‘56 Thunderbird
The 1956 Ford Thunderbird built by Cal Automotive Creations is a masterpiece of modern restomod engineering. It was specifically built for owner Beth Myers and was a featured contender for the prestigious 2025 Barrett-Jackson Cup.
What makes this build so special is its "rolling sculpture" philosophy: it maintains the iconic silhouette of a 1956 "Baby Bird" while undergoing radical, yet subtle, custom modifications to every square inch of the car.
Artisan Design & Custom Machining
The car is a "subtle" radical custom—it looks stock at a distance, but nearly every panel has been touched:
Body Work: The body was heavily massaged, including a 1.5-inch roof chop and "tucked" bumpers that sit tighter to the body than factory versions.
Machined Details: One of the most unique aspects is the amount of bespoke machining. The headlight and taillight bezels, trim pieces, and even the taillight lenses were custom-machined for this build.
Paint & Finish: It is finished in a sophisticated Ferrari Champagne paint with a contrasting nickel-finish roof.
Interior: The cabin features a cream leather interior crafted by KO's Custom Upholstery, paired with one-off wheels designed by Eric Black.
Make it stand out
Engine: A modern Roush Coyote 5.0L V8 producing roughly 500 horsepower. It features a stunning Borla stack injection system that gives the engine bay a vintage-yet-mechanical look.
Chassis: A completely customized Roadster Shop chassis that was built to specific ride and tire heights determined by Cal Auto.
Drivetrain: Power is sent to the rear wheels via a Bowler Performance 4R70W four-speed automatic transmission.
Suspension & Brakes: It utilizes Penske coilovers for modern handling and Baer disc brakes for stopping power.
