As a direct response, Ford created the Thunderbird ... an optional feature midway through the '56 model year. They also introduced the Continental Kit, which moved the spare tire from the trunk ...

Jim and Diane Hatcher weren't looking for another '56 Thunderbird ... and the rear piece, with its continental kit and exhaust cutouts, was exchanged for a smoothed and fitted '55 "shorty ...

Finally, a Ford stylist submitted Thunderbird as part of the list ... an adjusting steering wheel, a standard continental kit, and these cars used premium fuel. Roscoe said he "drew a complete ...

The last of Ford Motor ... hardtop and a "continental kit" — a covered spare tire perched on the rear bumper. Larger but graceful tail fins arrived for 1957. The 1957 Thunderbird was the last ...

Jerry Yost, of Coplay, has owned this 1956 Ford Fairlane Crown Victoria Thunderbird V-8 for about ... also features a chrome and black continental-kit spare tire holder mounted just aft of the ...