 2016, the car had joined the collection by road with recent services. To be restarted, it will be necessary to check the running gear before taking the car on the road again but this car is presented largely below its price and offers a strong potential for those wanting an iconic American car in the purest spirit of Rat Cars!

This car will be sold by auction by AGUTTES Auction House, in Neuilly-sur-Seine, France, on June the 20th, 2021.
The digital catalog is available by the following link
https://www.aguttes.com/en/catalog/113642?

Please contact us for any further details.
[email protected]
+33 147 459 301
+ 33 668 362 622