Spreading Wings: A Classic '56 Thunderbird Goes Modern

By Scott Parkhurst
Photos By Matt Sprouse

Click here for a wallpaper of this T-Bird! (1024x768, 154kb)

Ford's Thunderbird was launched in 1955 as a truly American sports car. Unlike it's European predecessors, it was not designed to offer minimal comfort in exchange for increased performance. On the contrary; it had good performance while offering a level of comfort and style never before seen in a Ford product.

When Jim Hatcher began building this '56, his goals were to make it a stunning performance car in addition to having the legendary lines and style made famous almost fifty years ago. The addition of a modern drivetrain, wheels, tires, and a lowered stance would give the car cutting edge performance in a classically-styled package, which is what hot rodding is all about.

Jim kept the chassis as Ford intended, and focused his efforts on well-chosen add-ons. The wheels are KC "Star" units in 17x8 dimensions all around (all with 4.75-inch backspacing, by the way), wearing BFG rubber in 225/45-17 sizes.

Lowering is courtesy of four custom coil springs measuring three inches shorter than the original '56 units. Handling was enhanced with the addition of Hellwig anti-sway bars both front and rear. The forward unit measures 1.750-inches in diameter, while the aft bar diameter checks in at an even inch. A quartet of KYB gas shocks further adds to the road-handling capability of the ÔBird. The original 292ci Y-block V-8 was yanked in favor of a '95 302ci (5.0L) powerplant, backed by an AOD automatic transmission. This drivetrain has proven reliable in countless Ford products including Mustangs, trucks, and modern T-Birds. It's solid durability was a good call, and the excellent fuel economy provided by the combination of EFI and overdrive doesn't hurt either. Headers are Ford Motorsport "Shorty" units designed for the tight engine bays of modern Mustangs. Luckily, they fit fine in early Thunderbirds, too.

The classic T-Bird body didn't need much to gain timeless good looks. Jim worked with Carriage Works in Overland Park, KS, to fabricate the tasteful billet grille and shave the bumper bolts for a smoother look. The bumper brackets were also shortened slightly to draw the bumpers up close to the body, which gives a much cleaner and more modern look. To clean up the classic lines even further, the top edge of the headlight bodyline was given a slightly sharper edge, the gas filler door was eliminated, and the signature Thunderbird factory hood scoop was molded in. After a complete coating of PPG "Hatcher Yellow", the car received a tasteful gold leaf side stripe and modern (body-colored) side mirrors.

More custom work was done on the interior space, which looks inviting and comfortable. After a complete rewire (using a Ron Francis kit), the inner space got a healthy dose of Vanilla leather and tasteful trim. A new Alpine premium sound system was installed, and fresh Vanilla-colored carpeting finished off the office space. Hatcher credits upholsterer Bob Sipes for all the excellent workmanship inside the "Funderbird."

To add even more to the fun factor and functionality, a retractable soft top was also fabricated. While it's based on original parts, the materials (like the fabrics chosen, etc.) are modern in manufacture and appearance.

A series of little cutting edge touches went a long way in bringing this car to the forefront, and we think Jim Hatcher did a great job of modernizing his car without overdoing it. The reward for Jim and his wife Diane has been the ability to truly enjoy this reliable car on the open road, and also the ability to make a stylish statement whether the T-Bird is moving or not.

Note: SuperMotors has a business affiliation with Street Thunder Magazine, which provides street rod and automotive content to SuperMotors.

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