1956 Ford Thunderbird – An Icon of Italian Dolce Vita

This 1956 Ford Thunderbird was imported new into Italy with a customs bill of entry dated August 7, 1956, and registered in Rome on August 10 of the same year, under the name INVERNIZZI S.p.A., Rome depot.
In 1965, ownership passed from the company to its owner, Lino Alfredo Invernizzi.
After 41 years of ownership, in 1997 it was acquired by a second owner from Milan, and in 2004 by a third owner from Alessandria, who undertook a detailed conservative restoration.
Finally, in 2012, it became part of an extensive collection owned by an enthusiast from Brescia.

Over the years, the car has always been regularly inspected and consistently used.
The license plates are still the original black ones from 1956, registered in Rome, and the registration document is the original green one issued at first registration.
It is complete with the distinctive black hardtop with side portholes and a black fabric convertible soft-top.

This Thunderbird is equipped with very rare accessories for a sports car of the time:

• Ford-O-Matic automatic transmission
• Power steering
• Power windows
• Power seats
• Original radio

These options greatly enhance driving comfort, making it a true icon of the 1950s dolce vita.
This model also participated in the famous Mille Miglia – “the most beautiful race in the world” as the organizers call it – and is eligible for entry into this prestigious event.

Technical Specifications – Ford Thunderbird 1956

The 1956 Ford Thunderbird is a two-seat personal luxury sports car, with a production run of 15,631 units.
It measures 4,700 mm in length, 1,780 mm in width, and 1,270 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,590 mm and a curb weight of approximately 1,500 kg.

Engine options:

• 292 cu in (4.8 L) V8 engine with 202 HP
• 312 cu in (5.1 L) V8 engine with up to 225 HP (with Ford-O-Matic automatic transmission)

Available transmissions:

• 3-speed manual gearbox
• 3-speed manual with overdrive
• Ford-O-Matic 3-speed automatic transmission

Standard and optional features:

• 12-volt electrical system
• Continental kit (rear bumper-mounted spare wheel)
• Hardtop with signature porthole windows
• Power windows and power seats
• Power steering and AM radio

This model successfully blends luxury and performance with elegant 1950s styling, making it a collector’s favorite today.