Vehicle Description
1955 Ford Thunderbird Convertible
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Designers: William P. Boyer & Frank Hershey
Estimate: $30,000 - $60,000 Without Reserve
Chassis Number: P5FH245831
Decoded: P=292 cid V8 engine; 5=1955; F=Dearborn, MI assembly;
H=Thunderbird convertible; 245831=145,831st 1955 Ford scheduled for
assembly at Dearborn
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Engine: 292 cid OHV "Y-block" V8
4-barrel Carburetor/198 bhp
3-Speed Ford-O-Matic Automatic Transmission
Power Assisted Four Wheel Hydraulic Drum Brakes
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Odometer: 355 miles
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America's Personal Luxury Car
First Year of the Legendary Series
Trend Setting Styling for the Era
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The Model -While Chevrolet may have started America's love of
domestic sports-cars, Ford perfected the notion of a sporty,
personal car that presented the image of positive thinking while
establishing styling trends that would continue on for over a
decade and be reborn nearly 50 years later. When Ford released the
little T-bird, it was an instant love affair for old and young
alike. As opposed to the Corvette, which shared virtually nothing
with its full-size sisters, the T-bird's styling kept a family
resemblance alive which helped propel Ford into the top-selling
position for several seasons during the 1950's. Thunderbird helped
build showroom traffic and even though mom and dad might go home in
a Fairlane sedan or Country Sedan station wagon, they felt they
were bringing home just a bit of The T-bird flair. In its first
year, 16,155 examples were sold, compared to Chevrolet's 4,460
total sales in Corvette's first three model years combined.�
The Car - Looking under the hood of this gorgeous Thunderbird, you
will notice that on the data plate under the "Color" entry is the
letter "V". That represents one of the most outstanding colors
applied to the T-bird, Goldenrod Yellow. Introduced towards the
latter part of the model year, the Goldenrod Yellow T-birds are
treasured among collectors, as well they should be. This example
has been treated to a full restoration during which time a couple
of convenience upgrades were included. The electrical system was
changed to the more popular 12-volts and for cool summertime
cruising a modern air-conditioner has been added. Externally, this
car is a fresh and pure as the day it rolled off the assembly line
at the legendary Rouge plant in Dearborn. Another modern-day
accessory tastefully added is a custom-fit AM-FM sound system. The
engine is fitted with the accessory dress-up kit featuring finned
valve covers, chrome air-cleaner and a look that cannot be beaten.
Driving this car is a dream with all gauges working including the
all-important tachometer and even the electric clock. Easy to
adjust, the seat is power-adjustable and the windows glide up and
down electrically. Fitted with a black soft-top, this beautiful
example of the premiere year for Thunderbird is one ride you do not
want to miss out on.