1956 Ford Thunderbird T Bird Convertible in Tan 312 Engine & Ride on My Car Story with Lou Costabile

[@davidmcleod7757]

this bird is drop dead gorgeous what a keeper

[@loucostabile]

High praise :-)

[@matrox]

I was a young kid when these cars were plentiful daily drivers on the street. Even then we pointed to them when we saw them because they were cool even then.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Nicky, Happy to read this car brings back memories :-) Thank you for viewing and sharing, Lou

[@cheekydemon6131]

Elegant car just waiting to be in a movie. The driver would be rich, being able to drive anything, but he's got this Thunderbird, because it gives him more joy than a brand new Ferrari. This is not about speed, this is about style. The transparent speedometer was ahead of it's time. It's actually really pretty and it fits well into the dashboard instead of sticking out or something. Modern interior designers should take some notes. The spare wheel out back looks as elegant as the rest of the car. I love it. One would think that a huge addition like that is gonna kill the proportions and lines of the car, but it just works. Even the engine looks cool despite being ever seen only by the owner. The exhausts to the side are a bonus for pedestrians :D Thanks Lou for taking the time to focus on all these tiny details and features. It's much better than to just read or hear about.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Cheeky Demon, Happy to read the details of this car / video you enjoy :-) My pleasure sharing this car with you, and you're welcome, Lou

[@iswc27]

Hi, Lou! Well, I've been saying that Dennis has such an amazing knack for finding the most shining examples of the classics, now including "America's most exciting car"! That lock mechanism you were looking at was part of Ford's "Lifeguard Design" that was new and highly promoted in 1956. (Also notice the decal below it.) It used what they called a "double-grip" latch that was designed to prevent the door from being jarred open upon impact in the event of a crash. There was also a dished steering wheel, a pivoting rear view mirror, and optionally, seat belts and a padded dash. Before Chrysler had the "Astradome" instrument panel, Ford had "Astra-Dial", which was was lit by the sun. Many thanks to you and Dennis for this leisurely boulevard cruise!

[@loucostabile]

Hi iswc27, Happy to read "now including "America's most exciting car"!" :-) Thank you for sharing your knowledge, and you're welcome, Lou

[@matrox]

55-57 T-Birds, 64-66 T-Birds, 55-57 Bel Airs, 68-70 Chevelles, 68-70 Road Runners, 68-70 Super Bees, 64-66 Chrysler Crown Imperials, 67-69 Camaros....I can go on and on...so many beautiful classics come in 3s.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Nicky, Thank you for sharing, Lou

[@Irishfan]

Another great car from Dennis's great collection! My neighbor's older brother had a 56. It was his first car. It was a barn find, he and his dad trailered it home and restored it in their garage. They painted it yellow and it had a black cloth top. Later, a girl that use to live in the neighborhood found a hard top for it. He painted it black, too. It had a three speed transmission. He gave my friend and I a ride in it, I sat in the middle and had to do my best to keep my leg out of the way so he could shift gears.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Daniel, Happy to read this car brings back memories of your neighbors older brothers car :-) Thank you for viewing and sharing, Lou

[@Funsho97]

Mr. Dennis always has such nice cars, what a fantastic collection and a great caretaker of the cars as well. I love how he says the previous owner did a full restoration on this car, and he has owned it for 22 years, it looks like it just left the showroom, Lol!!! The color of this one is very nice. My family has a 14 foot Span America runabout from 1962,(purchased brand new by my Grandfather), that is this very color, it looks a little pinkish, and tan at the same time, man, our boat would look so cool being pulled behind that car!!!! Back to the car, the styling was so special back then, the attention to details never ceases to amaze me and this car certainly is a special car for sure. Good one Lou!!!

