Vehicle Description
Two cars literally defined the newfound freedom of the 1950s: the
Chevrolet Corvette and the Ford Thunderbird. Eventually Chevrolet
took their Corvette to the racetrack, while Ford continued to turn
their Thunderbird into the ultimate boulevard king. Now, over sixty
years later, first generation Corvettes are cool, but first
generation Thunderbirds are more endearing!
Looking for a sweet, 50s-era classic that's valuable, fun to drive
and can turn Main Street into a parade route? This awesome roadster
certainly does the trick! Inherited by its current owner in early
2017, this crisp Ford has been pampered and garaged since its
detailed, ground-up restoration - a build that's thought to have
wrapped in late 2011. A more tailored response to Chevrolet's more
brash Corvette, this T-bird looks fantastic in Colonial White
2-stage. At the front of the car, a stainless egg-crate grille
rides between clean headlights, chrome-trimmed parking lamps, an
intricate header emblem and a bulleted bumper that bends around
peaked fenders. Between those fenders, a classy hood scoop leads
the eye to a wraparound windshield that's reflected in a correct
chrome mirror, cleared by polished stainless wipers and framed in
thick chrome trim. At the top of that trim, a Colonial White
hardtop latches down over a Black soft top as a part of Ford's
innovative dual-roof system. Below those roofs, sculpted door
handles and stainless-trimmed fender skirts perfectly complement
sedate louvers and flowing "Thunderbird" scripts. And at the back
of the car, chrome-trimmed, jet-inspired taillights center an
intricate trunk emblem above a second wraparound bumper that's
complete with a Continental Kit.
Tilt this Ford's lightweight hood and you'll find 312 cubic inches
of chrome-trimmed Thunderbird V8! Introduced in 1956, this stout
little Y-block remained an option in blue oval staples well into
the mid-1970s. At the top of the bright orange mill, a trio of
polished air cleaners funnel wind into a trio of polished
carburetors, which are centered in a web of polished fluid lines.
Atomized octane passes through a polished intake to correct, cast
iron heads that are topped by polished and Thunderbird-branded
valve covers. At the front of those covers, a polished generator
spins between chrome-trimmed power steering and polished AC
components. Spark comes courtesy of a retro FoMoCo distributor,
which sequences fire between a chrome-trimmed battery, a polished
coil and pliable plug wires. Cooling is provided by a factory
radiator, which fashions a polished shroud around a polished pulley
fan. From its polished hood hardware to its polished oil filler,
this roadster's bay presents a clean, highly detailed appearance.
And best of all, the spry engine fires instantly and sounds
surprisingly beefy breathing through brash turbo mufflers and
restored factory manifolds.
At the bottom of this Thunderbird, a fully sorted undercarriage
houses solid floors that are bolted to a roster of proven
components. Nice enough to show but still fully drivable, this is
the perfect compromise for enthusiasts who like to display their
car and still enjoy the occasional top-down weekend. Behind the
Y-block, a dressed Cruise-O-Matic 3-speed spins power to a dressed
10-bolt axle. The suspension remains in its original configuration
while continuing the car's theme of polished components. Turns come
courtesy of lucid power steering. Braking is flashy and adequate
thanks to polished and power-assisted drums. All of the chassis'
parts feature a weather-free appearance, reinforcing the idea that
it's been a very long time since this 'bird's seen daily-driver
duty. And on the outside of those parts, handsome wire wheels spin
205/75R15 Coker Classic whitewalls.
Colonial White paint is legendary for its characteristically
upscale feel. And when paired with this Thunderbird's contrasting
Black roof and rich vinyl interior, it creates the perfect
culmination of class and sophistication. Thanks to the car's
quality restoration, its pleated bench seat is livable for years to
come. Front and center, classy telemetry, modern climate control
and modern, direct-fit audio look great plotted among engine-turned
bezels. In the middle of the floor, a chrome shifter feels both
firm and precise. And in front of the driver, a glossy steering
wheel spins a chrome horn ring around a mirrored steering
column.
If there's one phrase that describes this awesome classic, it would
be "luxury sport". That may sound a bit clich�, but it's true.
There's a reason these cars have built a legacy of cruising,
seeing, being seen and looking fantastic. Just imagine sliding in
to this 'bird's comfy vinyl seats, firing up its throaty V8 and
chasing the sun down your favorite two-lane black top - it doesn't
get much better than that!
HIGHLIGHTS
The beneficiary of a detailed, ground-up restoration
312 cubic inch Thunderbird V8
Cruise-O-Matic 3-speed automatic transmission
Modern air conditioning
Power steering
4-wheel power drum brakes
Modern audio
15-inch wire wheels
Colonial White paint
Sale includes the car's hardtop
All RK Motors vehicles receive a comprehensive, multi-point
inspection
We can arrange shipment of your purchase anywhere in the world
