Inspired by and positioned directly against the Corvette, Ford billed the Thunderbird as a personal luxury car, putting a greater emphasis on the car's comfort and convenience features rather than its inherent sportiness. Designations aside, the Thunderbird sold exceptionally well in its first year. In fact, the Thunderbird outsold the Corvette by more than 23-to-one for 1955 with 16,155 Thunderbirds sold against 700 Corvettes. With the Thunderbird considered a success, few changes were made to the car for 1956. The most notable change was moving the spare tire to a continental-style rear bumper in order to make more storage room in the trunk.The 312 cubic inch engine was an option over the standard 292 cubic inch V8 in 1956. There were a total of 15,651 Thunderbirds built this year. Ford referred to the T-Bird as a 'Personal Car' rather than a true sports car, to appeal to the upscale customer. For 1956, the porthole top, continental kit and a 12-volt electrical system were added. The '56 T-Bird was much like the '55, but a standard "continental" spare tire opened up needed trunk space, front-fender ventilator doors enhanced cockpit comfort, and the available lift-off hardtop gained distinctive "porthole" windows that helped visibility. Finished in the original color of Colonial White the car looks great with no major imperfections to be found. Both bumpers are good and show no major damage with the exception of the small ding to the front bumper as you can see in the photos. The car does come with the removable white hard top as well as a black soft top which is aftermarket. The body is very solid with no major filler that we have found. Inside, the seats have been recovered in the original colors of black and white which looks great. The black carpet and dash look equally as nice with no major wear to be found. There has been an aftermarket radio installed that works with no problems. Under the hood, the 312 Cu In V8 starts right up when you turn the key the car starts right up with no problems. The V8 is fed through a new Holley 4bbl carb and K&N air filter. The engine bay is extremely clean with no rot or damage. Underneath, the car is very solid with no rot that we have found. The frame supports are solid as well as the frame and floor. The trunk is solid and includes the original trunk lining. The current mileage shows 55,415 and the VIN number is P6FH347693.