[@loucostabile]

Hi Hobiemarty, You're right, this one looks showroom new :-) Happy to read this one reminds you of your Grandfathers Span America runabout. Glad to read this is a good one, Lou

[@georges7340]

Another Dennis Roxbury beauty! You are so lucky to have him as a friend of the channel. I never get tired of all your stories! There is always some little nugget of information or detail of a car to learn about. That little "window" above the speedometer was one such detail I've never seen . The owner before Dennis restoring a survivor that was already in great shape makes for pure perfection! Thanks again Lou! 😉

[@loucostabile]

Hi George, High praise for this car which is "Pure perfection!" :-) Happy to read you're enjoying another car of Dennis's collection, and you're right, I feel lucky to have him as a Friend to the Channel. You're welcome, Lou

[@zulumax1]

11:34 Notice how they used the gold "V" with the 8 cradled on top, as Ford always did, but then they added the red "Y" underneath that, designating the Y block. Loved that little touch they added. Love the sound of those mechanical lifters and the bottom end torque these motors had relative to their cubic inches, off throttle response seemed like a larger motor than it was, just not a rev monster.

[@loucostabile]

Thank you for sharing what you notice.

[@johnnyace1954]

Beautiful 56 T Bird! What style! A real cruiser. Reminds me of the TV series Vegas with Robert Urich and his Red 57 T Bird

[@loucostabile]

HI Edmund, Happy to read you enjoy the looks of this car and brings fun memories too :-) Lou

[@bruceh92]

Wow that's striking. Beautiful restoration. Thanks Lou

[@loucostabile]

High praise :-) You're welcome Bruce H.

[@davestelling]

It really is exciting to see Dennis' passion as caretaker of these classic automobiles. Thanks, gentlemen. Always good to see Dennis, too...

[@loucostabile]

Hi Dave, Happy to read you're enjoying Dennis's cars :-) Good news! He has more, stay tuned, Lou

[@TheGunfighter45acp]

You know it's going to be a great day when it starts out with another classic car icon from Mr. Roxworthy's collection! The dash/speedo arrangement and side exiting exhausts are truly unique, and what a nice sunny day for a quick cruise, too. Thanks, Lou!

[@loucostabile]

Hi TheGunfighter45acp, Happy to know this video starts the day in the right direction :-) You're welcome, Lou

[@TigerRogers0660]

Beautiful '56 Thunderbird Lou!! Probably the best one in existence!! From memory the only difference in the interior from the '55 was the steering wheel. The '55 had a very archaic wheel that dated back to the '40s.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Tiger, High praise for this 1956 T Bird :-) Thank you for viewing and sharing, Lou

[@motorTranz]

"THE MOST PERFECT DAZZLING CREATURE EVER..." American Graffiti T Bird was a '56. Thank you Lou!

[@loucostabile]

High praise motorTranz :-)

[@debragreene6905]

My dad had a ‘59 ,black ragtop,no continental kit,fender skirts that I can recall, but the paint was called “dusky rose”,I think. Same car also had a hardtop. I loved that car….😢 when he sold it. Was lucky enough to find a ‘ 56 in the early 80’s , very pristine…. Love at first sight. That one was “ Sage green”,same color as Conway Twitty’s, country western singer….. Can’t beat the earlier T-bird styling….

[@loucostabile]

Hi Debra, Happy to read this car brings back memories of your Dads car :-) Thank you for viewing and sharing. Hope you see many cars on this Channel you enjoy! Please Subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this KZbin Channel, Lou

[@debragreene6905]

@@loucostabile Nice rolling down memory highway….realized color was “ dusty rose “, Can’t afford to sponsor you …..I need several “rehauls” myself. Would like someone to sponsor me! Much luck and good health.

[@hubertmantz1516]

One more time around Lou. Couldn’t resist!

[@loucostabile]

:-)

[@russelladams6432]

I am late to the party. ;) I was excited to see another car from Dennis' collection. He has so much knowledge on these old cars and takes such great care of them. Please thank him from all of us for preserving these beauties. This one is another imaculate piece. The color is so 50s. I have always liked this era of the Tbird. Though I hate that after trying to sit in one once, I really don't fit. Haha. At 6 foot and 280 pounds this would not be a car for me. I do love looking at them though. My Dad tells me they built people smaller back then. LOL. Thanks again for sharing Lou. Take care.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Russell, You're right on time for this party! Happy to share another of Dennis's cars with you :-) You're welcome, Lou

[@DrRobertMPick]

Awesome car! I think I know that 1956 year!? Just awesome!

[@loucostabile]

Hi Bob, Happy to share a 1956 you enjoy :-) Lou

[@tct9mm151]

Beautiful T-Bird! Such elegance in these cars. Very "space age" influence GREAT VIDEO LOU.

