JC777,
Here comes the long winded answer. First of all, I think all GOOD QUALITY baby birds cost $30,000 minimum. It sounds like if you had a budget of $4K for mechanical, $4K for paint, $2K for Chrome and other trim, $3K for interior, you would have beaten my arbitrary "value" number quite easily. Price guides are of little use because there are so many turkey birds out there that could never come under my number. All you would do is throw gobs of money at them without achieving high quality.(not trailer queens either)
You have identified the following extra cost options on this car: (1) Engine Dress-Up, (2) Power Brakes, (3) Power Seat, (4) Auto Trans, (5) Skirts. The telescoping steering wheel is on all three years as standard equipment.
Your Data Plate translates as follows:
P= 312 engine
6= 1956 model year
F= Dearborn Plant (all were)
H= Thunderbird
294394= Sequential assy #
40A= Thunderbird
ZE= Thunderbird Green bottom
Colonial White top
XF= Green/white vinyl int.
18E= Built 18 May 1956
L1819= Production Code that has conflicting interpretations.
The fact that this car was built within a few weeks of some significant changes means it may have some of the following product improvements: (1) Liquid cooled transmission instead of air cooled, (2) "T" Handles on the top at windshield header and shoulder clamp, w/straight handles @ back window, (3) Burtex trunk mat instead of rubber. The rubber mat trapped moisture and could cause trunk floor rusting. The Burtex would breathe.
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