What is the difference between a 1955 and 1956 Thunderbird?
The 1955 Thunderbird launched Ford’s celebrated two-seat personal-luxury concept, and the 1956 model carried that idea forward with a light styling refresh and upgraded equipment. In short, the core package stays the same, but cosmetic tweaks and additional features set the two apart.
Design and styling changes
Exterior and interior styling changes are the most noticeable differences between the two years. The 1956 Thunderbird kept the same two-seat layout but wore a refreshed face and upgraded trim to look more contemporary.
- Exterior styling updates: 1956 received a refreshed front fascia with a revised grille and bumper treatment, plus subtle changes to body lines and trim to create a more modern look.
- Grille and headlights: the 1956 model adopted new headlight and grille treatments that gave the car a bolder, more contemporary appearance compared with the simpler 1955 design.
- Rear styling: taillight bezels and rear fender treatment were revised for a more polished silhouette in 1956.
- Interior detailing: 1956 offered updated interior materials and instrument cluster styling for a more refined cabin experience.
- Chromed trim and wheels: 1956 models featured adjusted chrome accents and wheel coverings that contributed to the refreshed look while keeping the same two-seat proportions.
Despite the changes, the Thunderbird remained unmistakably Ford’s two-seat personal-luxury symbol across both years.
Mechanical and performance differences
The core powertrain remained a V8 with similar performance in both years, but there were incremental enhancements and configuration options that distinguished the 1956 model from the 1955 car.
- Powertrain baseline: both years used V8 engines designed for smooth, open-road performance; the 1956 version benefited from refinements that improved throttle response and reliability while maintaining comparable output to the 1955 engine.
- Transmission options: customers could choose between manual and automatic transmissions in both years, with Ford offering the common automatic options of the era for ease of driving.
- Suspension and braking: suspension and braking setups were aimed at a touring experience, with minor tuning in 1956 to improve ride comfort and stability compared with 1955 models.
- Fuel economy and emissions: as with most mid-50s cars, efficiency and emissions were not primary design goals, but 1956 models featured small refinements to engine calibration that could yield modest gains in driveability.
- Reliability and service: 1956 updates generally improved ease of maintenance and serviceability relative to the earlier model year.
In short, the mechanical core remained consistent, with 1956 representing refinement rather than a new powertrain generation.
Equipment and options
Ford expanded equipment choices across the Thunderbird lineup in 1956, making several comfort and convenience features more widely available or standard.
- Luxury and convenience: upgraded trim, better upholstery options, and more attention to sound insulation improved the interior feel in 1956 compared with 1955.
- Power assists: enhancements such as power steering and power brakes were more commonly offered as options or included on higher-trim packages in 1956.
- Roof and hardtop options: the two-seat roadster configuration with a removable hardtop continued across both years, with options that allowed easier storage and installation of the top.
- Instrumentation and gauges: the 1956 model offered updated instrument clusters and gauge readability, contributing to a more refined driving experience.
- Exterior color and trim options: color palettes and trim selections expanded slightly in 1956, giving buyers more customization potential.
These equipment changes helped position the 1956 Thunderbird as a more robust value proposition for buyers seeking a blend of sport and luxury.
Summary
Between 1955 and 1956, Ford retained the Thunderbird’s core two-seat, open-road philosophy while delivering a mid-cycle refresh. The 1956 model is best understood as a refined evolution of the pioneering 1955 car: less a brand-new platform, more a better-equipped, more stylish version with updated styling cues and a modest uplift in standard features. If you’re evaluating these two years, you’ll find similar driving character and proportions, with the 1956 offering a more polished presentation and greater luxury content.
In short, the 1955 Thunderbird was the original concept, while the 1956 Thunderbird polished the design and equipment while preserving the iconic two-seat layout.
How much is a 1956 T bird worth today?
Typically, you can expect to pay around $19,250 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.
What made the 1956 Thunderbird special?
1956. For the 1956 model year, more trunk space was added, the spare wheel was mounted outside (which helped free up trunk space), the exhaust tips were moved to the ends of the bumper, and air vents were added behind the front wheels to improve cabin ventilation.
What is the difference between a 1955 and a 1956 Ford?
The easiest way to differentiate the '55 and '56 Fords is by their turn/parking lamps—on the '55 they're round (but elliptical in '56, as we shall see). Note the complete lack of side chrome on this Mainline, the stripper trim level in 1955.
What is the difference between the 55 and 56 Thunderbird?
If you're looking to spot a '56 over a '55, you'll note details such as added cowl vents (meant to combat engine heat under-hood), an external spare mounted “Continental”-style on the trunk (because of complaints about low cargo space from the in-trunk spare of '55), and exhaust tips that poked through the bumper.