[@loucostabile]

Hi TCT9MM, Happy to read you enjoy the looks of this "space age" car :-) Lou

[@andrewromano3105]

I think I would take that car in a heartbeat of a second and just enjoy it drive it the way it is and put weekend mileage on it and just enjoy it the way it is it's a beautiful car good find

[@loucostabile]

Hi Andrew, Happy to read you enjoy this "Weekend Cruiser" and glad to read you enjoy this find, Lou

[@sergeantmasson3669]

Lou, 1954, my dad took me to the Ford dealer where he worked to show me a light blue '55 Thunderbird before it was revealed to the public. I was only 8 years old. I'm now 75 years old but the memories, of that car, remains very vivid in my mind today. I wish that I could find a way to pass on all my auto/truck knowledge before I'm gone from this earth.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Sergeant Masson, Happy to read a great memory with your Dad :-) Reason I have this Channel is exactly so I can leave a legacy of why we love these great cars, Lou

[@sergeantmasson3669]

@@loucostabile My dad was a great auto/truck mechanic but he only became a shop leader later in life. I reached master level status at age 24 and was the shop manager and service manager at age 26. At 34, dealer general manager. I earned a ton of awards and certifications but none meant as much as the day my dad told me that I was a far better "wrench-twister" than he ever was. When I was doing professional auto racing, he was there every race and helped, even if it only involved him refueling the race car. I won three NHRA class championships and won 232 races. I now cherish that he was there for it all. He passed away in 2007, the day after he and I rotated the tires and changed the oil for his 2006 Chevy V6 S-10 4x4 p/u truck. The only new vehicle that he ever bought in his entire life.

[@motorTranz]

Beautiful 😍 Dennis is great! Thanks again Lou!

[@loucostabile]

Hi motorTranz, Happy to read you enjoy the looks of this car :-) You're welcome, Lou

[@RustyCar]

This is such a prime example mid-century automotive design, color, and technology. I never knew about the transparent speedometer on the T-bird, and thought that was only on certain MOPARS of that era. Thanks Lou & Dennis for a great presentation!

[@loucostabile]

Hi Rusty, Happy to read you details you enjoy :-) Glad to read you learned something new, and I'm learning all the time from the Care Takers and I find that to be so much fun. You're welcome, Lou

[@chrispage7295]

Hi. I realize that this video is a couple of years old. I am the owner of a companion ford to this Thunderbird. I have a 56 Ford Country Sedan wagon painted Buckskin Tan. It currently has forty four thousand original miles. Too bad I live in Southern California as I would love to see the two cars together. Really enjoyed this video.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Chris, Happy to read you have a fun 1956 Ford Wagon :-) If you see me at a car show in CA, make sure to say hello and show me your car. Hope you see many more cars on this KZbin Channel you enjoy. Please subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this KZbin Channel, Lou

[@chrispage7295]

Absolutely

[@davelister1]

I gotta comment that is fantastic ! This car is stunning !

[@loucostabile]

Hi Dave, High praise :-) Lou

[@RoadRunnergarage8570]

A Gorgeous Baby Bird!!

[@loucostabile]

Happy to read you enjoy the looks of this car :-)

[@RoadRunnergarage8570]

Cool exhausts that come out of the rear bumper!!

[@loucostabile]

That's a nice styling touch :-)

[@lukasz2766]

Beautiful car

[@loucostabile]

Happy to read you enjoy the looks of this car :-)

[@rajeewananayakkara7577]

Amazing car. Thanks Mr. Lou.

[@loucostabile]

HI Rajeewa Nanayakkara, Happy to read you enjoy this car :-) You're welcome, Lou

[@vancegordon7845]

Thank thank thank!!! Now frm 55 to 57 is beautiful ➕ Ford put hands on chevy corvette in 1st 3yrs.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Vance, Happy to read you appreciate this car :-) Thank you for viewing, sharing and I believe you're going to see many more cars on this Channel you'll enjoy. Hope you Subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this KZbin Channel, Lou

[@bryannolte4910]

My Grandpa loved this color on Fords. He called it "Pepto Bismol Pink". And that interior is fabulous! Oxblood? 😂👀🏳️‍🌈

[@loucostabile]

Hi Bryan, Happy to read your Grandpa loved the color of this car :-) Thank you for viewing and sharing, Lou

[@peterjeffery8495]

Re the "Buckskin" color. I had a friend down in Texas who bought a Caddy Escalade Pickup the first year they first came out. It was the same color but a touch lighter. I said "Ray you got yourself a Pink Caddilac". He sputtered back "Its PEARL Dammit its PEARL!". Looked pink to me....

