Ford Thunderbird 1956

If you buy only one car in your life – make sure that it is a 1956 Ford Thunderbird.

Marilyn Monroe knew that.

On December 20, 1955 the iconic movie star bought a brand new 1956 Ford Thunderbird in raven black, a color that dramatically accentuated every curve and made all the brightwork pop. The car came with a canvas convertible top as well as a detachable hardtop with those famous porthole windows. Marilyn Monroe reportedly loved to take her T-bird out for a spin, she even drove it to her wedding with playwright Arthur Miller in June, 1956. It became the one and only car that Marilyn Monroe ever owned. In the spring of 1962, shortly before her tragic death, the two icons parted ways when Marilyn gave the T-bird as a gift to her friend Paula Strasberg and her son John.

In 2018 Marilyn Monroe´s Ford Thunderbird was sold for $490 000 at auction.

At Crafoord Auktioner Stockholm we are now proudly presenting the rare opportunity to be the new owner of a 1956 Ford Thunderbird in all its original glory. In other words – a close relative to Marilyn Monroe´s beloved car. Same model, same vintage, and same raven black finish, a two seater with a strikingly bold red and white leather interior instead of black and white, always driven and maintained with the uttermost care, still original with a beautiful patina.

Ford launched the Thunderbird as a response to the Chevrolet Corvette. Both became icons almost instantly. Ford called the Thunderbird a ”personal luxury car” instead of just a sports car. And that is what the Thunderbird does. It ensures a highly personal luxury to its owner.