Vehicle Description
There's no doubt the Ford Thunderbird was a game-changer when it
hit the market in 1955. Not designed to compete with the Corvette,
but surely inspired by it, the Ford was more luxury than sport, but
that was just fine in the eyes of Thunderbird buyers, who eagerly
bought every single one Ford could build.
This lovely Thunderbird Blue 1955 T-Bird has been with the same
owner for nearly 58 years. Impressive! Thunderbirds are notorious
for rusting in some pretty demonic ways, so finding a solid example
is important. The paint is 13 years old but it remains in fantastic
shape, making this one of the most impressive early 'Birds we've
seen in a long time. Code T Thunderbird Blue was accurately
replicated using modern finishes so it's bright and clear in
person, and all the chrome shows quite well. To say it was an
expensive job would be an extreme understatement, but I think
you'll agree that it was worth every penny. This car has also been
fitted with a correct non-porthole hardtop, which might look odd
but the porthole didn't show up until 1956. 1955 also included
unique exhaust outlets in the bumper guards and what many
enthusiasts consider the most pure shape: No pointed tail fins and
no continental kit to mar the lines. This is a great-looking baby
'Bird!
The bright and cheerful 1950s were in full swing inside the
Thunderbird, complete with two-tone turquoise and white seats.
Thunderbirds came pretty well loaded, but this one also includes
goodies like A/C, power windows, a power seat, and a 3-speed
Cruise-O-Matic automatic transmission, so motoring is effortless
and luxurious, as intended. The seat covers are exact replicas of
the original equipment, and matching door panels are like art with
their bright trim and sculpted vinyl. The instruments are original
and in decent shape, including the sweeping speedometer and
tachometer to the left of the instrument panel. There's also an
AM/FM/cassette radio, which fits neatly in the original radio's
slot. This is a single top car (the base 'Bird came with either a
hard top or a soft top, but both was an extra-cost option), but
with the way it looks and the A/C, you'll be more than happy to
keep the hardtop in place. The trunk offers reasonable storage
space, even with the full-sized spare living inside.
Power for the Thunderbird is supplied by Ford's P-code 292 cubic
inch "Y-block" V8, which makes a robust 198 horsepower. Finished
with red Ford engine paint, those distinctive finned valve covers
with Thunderbird logos, and a chrome air cleaner, it's a study in
early industrial design; Ford designers knew the engine had to be
pretty in this car! It was rebuilt some years ago and shows signs
of use, but it has also been properly maintained so it continues to
run well today. It starts easily and drives beautifully, with a
crisp V8 burble from the tailpipes providing the perfect
accompaniment, and the modern A/C and alternator blend in well
enough that most folks won't notice. The suspension is trusty, with
soft springs for easy cruising, and drum brakes that are more than
adequate for the T-Bird's modest curb weight. Classic 6.70-15
Firestone wide whites with standard hubcaps give it a true '50s
vibe.
Early Thunderbirds are as stable as granite in the market. Buy this
one today, enjoy it, maintain it, and it will always reward you
with great performance and almost guaranteed resale. Call
today!
