It's the 11th month of production so Ford ran out of 1955 engines so they put a 312 CI upgrade in the car
This black 1955 Thunderbird waited in the shade like a secret Ford never meant to keep. That year the plant ran short of 292-cubic-inch V8s, so this one received the stronger 1956's 312 instead, with more horsepower and torque. Power brakes tamed the extra muscle. A three-speed manual with overdrive gave six forward gears. Sporting a new tan soft-top folded behind the seat and a black hardtop are included. One factory shortage, one lucky car, and at 71 still roars like a hungry lion, ready to tear-up the road.