[@loucostabile]

Hi Peter, Good story :-) Thank you for sharing, Lou

[@THROTTLEPOWER]

Beautiful Bird!!!!

[@loucostabile]

Hi THROTTLE POWER, Happy to read you enjoy the looks of this car :-) Lou

[@THROTTLEPOWER]

@@loucostabile 👍🙂

[@plymouthduster225]

Amazing car. I couldn't help but think of American Graffitt with Curt trying to catch the blonde in the white 56 Thunderbird. I can remember as a kid my Uncle Sam showing me how to tell the difference between the 55,56 and 57 Thunderbirds at car shows. I don't think that I have ever seen a 56 in this color before almost looks like the color that was on my grandparents 59 Ford Retractable hardtop. Those 312 V8s are good motors from i have heard.

[@loucostabile]

Happy to read you enjoy this "Amazing car" and brings fun family memories too :-)

[@1955mouse]

hi lou, this is yet another b-day car of mine, we're both 66! (ooops! actually i was born oct 55, this was born 4 months later!) love its different color scheme, and yet of course, it's another beautiful classic! thanx!

[@loucostabile]

Hi Mouse, Happy to read you and this car are both the same birth year. My pleasure sharing this car with you, Lou

[@davethompson3140]

When it comes to cars, Lou is one of the luckiest guys on the planet getting to ride in many of these beautiful cars. For the work you do presenting to us, it is well deserved! What a wonderful example!

[@loucostabile]

Hi Dave, I will agree with you that I feel lucky. My pleasure sharing the rides, and glad you're along for the ride, Lou

[@JeffKing310]

This is a spectacular T-bird! Dennis certainly has an impressive collection and encyclopedic knowledge of his cars. Thanks, Dennis for being such a great curator and thanks to Lou for bringing this one to us.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Jeff, Happy to read you're enjoying with me another Dennis Lovely :-) My pleasure sharing this car with you, and you're welcome, Lou P.S. Stay tuned as I'm going to have something to share with you!

[@Warrior_Resisting_Colonialism]

Another nice one. Always admired the first gen t-birds. Works of art.

[@loucostabile]

Happy to read this is a nice one for you :-)

[@Nebulasecura]

That’s one car I’d love to be behind in traffic! I love the color! Screams 1950s!!

[@loucostabile]

Happy to read you love the color of this car :-)

[@kevin7151]

Dennis has a real special car there. That car is a real work of art and looks like it just came off the showroom floor. Dennis also knows quite a bit about the differences in the T-birds from year to year. Certainly very interesting for the viewers. Lou, you have an amazing channel and its really terrific you keep bringing these gems to your viewers. Thank you.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Kevin. Happy to read "That car is a real work of art and looks like it just came off the showroom floor. " :-) You're welcome, Lou

[@curbozerboomer1773]

Back around 1968, I knew a co-worker--a rather snobby type, who owned a 56 T-Bird...He offered to let me drive it--if I would put some gas in it!...So of course, being a 20y0, easily impressed guy, said OK!...I was a little crestfallen, to experience the handling of the car...despite power steering and brakes, it felt heavy, and did not handle in the turns well. It felt like a larger luxury car. And the acceleration was just so-so...so I told the stuck-up guy what I thought...he hardly ever talked to me again!

[@kevin7151]

@@curbozerboomer1773 Thanks for sharing your first hand experience. Most folks never get so close to these kinds for vehicles. Best to you and the family.

[@alejandrogrillet931]

GREETINGS. From Venezuela, . . ..............................................................

