• A green 1956 Ford Thunderbird convertible is photographed near a factory gate with its roof lowered.
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Commercial licensing & archive information

We represent the Ford Motor Company and Shelby American archives. For commercial image use, contact us about licensing. Images owned by The Henry Ford are available separately through the Benson Ford Research Center.

Original Ford brochures & specifications

Explore the original factory literature for this model. Complete PDFs are free to read or download; no checkout is required.

Model-range reference: match the body style and production period. A brochure does not establish the equipment fitted to the photographed car.

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FORD IMAGES

1956 Ford Thunderbird — Convertible — Factory gate — 0401-2722

1956 Ford Thunderbird — Convertible — Factory gate — 0401-2722

Archive SKU: 0401-2722

0401-2722 -

$159.00 USD
$159.00 USD
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About This Image

A green 1956 Ford Thunderbird convertible is photographed near a factory gate with its roof lowered. The front three-quarter view includes the body-side vent and rear-mounted spare wheel.

1956 Thunderbird factory specifications and equipment

These original Ford specifications describe the U.S. production Thunderbird model range. They do not establish the engine, transmission or optional equipment fitted to the photographed car.

Conventional-drive offering
Ford advertised a 202-hp Thunderbird Y-8 with Conventional Drive.Sources: A: PDF 3, 11; B: PDF 1–2 (printed 1–2); E: printed page 49.
Overdrive offering
Ford advertised a 215-hp Thunderbird Special Y-8 with Overdrive.Sources: A: PDF 3, 11; B: PDF 1–2 (printed 1–2); E: printed page 49.
Fordomatic offering
Ford advertised a 225-hp Thunderbird Special Y-8 with Fordomatic Drive.Sources: A: PDF 3, 11; B: PDF 1–2 (printed 1–2); E: printed page 49.
Conventional-drive engine displacement
The conventional-drive Thunderbird Y-8 is listed at 292 cubic inches. The transmission qualification distinguishes this application from the 312-cu.-in. offerings.Sources: A: PDF 11; B: PDF 1–2 (printed 1–2); E: printed page 49–50.
Overdrive and Fordomatic engine displacement
The Thunderbird Special Y-8 is listed at 312 cubic inches with Overdrive or Fordomatic. These model-range specifications do not identify the engine in the pictured car.Sources: A: PDF 11; B: PDF 1–2 (printed 1–2); E: printed page 49.
Conventional-drive compression ratio
The 292-cu.-in. conventional-drive Thunderbird application is listed with an 8.4:1 compression ratio.Sources: A: PDF 11; B: PDF 1–2 (printed 1–2); E: printed page 49–50.
Overdrive compression ratio
The 312-cu.-in. Overdrive application is listed with an 8.4:1 compression ratio.Sources: A: PDF 11; B: PDF 1–2 (printed 1–2); E: printed page 49.
Fordomatic compression ratio
The 312-cu.-in. Fordomatic application is listed with a 9.0:1 compression ratio.Sources: A: PDF 11; B: PDF 1–2 (printed 1–2); E: printed page 49.
Conventional transmission
A conventional manual transmission was offered.Sources: A: PDF 3,11; B: PDF 1 (1); C: PDF 14 (12).
Overdrive transmission
An overdrive transmission was offered.Sources: A: PDF 3,11; B: PDF 1 (1); C: PDF 14 (12).
Fordomatic transmission
Fordomatic automatic transmission was offered.Sources: A: PDF 3,11; B: PDF 1 (1); C: PDF 14 (12).
Removable hard roof
A removable hard roof was offered.Sources: A: PDF 2,11; B: PDF 1 (1), hardtop model 40B; D: PDF 1 (printed 7), versatility panel.
Fabric roof
A convertible fabric roof was offered.Sources: A: PDF 7,11; B: PDF 1 (1), convertible model 40A; D: PDF 1 (printed 7), versatility panel.

1956 Ford Thunderbird factory reference includes the original sources, exact page citations and publication notes.

Read the complete 1956 Ford Thunderbird brochure

© The Ford Motor Company rights managed by Fordimages.com

About the Archive

This archival photograph is made available through Fordimages.com. Each image is digitally restored before printing and handcrafted to order.

Available as:

  • Framed Print — museum-quality paper, archival inks, Acrylite glazing, hanging hardware included
  • Stretched Canvas — hand-stretched over 1.25-inch pine bars, heavy cotton poly matte finish
  • ChromaLuxe Metal Print — image infused directly onto sheets of alloy metal for maximum vibrancy and durability
  • Giclée Art Print — 260gsm satin finish paper, finest archival inks, white border

Made in the USA or Europe depending on your location.

About the Artwork

Artwork in this collection comes from the Ford Motor Company Archives, The Henry Ford Museum, the Carroll Shelby Archives, and the collections of acclaimed photographers and painters from around the world. Reproduction rights are reserved by the respective copyright owners.

Framed Print

Our framed prints feature a black, hand-stained solid wood frame with a white mat, museum-quality paper, archival inks, Acrylite glazing, and hanging hardware. The frame features a slim 0.8-inch face and projects 1.3 inches from the wall, creating a clean, contemporary shadow-box effect. Made in the USA or Europe, depending on your location.

Stretched Canvas

Our stretched canvas prints are produced on acid-free, pH-neutral, and fade-resistant canvas. Each canvas is hand-glued to solid wood stretcher bars and stretched over 1.25-inch-thick pine bars. Mounting brackets are included. Made in the USA or Europe, depending on your location.

Giclée Art Print

Our Giclée prints are produced using premium 200gsm semi-gloss paper and high-quality archival inks. Each print includes a white border around the perimeter.

For the 40 x 60 size, we use 250gsm museum-quality archival paper with an off-white, uncoated finish.

The listed size refers to the overall paper dimensions. The image is printed proportionally within the selected paper size. Made in the USA or Europe, depending on your location.

ChromaLuxe

ChromaLuxe prints use a state-of-the-art coating process that infuses the image directly onto sheets of alloy metal. The result is photography with an exceptional combination of vibrancy, clarity, and durability.

Each print arrives ready to hang. An alloy subframe on the back allows the artwork to float away from the wall for a sleek, modern appearance. This is the finest-quality print we offer. Made in the USA.

Shipping and Production

All images are digitally restored before printing. Production location varies by product and destination. Shipping is calculated at checkout.

Who Is This Print For?

Ideal for Ford collectors, Mustang and GT40 enthusiasts, motorsport historians, restoration shops, offices, garages and dealership showrooms. As vintage Ford wall art, Ford racing wall art, or part of a Ford wall decor programme, each image suits a home office, study, living space, museum display or commercial interior. Choose framed print, stretched canvas, ChromaLuxe metal or Giclee art print formats.