56 T-bird value

[Eric 951]

Not really in the market, but a friend of my father's let me know about a 56 t-bird that *may* be for sale from the second owner. He has had it since 64 and it has been parked in the garage for about the past 10 years. Would need gone through--brakes, rubber, lines, etc. Battery was removed and gas drained prior to storage. Original black paint over white leather int.(very nice int.) hardtop, tonnuae,(sp?) black ragtop. Solid frame, minor surface rust around (1) skirt and front fender. 312 3 speed w OD.

I saw pics and car is what could be termed a survivor. With a light mechanical refresh, and a good detailing would be a good driver.

Anyone know values? Everything I have seen on-line is either a basket case or a frame-off resto.

All help appreciated.

[tcar]

Don't know what they are currently... used to.

I know the '55 and '57 (first and last years) are worth more than the '56 in equal condition.

The '57 is not just different cosmetically from the other 2, it actully has a longer tail. Henry Ford II drove one ('55) but could not get golf clubs in the trunk without removing the spare.
So, he had the '57 designed with a longer trunk.

That's why quite a few had what was called a "Continental Kit" added. The spare was mounted on the rear bumper with a painted metal cover, like the earlier Lincoln Continentals.

[Porsche-O-Phile]

I'll give you $4,998 for it (once you hit $4,999 it has to be an exotic).

[targa911S]

$25K and up. condition is everything of course. They aren't bringing what they used to. That generation is driving the Focus now.

[Evans, Marv]

I'd grab it if at all possible. Who cares if the '56 isn't as desirable as the '55 or '57. It would be great fun, and it sounds like it has everything with it. In '56 they changed over to a 12V system from 6V if I remember correctly. I first saw it at the L.A. Auto Show in '55. They had a turquoise one there that I drooled over even at that time.

[johnco]

depends on options and condition..
from NADA classic car prices

Options: (add options)
292/200 HP V8 Engine 15% 15% 15%
Overdrive Transmission $275 $425 $575
Thunderbird Convertible Soft Top $1,725 $2,800 $3,800
See all options chosen
TOTAL PRICE $3,148 $27,185 $33,585 $69,810

[Craig 930 RS]

Under 25k for certain. Been watching the values the past few months.

[Eric 951]

Got some more info. from the current owner and some addtional pics--car does have the continental kit, it is located in Montana, and he is *asking* 25,000

Too much for it's current condition.....
Oh, well, I didn't need another project anyways....

Thanks for the input.

[Evans, Marv]

If you don't like the condition, let it go. If the condition is OK for you, maybe you can negotiate the price down to the $17K to $20K region. Also, cash speaks pretty loudly. You say you have pics??

[Heel n Toe]

An important thing to consider if you're thinking about it as a driver; years ago, our local SCCA chapter put on a smallish car show (less than 20 cars) in a local mall.

Most were cars owned/autocrossed by club members, but several cars were borrowed from friends and family members. One guy had driven a 2-seater T-Bird (owned by someone else) about 75 miles in to display in the show.

His comment to me was, "As cool as it looks, the thing you can't escape while driving it is that it just feels like an old car."

So, you have probably already thought of that, but just know it'll never be anything but a cruiser unless you do lots of stuff to it to make it capable otherwise.