[@loucostabile]

Greetings Alejandro, Happy to read you enjoy this "STUNNING" car :-) My pleasure sharing with you, and you're welcome, Lou

[@andrewromano3105]

What a nice car Ford always made things very mechanical and very intricate like the booster on the power brakes if I had that car those brakes would be off and I put disc brakes like a million other people

[@loucostabile]

Hi Andrew, Happy to read you enjoy this "nice car" :-) Thank you for viewing and sharing, Lou

[@unclerudy9797]

Nice Looking T Bird Lou ! Love the color ! Thanks for posting !

[@loucostabile]

Hi Rudy, Happy to read you enjoy this car :-) You're welcome regarding the post, Lou

[@dcarailandcar8538]

Perfect car, wonderful, congratulations! My miniatures collection have various Tanderbird models in the 1/64 scale. Tanks Lou!

[@loucostabile]

High praise :-) You're welcome DCA RAIL AND CAR

[@garylewis3641]

Beautiful car, Dennis is a lucky man. Good video Lou, thanks!

[@loucostabile]

Hi Gary, Happy to read you enjoy the looks of this car :-) Thank you for the kind words on this video, and you're welcome, Lou

[@WinningWinningWinning]

The color is great. All colors from the 50s were great. That was the time period. Today on today’s cars no. We’re almost back to the day of the model T where all cars were black. Today you have white, Black, silver, and white, black, silver.

[@loucostabile]

Hi PRO, Happy to read you enjoy the color on this car :-) Lou

[@WinningWinningWinning]

@@loucostabile the car we be $45k today that would be a bargain.

[@SofaKingQuick]

100% BS. Look at color choices on MOPAR cars…

[@WinningWinningWinning]

@@SofaKingQuick You picked one car company out of how many and they don’t sell that many. Just look at the cars on the road that you see basically. I wouldn’t buy a Mopar if you gave it to me where they made by TaTa India whatever who knows they are garbage. They are living on a name brand.

[@SofaKingQuick]

@@WinningWinningWinning Boomer- you’re are having a bad day. Wrong and looking like a fool. No one cares about your bad facts. Today’s cars are better and faster than your beloved old cars, and the paint and colors are more vibrant and durable. Go watch a John Wayne movie and get smoked by a 4 cylinder old timer.

[@AELITACHANTAL]

Thank you, Lou, for another great video! The car looks cute and the color, of course! :) A piece of engineering Art!

[@loucostabile]

Hi Aelita, Happy to read you enjoy this car :-) You're welcome, Lou

[@josephconsoli4128]

As soon as I saw the thumbnail pic I knew it was a "Dennis" car. He knows how to pick 'em. I love how the interior color contrasts with the paint. A very pleasing selection. I used to like the '57 the best, but in latter years I like the cleaner nose of the '55-'56. Also the dash is more unique. A beautiful example!

[@loucostabile]

Hi Joseph, When you saw the thumb nail you are right. Happy to read you enjoy this "beautiful example!" :-) Lou

[@sergeantmasson3669]

1956 model Thunderbird was the only year that came standard with a continental kit for the spare tire. 312 engine was an option. Base engine was the 292

[@Johnnycdrums]

When did the 332 FE become available?

[@sergeantmasson3669]

@@Johnnycdrums 1958. Ford FE engines were discontinued after 1976. FT version continued through 1978 for the bigger trucks.

[@loucostabile]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@bdpopeye]

Lou! Thanks for posting . '55-57 Thunderbirds are one of my favorite cars of all time! Love it!

[@loucostabile]

Hi Gerry, Happy to read this car fits in your favorite of all time list :-) Lou

[@bdpopeye]

@@loucostabile Yea I like the 50's Fords...'55-'56 Crown Victoria and a '55/'56 Mercury Montclair or Monterey. And the '57 Mercury Turnpike Cruiser.!!

[@donayers5925]

A friend, in Ohio, has a mint, black 56 and a red 57. He takes them to the cruise in.my brother drives one for him ! I went ,a few yrs ago and there were over 200 cars there .

[@loucostabile]

Hi Don, Happy to read this car brings back memories of your Friends car :-) Thank you for viewing and sharing, Lou

[@specs1616]

Thanks Lou!

[@loucostabile]

You're welcome specs!

