A red 1956 Ford Thunderbird with a unique history—supporting what remains the world’s longest continuous flight—sold for $91,000 on the Bring a Trailer auction site in January. The car’s significance extends beyond its classic design; it was integral to a daring, record-breaking aviation feat and later became part of Howard Hughes’s inner circle.
Зміст
The Record-Breaking Flight
In February 1959, pilots Robert Timm and John Wayne Cook landed a Cessna 172 at McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas after an astonishing 64 days, 22 hours, and 19 minutes aloft. This remains the Guinness World Record for the longest continuous flight ever. The stunt required 128 mid-air refueling passes—a dangerous undertaking involving a truck matching pace with the aircraft while fuel was hauled up via hose. The Cessna, still hanging in the baggage claim area of Harry Reid International Airport today, was sponsored by the Hacienda Hotel, which provided meals to the pilots throughout the endurance test.
The Thunderbird’s Role
The Ford Thunderbird was initially stationed at McCarran as a safety vehicle. While its role as an emergency responder may seem unconventional, its striking red color and photogenic presence proved valuable. The car was often captured in publicity shots alongside the Cessna, seen scooting along the runway as supplies—including food and, notably, waste disposal for the long-duration flight—were hoisted up to the airborne pilots.
Hughes’s Connection
The Thunderbird’s provenance grew even more notable when it came into the possession of John Seymore, the personal pilot for aviation magnate Howard Hughes. The car remained with Hughes’s inner circle after the Howard Hughes Tool Company acquired McCarran airport in the 1960s. This connection significantly boosted its value at auction, where it outperformed most standard ’56 Thunderbirds, only trailing behind rare factory supercharged models.
A Legacy of Endurance
The Thunderbird was refurbished over the years and now represents a unique piece of aviation and automotive history. Its days of endurance support are over, but its story—a blend of 1950s optimism and a reckless publicity stunt—ensures its place in car show lore. The car serves as a reminder that some records are broken not just by pushing limits, but by embracing the absurd.
This Thunderbird’s sale underscores how a vehicle’s value can be dramatically elevated by its involvement in extraordinary events, solidifying its status as more than just a classic car; it’s a rolling testament to an era of high-stakes aviation and Hollywood glamour.
