Description
1956 Ford Thunderbird
Chassis number. P6FH235360
312ci OHV V8 engine
245 hp at 4.500 rpm
Ford-O-Matic automatic transmission
Independent front suspension - live rear axle
Hydraulic drum brakes on 4 wheels
*Purchased new by legendary actor and Hollywood icon Humphrey Bogart
* Carefully detailed provenance and few owners from new
*Offered with original registration card, sales invoice and service policy
* Beautifully preserved and authentic condition, still in Slate Gray according to Bogie's wishes from new
The new Thunderbird had been rolled off the Dearborn Thunderbird in the early months of 1956, painted Colonial White and then shipped to the West Coast for Bogart delivery. Interestingly, before taking delivery of the new Ford, Bogie reportedly had the car painted Slate Gray, the same color as his Jaguar XK120. The interior was kept in the standard black and white vinyl, just like we see in the car today. The impressive documentation on file supporting Bogie's Thunderbird includes the Ford Dealer's Service Policy Card, typed in Humphrey Bogart's name with his address in Mapleton Drive, Beverly Hills, issued by Bill Heath Ford of North Hollywood, dated March 20, 1956, as well as a 1957 California registration card in Bogart's name. After Bogart's death, the Thunderbird was retained by his estate until it was sold in 1959 by the Bogart estate and his widow – Lauren Bacall – to Linn Unkefer of Beverly Hills, California, an employee at 20th Century Fox (then 20th Century Studios ) . The Thunderbird would be kept by the Unkefer family and used by Betty Unkefer – driving nearly 90.000 miles – until it was sold to the Roy Rioux Collection in 1980. The Bogie Thunderbird remained in the Rioux collection on display until 1998, when it was sold at auction for a record price. Here it was purchased by the Florida-based Jobe Collection and displayed there until acquired by the consignor.
Today, Humphrey Bogart's old Thunderbird remains largely in its original and preserved condition, just as you would want a celebrity car to be. Indeed, the 93.566 miles shown on the odometer at the time of cataloging are considered original and confirmed by the previous owner's use. Retaining the Slate Gray exterior color as ordered by Bogart, and the original black and white vinyl interior, the Bogie Thunderbird is equipped with the new-for-1956 Continental kit that includes the spare tire, Town & Country radio and the factory 'porthole' hard top.
Well documented, with few owners since new, Humphrey Bogart's Thunderbird offers an opportunity to acquire classic and elegant V8-powered Americana, with perhaps one of Hollywood's biggest names as its first owner.