[@timrayburn2461]

Thanks Lou

[@loucostabile]

You're welcome Tim

[@RoadRunnergarage8570]

Excellent documentation!!

[@loucostabile]

Happy to read you enjoy the documentation :-)

Dennis never explained how the car was sold in Pennysylvania but "Original " yellow California 1956 license plate were the first plates issued to the car.

[@loucostabile]

Hmmm, I'm not sure how that happened.

[@tonidmc]

Love the color and the matching interior

[@loucostabile]

High praise :-)

[@oldtown6240]

And for a top Did I miss the top discussion? And a working clock - of course what would one expect from Dennis.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Old Town, Thanks for sharing the details you enjoy, Lou

[@matrox]

6:49 Lots a Simaseks still living in the Lost Creek, Pa. Area. I bet they remember the car.

[@loucostabile]

Thank you for sharing.

[@hubertmantz1516]

Another beautiful car 👍🏽 thanks Lou!

[@loucostabile]

Hi Hubert, Happy to read you enjoy the looks of this car :-) You're welcome, Lou

[@hubertmantz1516]

@@loucostabile Thanks for your response Lou! I’ve very much been in love with these gorgeous Thunderbirds, since the 1st time I saw one and I reckon it was easily around that year, ( Give or take a year or two) lol. That’s a beautiful example on your program that i watched quite recently about the car but for myself I’d like to see the other colours that were available then!? I find the Buckskin Tan to be on the pinkish side. It’s okay I guess 🤔 thanks again! Hugh

[@matrox]

$4400 was a hell of a lot of money for a car in 1956.

[@loucostabile]

You're right.

[@matrox]

The brake booster was setup like that away from the firewall because the engine was in the way at the FW.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Nicky, Thank you for viewing and sharing your knowledge. Please subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this KZbin Channel, Lou

[@christieharter9494]

Beautiful 😍 I’m in love.

[@loucostabile]

Hi christie harter, Happy to read you appreciate the looks of this car :-) Thank you for viewing, sharing and I believe you're going to see many more cars on this Channel you'll enjoy. Hope you Subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this KZbin Channel, Lou

[@DavidRobb-ys4zk]

The 55 does have out side air vents they run inside the fenders.

[@loucostabile]

Thank you for sharing you knowledge.

[@michaelcoffey7362]

Nice 😀

[@loucostabile]

Hi Michael, Happy to read you think this car is "Nice" :-) Lou

[@michaelcoffey7362]

@@loucostabile 😀

[@mikeramsey5391]

This my dream car.. but in pearl white

[@loucostabile]

Nice :-)

[@cherrypickerguitars]

Lou! Stop with these fabulous Fords! I have Mopar/GM roots! I don’t WANT to like Fords! You’re killing me! lol

[@loucostabile]

Well......it just might happen you start liking them too.......

[@cherrypickerguitars]

@@loucostabile I know your a Ford man! I’m pull’n your leg. (but how can I be a Mopar guy when I love ‘em ALL!) lol

[@heikkikeranen9095]

Super nice

[@loucostabile]

Hi Heikki Keränen, Happy to read you appreciate this car :-) Thank you for viewing, sharing and I believe you're going to see many more cars on this Channel you'll enjoy. Hope you Subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this KZbin Channel, Lou

[@dirkkrueger5773]

Purdy car Lou!!!

[@loucostabile]

Happy to read you enjoy the looks of this car Dirk :-)

[@RtB68]

well, I'm not a fan of the colour...but Lordy be. That car is mint.

[@loucostabile]

Happy to read you enjoy this "mint" car :-)

[@chonpiras2815]

chingon mr lou

[@loucostabile]

Thank you Mr CHON

[@RoadRunnergarage8570]

Definitely a time capsule!!

[@loucostabile]

You go right back to 1956 in this car :-)

[@johnjuarez8005]

Lou how many cars does this guy own?

