Vehicle Description
*This '55 T-Bird is stunningly beautiful, a true 1950's classic.
Updated with a 1957 245HP 312ci V8 engine (not the 198HP 292ci
standard for 1955) it carries vastly improved power. Installed are
a 1957 manifold and holly carburetor. (Original manifold comes with
the car)
*Standard Ford-O-Matic 3-speed transmission
*Lightweight fiberglass convertible top. Removes in 60 seconds by
two people.
*Power steering, power brakes, power seats, all in excellent
working order
*Aluminum radiator with seven blade fan for improved drivability,
T-Bird's were notorious for overheating. (Owner says from time to
time it may still run hot if he's caught for an extended period in
bumper to bumper LA traffic).
*The 6 Volt battery system has been replaced with a 12 V system.
Battery is from a 1956 T-Bird and identical in size to the 1955 6
Volt
*Comes with the original convertible top - frame minus the
vinyl.
*Legitimate Thunderbird wire wheels requiring an inner tube. Tires
are not original bias ply and have been updated with radials for
increased drivability. Trunk has been updated and contains a space
saver spare tire with an extra inner-tube.
*Radio is new with trunk mounted custom Kenwood speakers. Buyer can
easily source original radio if interested.
*'55 T-Birds did not come with portholes. In 1956 portholes were a
standard feature and beginning in 1957 portholes were offered as an
option.
*Production of the T-bird started in October of 1954. Offered as a
convertible only, a removable fiberglass hardtop was a popular
option. The Thunderbird's body was made of steel and featured
roll-up windows, unlike the Corvette's fiberglass body and side
curtains. A telescoping steering column, dual exhaust, and a
292-cid OHV V8 were all standard equipment.
*Ford had hoped to sell 10,000 T-birds the first year, but instead
found itself unable to keep up with demand. Production ran into
September, eventually selling over 16,000 examples during 1955.
Meanwhile, over at GM, a mere 674 Vettes were sold, with previous
year's sales at 3,640. The Corvette would likely have been
discontinued, but the success of the Thunderbird prompted Chevrolet
to continue production.
*This Stunning Example of American History is available for
$53,500
