Custom: 1956 Ford Thunderbird

You know that phrase, “A face only a mother could love?” Well, this custom Ford Thunderbird here on eBay may qualify for the type of vehicle where that phrase is immediately uttered at first glance. To be fair, when I spotted the side profile of this car, I thought it might have been a Ferrari California spyder – seriously. So I can’t claim to be completely repulsed by the thing, which is the ultimate expression of 50s-era radio promotions and California surf culture. Special thanks to Bryan K. for this tip!

That image of it in storage is one thing; the full-on frontal view of its stacked headlights and angry snout is quite another. This is an interesting-looking car. I wouldn’t call it ugly, no – but I would call it challenging. I do love the way the body cascades down to the rear quarters, and the low ride height is visually pleasing. The car does look angry and powerful, but beautiful it is not.


The story of the converted Thunderbird is this: a California radio station commissioned a local hot rod / body shop called Cushenbery Customs to create a tempting convertible for a radio giveaway promotional program. Lots of custom bits were incorporated, from the Pontiac headlights, Mustang seats and taillights, and a drivetrain claimed to be “Cobra-powered” in the original advertisements. However, it now makes do with a 292 from a ’56 Thunderbird and a 4-speed manual transmission.

See, this is the photo that got me. That’s a pretty sweet profile, and the car appears to have a hard-top in other photos with no folded top in sight. I actually think proportionately the rod shop nailed the design, but that front end is a very personal decision as to whether you consider it attractive. Bidding is over $3,000 with the reserve unmet, and the car still runs and drives. Does anyone remember the original contest or rod shop?

Source: barnfinds.com

1932 Ford Model B

1934 Ford Panther

1964 Ford Falcon Sprint Convertible

Click Here to read all about this car and to view other pictures.

Source: hemmings.com

1939 Ford Deluxe 4 Door Convertible

Click Here to read all about this convertible and to view other pictures.

Source: hemmings.com

1940 Ford Two-Door

What a nice looking old car! This 1940 Ford two-door looks very original, although no claim of originality is made by the seller. As a matter of fact, they don’t tell us much at all! We don’t know how many miles it has, much about any work that has been done, or much of anything about its history, other than that it is currently located in Golden, Colorado.

Not only is the paint shiny, so is the chrome. Notice that the fins are straight as well. This is a really attractive car, and I don’t generally care for brown cars. Thanks to Stu for putting us on to this great find!

Here’s the rear view, and it looks just as nice as the front. Don’t those open doors look inviting? And as you can see on the left, this Ford is keeping company with a much faster Ford on the left! The seller does tell us that the floor and frame are “nice.”

While the interior isn’t perfect, it certainly doesn’t look bad. There is a missing radio according to the seller and the clock seems to be gone as well (that’s the hole in the right side of the dash.)

There’s an awful lot of leg room back there! Again, it’s not perfect, but it’s nice. Overall, this looks like a 4 to 5 year old used car that’s been kept up with.

The seller tells us that this is a 59A flathead V8, which means it could be from a later car. It doesn’t look as nice cosmetically as the outside of the car, but the seller says it runs, drives and stops well. I don’t know about you, but this looks like a pretty decent car to pursue. If you are interested, it’s up for sale here on eBay, with bidding still below $6,000. What do you think it will take to own this one?

Source: barnfinds.com 

1962 Ford Ranchero

Regular Barn Finds readers know I love me some Falcon-based Ranchero! My first automotive memories are from the inside of a 1963 Falcon wagon, and I love my pickup so much maybe it’s a dream woven from those two memories! In any case, this is a pretty nice looking driver Ranchero that’s had the same owner (third one) for the last 10 years. Thanks to Jim S. for sending us this great find!

I’m pretty sure I don’t agree with the seller’s interpretation of “rust free.” It looks like there is some covered up corrosion along the rocker panel, and there’s a strange riveted patch on the other side right beyond the rear wheel well. That being said, Wimbledon White always looks good on 1960’s Fords! The seller tells us that they purchased the vehicle from California and have never used it in the salt now that they are in Southampton, New York.

There’s that patch I was talking about. If you are going to take the time to fabricate a nice patch like that, why not weld it in place properly? This shot does do a nice job of showing off the bed, which the seller maintains can carry 850 pounds. That’s a pretty decent amount for a truck this small, don’t you think?

That’s a pretty nice interior for a driver! The red and white combination really works for me, and somehow the faded carpet just blends right in (red + white = pink!) The seller is claiming 67,000 miles. What do you think? Based on the interior it might be possible, but I’m not sure myself.

If you can convince me that the valve cover and air cleaner paint are original, then maybe I’ll believe that low mileage claim. It does appear that there have been some radiator cap or overheating issues, although I suppose that could just be old age. The newish battery, modern plug wires and clean oil filter are all indicators that the seller’s claim of regular use is true, although with a three on the three I’m not sure I’d want to be in a lot of stop and go traffic. If you have become intrigued by this Ranchero, take a look at the auction here on eBay, where the buy-it-now is $5,650 but who knows, maybe the seller would consider a lower offer?

Source: barnfinds.com