.....SALE.....The Ford Thunderbird was introduced in February 1953 as response to Chevy’s new sports car, the Corvette, which was publicly unveiled in prototype form just a month before. 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. It utilized mechanical components from mass-market Ford models. The Thunderbird's 102.0 inches wheelbase frame was a shortened version used in other Fords and the standard 292 cu in (4.8 L) Y-block V8 came from Ford's Mercury division. Though inspired by, and positioned directly against, the Corvette, Ford billed the Thunderbird as a personal luxury 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 Thunder birds sold against 700 Corvettes. This is a rust free example of a numbers matching 1955 Ford Thunderbird. It is finished it its original Torch Red with Red and White interior, new carpet and door panels. It is equipped with both hard and a new soft tops, power brakes, side skirts, brand new tires, 3 speed stick with overdrive. This little American icon runs and drives great, powerful, iconic, dependable and fun fun fun till daddy takes the T-Bird away. Now on display at the home of “over the top cars, CHECKERED FLAG CLASSICS 7743 MONTEREY ST GILROY, 408-847-8788 or 888-625-2774, sold as-is, California buyers are responsible for sales tax and license fees. On the web: checkeredflagclassics.com Buy with confidence I am a licensed bonded California dealer.
