Maximilien Gagnebin
Senior Specialist
LOT 122
1956 Ford Thunderbird Convertible Chassis no. P6FH295468
Estimate: US$110,000 - US$130,000
Lot 122
Property of the Former President and Chief Executive Officer of Cartier International, Bernard Fornas
1956 Ford Thunderbird Convertible
1956 Ford Thunderbird Convertible
1956 Ford Thunderbird Convertible
Chassis no. P6FH295468
Chassis no. P6FH295468
312ci OHV V8 Engine
4-Barrel Carburetor
245bhp at 4,500rpm
Ford-O-Matic Automatic Transmission
Front Independent Suspension - Live Rear Axle
4-Wheel Hydraulic Drum Brakes
*Concours restoration by T-Bird specialists Minter Thunderbirds
*Never been shown in the US
*Iconic Tri-Five machine
*Sporty Fiesta Red over Red and White livery
THE CAR OFFERED
1955 and 1956 Ford Thunderbirds were essentially the same – it is a good rule that when you have a good product it is wise to continue it – but differ externally with addition of a "Continental" rear-mounted spare tire, cowl vents and wind wings on the doors
The Thunderbird, introduced in 1955 as a "sports car" wave swept through Detroit, was championed by Louis D. Crusoe, a former GM executive who was recruited after World War II by another GM transplant, Ernie Breech, to head the Ford Division. It posed a challenge for Ford designer George Walker: to create a smaller, two-seat personal car combining Ford production parts with clear and instantly identifiable Ford design.
History has recognized the success of the Thunderbird and even when new it outsold its Chevrolet Corvette competition by an astounding 4.5 to 1. The T-Bird's success and its emphasis on affordable high style design make this '56 T-Bird an excellent choice to feature among the curated, high quality, design-oriented collection of Bernard Fornas.
The "Continental" spare tire, enclosed in a chrome banded metal shell, was a concession to practicality and recognition of the way Thunderbirds were used. With the full-size spare in the '55 T-Bird's small trunk, there wasn't room for a full bag of golf clubs. The wind wings and cowl vents improved ventilation at a time when air conditioning was not an option,
Its "sports car" demeanor was supported by an improved Y-Block V-8 engine of 312 cubic inch displacement. Its Holley 4-barrel carburetor gives it 225 hp at 4600 rpm. The standard gearbox was a 3-speed with overdrive but the vast majority were equipped with Ford's highly developed Ford-O-Matic automatic transmission. A full array of comfort and convenience options were available.
As comfortable as the cockpit was and as much power as the 312 V-8 had, it was the '56 Thunderbird's exterior design that set it apart. George Walker's design department achieved all of Louis Crusoe's expectations with a car that was smaller than standard Fords but echoed all the design cues that identified a Ford. The wide, low grille was instantly recognized as from a '56 Ford product. The nose was further refined by six round elements, the headlights, parking lights and bumper overriders. The triangular section rear fender fins exactly replicated those of full-size Fords. Even the rear fender skirts were seen on big Fords, although they are deeper on the lowered T-Bird.
There is a hierarchy among two-seat Thunderbirds and buyers in search of the best, most accurate, fully configured T-Birds turn to Amos Minter and his son Justin in Dallas, Texas. The Minters have taken every notable Thunderbird restoration award, most of them multiple times, building an unparalleled record for knowing how to do a 2-seat T-Bird correctly and then showing their mastery by repeatedly meeting the highest standards in the world.
And Minters is where this '56 T-Bird comes from, a car in accuracy and restoration quality that meets and possibly exceeds even the legendary standards of Bernard Fornas.
It is powered by the 225 horsepower 312 cubic inch V-8 equipped with Ford's deservedly famous Ford-O-Matic automatic transmission. Meticulously finished in Fiesta Red it has matching red upholstery with white seat inserts. The hardtop with the T-Bird's famed "porthole" quarter windows is in matching Fiesta Red. There is a folding top as well, still in its protective plastic covering and never erected.
Equipment includes everything that could be desired on a '56 T-Bird including power steering, power brakes, heater, power windows, power driver's seat and a modern AM-FM radio styled to look like the original as well as adding electronic ignition for reliability.
Outside, it is distinguished by partial rear fender skirts setting off chrome wire wheels and wide whitewall tires in addition to the "Continental" spare tire that symbolizes the '56 T-Bird.
The quality of paint, chrome and body fits is impeccable. Every panel gap is even, every panel fit is precise. The engine compartment is crisp, clean and correct; if a wire is askew it is because that's the way it would have come from the factory.
This is, in short, an ultimate 1956 Ford Thunderbird, carefully sought out and selected by Bernard Fornas whose own impeccable, high-quality standards are reflected in this car, a double endorsement of quality that is impossible to minimize.
Saleroom notices
Please note, this lot has been withdrawn, but shall be offered at the Audrain Auction, October 3, 2025. https://cars.bonhams.com/auction/30560/the-audrain-auction/
Additional information
Specialist section
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- 13 August 2025, 09:00 - 18:00 PDT
- 14 August 2025, 09:00 - 18:00 PDT
- 15 August 2025, 08:30 - 11:00 PDT
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