Vehicle Description
It's about as pivotal a part of American automotive lore as the
highway itself and still features its original colors both inside
and out. This 1955 Ford Thunderbird is a true classic among
classics - it represents the very first year of the very first
generation of the model. It's running and driving great and
presents the opportunity to own a coveted ride that's ready to roll
just as soon as you get it home.
Its Torch red exterior represents one of the signature color
choices for its era and is the same shade it left the factory with
more than 60 years ago. The paint still presents well - rest
assured that the head turning prowess of this vintage drop top has
not ebbed in the least and it cuts quite an appearance just as it
is, but a skillful freshening of the color is a definite option for
the prospective owner inclined toward bringing out its absolute
best. There are a lot of great visual details to behold - the front
bumper features dual bullet ornamentation and sits below a
distinctive front grille, while a tasteful factory scoop rises from
the hood. If you swing around to the side, you'll notice the fender
skirts that add yet another bit of eye candy. The chrome on all
four sides presents well - both the front and rear bumpers look
very fresh and the signature fender scoops are well-represented
here. During those times when the skies darken, there's both a
white vinyl convertible top and a matching red accessory hard top
on hand for protection.
The interior sports its original red and white color scheme and its
charm is undeniable. The two tone bench seat at its center appears
to be in very solid shape, with plenty of life left in it - it's an
inspired and very comfortable vantage point from which to navigate
this venerable Ford. Even better, the power adjustment still works
just as intended to move the seat into the perfect position. The
door panels on both sides still look sharp, as does the carpeting
below. The factory-issue Thunderbird steering wheel still sits on
its column, while just beyond it the dash area is another definite
visual draw. Its textured aluminum accents look particularly sharp
and the gauges in the cluster are very clear and easily readable,
although the factory clock and tach will need a bit of attention to
get them back online. A tap on the horn will be plenty to let those
around you know of your presence - it's entertainingly loud. The
trunk area in back looks solid, with a full-size factory spare
securely mounted inside and fresh vinyl lining the floor.
The stock-looking engine compartment has been well looked after and
features a period-correct 292 cubic inch V8 at its center, carrying
a 4-barrel carb that sits under a fetching chrome air cleaner on
top and a pair of sharp looking Thunderbird-branded valve covers on
its sides. This very road-ready powerplant teams with a 3-speed
manual transmission that's shifting very smoothly and features an
overdrive gear to keep revs down at highway speeds. This T-Bird
provides a very pleasant driving experience and a number of
components have been replaced fairly recently to up its
dependability factor, including the carburetor, fuel pump,
distributor and brake pads. The view from below is reassuring - the
undercarriage shows the patina you'd expect after all these years
but appears very solid, and you can see the bracing Ford employed
to maximize the body rigidity of this open-air classic. An
important part of automotive history, it cruises on a set of 15"
stock wheels with chrome hubcaps that carry vintage looking white
wall tires.
This 1955 Ford Thunderbird offers the opportunity to get behind the
wheel of a smooth driving piece of American automotive history at a
good price. Call today!