Ford’s Thunderbird is often one of the more underappreciated models ever released. However, it’s due to the “T-Bird” that other manufacturers started producing personal luxury cars for their customers. The Thunderbird was ahead of its time in many aspects, and it still stands strong today as one of the most impressive builds by Ford – especially the 1956 model.

Ford began working on their Thunderbird concept in 1953. They were in direct competition with Chevrolet, and when Chevy released their 1953 Corvette, the market completely shifted and left Ford playing catch-up. Ford Motors was never the type to tinker around with a powerful sports car, but the desperate times called for desperate measures, and the T-Bird was created.

The Thunderbird was under rapid development. From the first prototype plans released about the model, it only took a year to unveil the first model at the Detroit Auto Show in February of 1954. This was Ford’s version of the Corvette – a two-seat coupe/convertible with a powerful engine and sleek design.

Because of the sheer speed Ford used in pushing their T-Bird model out there, they really didn’t have time to perfect the recipe. Instead of attempting to stand out by way of exterior design, Ford went with a plush, comfortable and spacious interior and billed their model as a “luxury car” rather than a sports car.

Ford was always the more trusted name, and with the look and performance of a Chevy and the everyday comfort of a basic Ford, the Thunderbird easily outsold the Corvette, 23 to 1. This worked well for the 1955 model, but Ford wanted to exceed expectations with their 1956 release.

The 1956 T-Bird was the second production of the car and, as most enthusiasts will agree, the best of the complete line. The now famed continental kit was added to the detachable hardtop, and other models with a folding convertible top were also released. It was also the year (only year) T-Birds came in either green or sage, and only 4% of all models were available in that option.

1956’s model was still a two-seater and was still billed as a personal luxury car, but the level of luxury - and even the car’s powerful engine - had gone up tremendously. Ford added to the “creature comforts” with a better radio, seats with more padding and comfort control adjustments, a tilt steering wheel, and many other features.

While Chevy’s 1953 6-cylinder was the most powerful engine for an American sports car at the time, Ford quickly exceeded that by putting a V8 in the Thunderbird. 1956’s T-Bird has a 292 cubic inch overhead valve V8 that put out an impressive 193 horsepower, nearly 33% more than Chevy.

Despite all the additional features of the 1956 Thunderbird, the car was still available at base for only $2,944, and you could even purchase an upgraded version for $3,408.