If America has a favorite 2-seat convertible, he Thunderbird is it. The 1956 models in particular are the archetypal 1950s cruisers, ith the spare moved outside, more powerful V8 under the hood, nd a top that goes down. Thanks to just two owners who always ensured that it was ready to hit the road on a moment's notice, t's in just the right shape for your next road trip.Code L Peacock Blue was new for 1956, ut nobody can argue that it doesn't look great. It says "L" on the trim tag, aking Peacock Blue the original color, nd the bright pastel finish looks exactly right on the 2-seater's famous shape. The paint job is older and the car has been driven on a pretty normal basis, ut that doesn't diminish the Thunderbird's appeal one bit. Gaps are quite good, articularly for a convertible, nd you'll note this is one of those rare Thunderbirds that was delivered without fender skirts (they were actually optional). Up close you can see a few signs of age, ut you won't notice from the driver's seat, or will the folks watching you drive by with envy in their hearts ever notice. Chrome and trim are good, ith details that make the first-generation Thunderbird so special. Check out the vent doors in the front fenders, he chrome spare tire cover, nd, f course, he Thunderbird script on the quarters. It all looks quite good.The code XC Peacock Blue and White interior works perfectly with the bright blue paint. Again, t shows some signs of use and age, ut really needs nothing to be enjoyed immediately. The bench seat wears a recent seat cover that looks bright and clean with very little evidence of use. The carpets demonstrate minimal signs that they've spent the past few years in a convertible, nd we're guessing they were replaced about the time the seat was redone. The door panels, ith their two-tone vinyl faces and lovely engine-turned inserts, lend almost seamlessly into the dash, hich features a big speedometer flanked by a tachometer and a clock. A modern AM/FM radio has been fitted to the center of the dash, hat's the factory-issued steering wheel, nd the slender wind wings keep it comfortable inside at highway speeds even with the top down. And speaking of the top, his car is equipped with a white folding top and the trunk has been carpeted to match the interior.Ford's erstwhile 312 cubic inch Y-block V8 provides power for all early 2-seat Thunderbirds, nd over the years it has proven to be both reliable and plenty sporting for the 'Bird's luxury mission. Obviously this one was rebuilt a few years ago and driven since, ut it's as reliable as ever. Wearing a factory dress-up kit with chrome air cleaner and finned valve covers there's no question about what kind of car this is. It's linked to a rebuilt Ford-O-Matic 3-speed automatic transmission and a 9-inch rear end, nd with a mellow-sounding dual exhaust system, t's one of the best vintage cruisers you can own. Experts will note that the exhaust has been routed under the rear bumper instead of through it, hich helps keep the chrome bright and shiny. It rides on 205/75/15 Goodyear whitewall radials wrapped around factory wheel covers.Early Thunderbirds have always been great cars, nd this one delivers on the promise of comfortable first-class accommodations for two on the open road. Call today!