We are proud to offer this very clean, very cool 1955 Ford
Thunderbird. With a recent restoration, 292 cubic inch V8 and
manual transmission with overdrive, this Thunderbird is truly the
driver's choice version of this iconic 50's era sports car. The
Ford Thunderbird was introduced in February 1953 as response to
Chevrolet's new sports car, the Corvette. Under rapid development,
the Thunderbird went from idea to prototype in about a year, being
unveiled to the public at the Detroit Auto Show on February 20,
1954. It was a two-seat design available with a detachable
glass-fibre hard top and a folding fabric top. Production of the
Thunderbird began on September 9 of that year, with the car
beginning sales as a 1955 model on October 22, 1954. Though sharing
some design characteristics with other Fords of the time, such as
single, circular headlamps and tail lamps and modest tailfins, the
Thunderbird was sleeker in shape, and featured a hood scoop and a
150 mph (240 km/h) speedometer not available on other Fords. Though
inspired by, and positioned directly against, the Corvette, Ford
billed the Thunderbird as a personal car, putting a greater
emphasis on the car's comfort and convenience features rather than
its inherent sportiness. The Thunderbird sold exceptionally well in
its first year. In fact, the Thunderbird outsold the Corvette by
more than 23-to-one for 1955 with 16,155 Thunderbirds sold against
700 Corvettes. This particular Thunderbird has recently benefited
by a new repaint in its original Torch Red (Code R). The paint and
chrome work on this Thunderbird are also fantastic. The red livery
really pops and is beautifully contrasted against extremely bright
chrome. There are two small dents in the grill surround and one in
one of the wheel covers. On the inside, this T-Bird has the newer
correct red and white interior (Trim code B) and is a classic
throwback to trendy 50's style. While this vehicle does not have
power steering or air conditioning, it does have power adjustable
seats, and an adjustable steering column. The black canvas fabric
top is in average shape, but the vehicle does also come with a
hardtop and stand. Mechanically, this car is in excellent condition
and surprisingly quick. The V8 and three-speed manual transmission
makes this Thunderbird very fun for spirit driving. The motor pulls
strong and the vehicle holds steady at speeds in excess of 80 mph.
Also worth noting is the braking performance; even under emergency
braking, the vehicle holds true straight without any vibrations.
The wide white wall radials look terrific and add to the safety and
performance. The current owner, an avid car collector, confirms
that all mechanical and electrical components do operate properly.
We also conducted our full independent inspection and the car is in
very nice condition with all systems and mechanical operations
performing well, except the clock is not functioning. See the photo
gallery showcasing the impeccably clean and rust free under
carriage. This Thunderbird is the very first of one of Ford's most
iconic nameplates. Here is your chance to own a stylish piece of
automotive history. This vehicle can be viewed at our Phoenix
Showroom. For more information, contact Daniel at +1.917.890.4230
or
[email protected]
