Vehicle Description
The early Ford Thunderbird remains one of the blue-chip investments
of the car hobby. No, it won't make you rich overnight, but they
have a consistent and loyal following and their values have been
inching up year after year, making this pretty Thunderbird Blue
1955 example a car you can buy with your brain as well as your
heart.
Arguably the most pure of the early Thunderbirds, this 1955 looks
unique simply because it's not red, white, or black. But even in
another color, there would be no debate about the quality of the
bodywork, the straightness of the original sheetmetal, and the
excellent prep it received. Originally code T Thunderbird Blue,
that's how it was refinished and the pastel hue looks absolutely
amazing on the slick T-Bird bodywork. There's also a serious amount
of chrome on any car from the '50s, and the trim on this car has
been nicely refinished so it shows off a bright shine without major
defects. Original emblems were reinstalled wherever possible, and
it's so fresh that even the exhaust tips poking through the rear
bumper haven't started to discolor the chrome. It's pure 1950s fun
in a right-sized package.
The tidy two-tone interior is equally nice, with plush seats that
have been restored to as-new condition. Bright color-matched vinyl
in turquoise and white is a nice change from all the black and
white interiors we see in these cars, and its sunny disposition is
like coming home. All the gauges have been rebuilt, and the crystal
clear speedometer lens is especially nice, with the only real
demerit being a speedo needle that's a little faded. That's a
pretty small nit to pick! The bright trim that spans the entire
interior has been given a proper engine-turned surface, and the
original AM radio remains in the center of the dash. Of note, this
one carries power windows and a power seat, as well as an optional
automatic transmission and power steering, so it's pretty loaded up
for 1955. Most folks don't realize it, but two tops were also an
option, and this car includes both a white vinyl folding top and a
correct early non-porthole hardtop in contrasting white. There's
also a correctly finished trunk with a rubber mat and full-sized
spare tire assembly.
Ford's Y-block V8 provided power for the Thunderbird, in this case
a P-code 292 cubic inch V8 making 198 horsepower, which was the
only engine available in 1955. Rebuilt not too long ago, it's still
being broken in, but it starts easily and has a wonderful V8
exhaust note that invites you out onto the open road. The nicely
detailed engine bay features all the correct parts, including the
chrome air cleaner, special finned Thunderbird valve covers, and
Ford Red paint on the block. You'll note that the inner fenders and
firewall are extremely clean and the wiring is new. In fact, a lot
of the stuff is new, making this a turn-key T-Bird that's ready to
hit the road. The chassis is nicely finished although it was
clearly built with an eye towards putting it on the road. A new
exhaust system, a recent brake service, and new 205/75/15 whitewall
radials on the original wheels mean that it's ready to go
today.
Not many collector cars are icons like the Thunderbird, and you'll
find that everywhere you go in this one, you're a celebrity. Call
today!