Vehicle Description
1955 Ford Thunderbird
While the Corvette struggled in its inaugural year, the Thunderbird
literally "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 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 the
weather resistant 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. It has the standard 3-speed manual transmission with
this engine putting out 193 horsepower. 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 received 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.
This one has undergone a full frame-off restoration including sand
blasting and fresh black paint that was restored to stock
specifications and has only 49,000 original miles. The frame was
completely sandblasted, a new gas tank and steel exhaust were
installed underneath with a new Stayfast convertible top installed
overhead. All parts that were replaced are OEM and it even sits on
Diamond Back radials with the same tread design as what came on the
car originally. The headlight "eyebrows" are the originals which is
rare to find on these cars anymore. The car has always been garaged
since it was restored and looks as good as it did when it rolled
off of the assembly line.
The engine and transmission were completely rebuilt and it runs and
drives like a dream with only 16,000 miles put on it since being
restored. It just received service and new brakes installed in
April of this year and the speedometer was sent away to be redone
as well.
Inside the interior is all original in black and white with the
iconic speedometer in the center with the tachometer to the left
and clock to the right. The original AM radio is in the center with
the push button set-up and classic dial perfect for listening to
oldies. In the glove box the original shop manual is included for
guidance if needed down the road but certainly an awesome display
piece on the seat for the next show. In the beautiful trunk you
will find an extra fuel pump, various fuses, extra bulbs and
gaskets included for when they are needed.
They are still in hot demand and this one is available for only
$39,900.00!
This car is being represented for a collector in the Seattle,
Washington area.