[@loucostabile]

28

[@automatedelectronics6062]

First, the best ways to tell a 1956 from a 1955 T-bird from the outside was that the 1956 had the fresh air intakes in the front fenders. If a T-bird had a hardtop, the 1956-7 hard port hole windows. The 1955 did not. Now, the T-birds NEVER EVER had 2-speed automatic transmissions, they were always 3-speeds. From the start, the original Ford-O-Matic/Borg-Warner automatic was a 3-speed, although they started up in 2nd gear, through 1955 you had to put the shifter into "Lo" to use 1st gear. Starting in 1956, if you pushed the gas pedal nearly to the floor, the Ford-O-Matic would automatically start up in 1st gear. In fact, Ford didn't even have a 2-speed automatic until 1959, which was a small aluminum-cased unit mainly used in Edsels and behind 6 cyl. and 292 V8's in other Ford models. Thru 1964, you could only get this 2-speed automatic in the Falcon/Comet line and the first Mustangs. This automatic was also called the Ford-O-Matic, but had no relationship to the original cast-iron cased 3-speed Ford-O-Matic. In 1958, with a selector position added so that the transmissions would start up in 1st gear, from then on, a 3-speed Ford automatic was called the Cruise-O-Matic. The difference between the original Ford-O-Matic and the next generation Cruise-O-Matic was the addition of a sprag clutch in the middle of the cast-iron case to add more strength for 1st gear start-ups.

[@sking2173]

You were doing great ‘til you got to the sprag clutch !!

[@loucostabile]

Thank you for viewing and sharing your knowledge. Lou

[@automatedelectronics6062]

@@loucostabile Thank you for making these great videos! The trouble is that the owners of the cars don't always know the correct info about their cars.

[@akulinamackenzie4492]

❤️

[@loucostabile]

:-)

[@waynegilchrist1596]

Beautiful T-Bird but I do have one little nit-picky bit of consternation; the mill! While going through all the trouble to bring it up a notch; to "better than showroom" condition, why not do due diligence and referb the V-8? It doesn't have that throaty Ford V-8 sound that Henry's cars and trucks have been famous for since their introduction in 1932. It's a little sick sounding and "tbe carbon coughing," I apologize for such disparaging remarks about such a gorgeous example of one the most beautiful and iconic "chunks of iron" ever to come from the post war American Automotive Artists' easels. Thanks for sharing.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Wayne, Happy to read you enjoy the looks of this T-Bird. Thank you for viewing and sharing your thoughts. Hope you see many more cars on this KZbin Channel you enjoy. Please subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this KZbin Channel, Lou

[@mikeramsey5391]

Is that the 312 police interceptor

[@loucostabile]

Not sure. Maybe a Viewer can share knowledge.

[@arielachong7577]

Nice ❤😂👍👍👍👍👍😅.

[@loucostabile]

:-)

[@craigjorgensen4637]

Could not be any nicer as with all,of his cars. Color probably would have been my last choice of those available that year.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Craig, Happy to read you enjoy this car (except the color, which I agree would not be a color I would pick either), Lou

[@davidmacesr5672]

Awesome bird Ford started with something awesome and then as usual they screw it up.

[@loucostabile]

Hi David, Happy to read you enjoy this "Awesome" Bird :-) Lou

[@sking2173]

Dennis, when those cars first came out, we called that color “titty-pink” ...

[@loucostabile]

Thank you for sharing.

[@dannyhudson3184]

Great Lady car wearing head scraft

[@loucostabile]

Hi Danny, Happy to read you enjoy this car :-) Lou

[@boson2916]

I don't think this paint color suits the style of Thunderbird, it's not blending but polarising.

[@loucostabile]

Hi boson, Thanks for sharing, Lou

[@dalemettee1147]

I love the t-bird, but not this year. I think that they messed with a functional design with the addition of that really ugly continental wheel. So, is much difference between the '55 and the '56 mechanically?

[@loucostabile]

Hi Dale, Not much difference mechanically I'm aware of. If a Viewer has knowledge, please share, Lou

[@Nebulasecura]

I don’t get the hate the continental kit gets. Looks good to me, at least on this car.

[@Primus54]

The Continental kit is one of those styles that elicits strong opinions. People either love them or dislike them. The T-Bird in 1956 was already beginning its transition away from being a Corvette direct competitor to being a touring car.

[@Johnnycdrums]

@@Nebulasecura ; Although this one is functional, the Continental Kit impairs the handling, and I imagine it’s worse for cars with big rear overhangs. It was good they got rid of it in 57’.