Vehicle Description
SERIOUS BUYERS CALL 715-709-0343. 3 Speed, power windows, power
seat, rebuilt carb, nice interior! Runs and drives great. Will need
new top. Overall nice car, with potential to take to the next
level, or enjoy as it is! Please call/text 715-709-0343 to discuss
further details.The now-famous 1955 Ford Thunderbird's origins came
from the 1953 Ford Vega concept (not to be confused with the GM
product of the 1970s). Ford's Vega was a one-off, but generated
some interest, which moved it from concept to reality as Ford's
stylish two-seater offering for the budding sporty two-seater
market. While the Corvette struggled in its inaugural year, the
Thunderbird soared. Much of that had to do with how the car was
marketed. It was a sporty "personal car," rather than an
out-and-out "sports car," as the Corvette was positioned. The
body-on-frame chassis used existing Ford parts, and had a wheelbase
that spanned 102 inches - identical to that of the Corvette.
Meanwhile, the Thunderbird was a more dignified, personal luxury
cruiser. It had roll-up windows and standard V-8 power, both things
that were not available on the first Corvettes. Other features
included a removable fiberglass top, a fabric convertible top, and
fender skirts for the rear wheels. There was one engine for the
first 1955 T-Birds, and it was the 292 cid Y-Block V-8 fitted with
a single four-barrel carburetor. With the standard 3-speed manual
transmission, this engine made 193 horsepower, and with the
optional Ford-o-Matic transmission, it made 198 horses. The exhaust
pipes for the Thunderbird were integrated into the rear fascia and
above the rear bumper, giving it an unmistakable Jet-Age look. In
just the first five days of being on sale, over 3,500 orders were
placed for the 1955 Ford Thunderbird, indicating hot demand. Ford
had planned to build 10,000 in its first year, but ended up selling
16,155 in its first year of production.
