Vehicle Description
The 1955 Ford Thunderbird was a game-changer. Sure, the Corvette
set the stage, but the Thunderbird introduced the personal luxury
car, a concept that has proven remarkably durable in the 50-odd
years since its introduction. This lovely 1955 T-Bird shows you why
these are such enduring favorites, and why no collection is
complete without one today.
If you ask someone to close their eyes and think of a Thunderbird,
this Torch Red roadster is quite likely what they'll imagine.
Beautifully proportioned, neatly styled, and with neat little
details throughout that told the world that Ford was serious about
their 2-seater. This one was restored a few years ago and has seen
some use since then, but you really can't go wrong with an early
'Bird. The driver-quality paint is bright, offering a depth and
clarity that most finishes in 1955 couldn't match, and while it
shows a few imperfections, none of it detracts from the pure '50s
fun this car represents. The '55's trim proportions, simple lines,
and lack of extras make them a favorite among collectors, and it's
easy to see why. Body gaps are pretty good and the fender skirts
fit flush with the quarter panels, indicative of a car that has
never needed major surgery in that area. The chrome is nicely
presented and more than likely original to the car, and those
factory details I mentioned, including the hash marks on the
fenders, the hood scoop, rear fender skirts, jet-inspired
taillights, and rare continental kit out back are all in solid
shape, giving this Baby Bird a beautiful all-together look.
Black and white is the contrasting theme inside, where you'll find
a neatly restored/preserved interior that has all the correct bells
and whistles. The two-tone bench seat is supportive with firm foam
under the supple seat cover, and better yet, it's power actuated!
Engine-turned panels sweep from the doors onto the dash, giving the
'Bird a racy feel, and the execution is crisp and highly detailed.
The gauges appear to all be original pieces that look great inside
the sporty dash, and just ahead of them lies a rare find - the
original leather-wrapped 2-spoke steering wheel. An AM radio is
still in place but due for an upgrade, but you also get power
windows, power steering and brakes, and an ornate floor-shifter
that controls the automatic transmission below. And here's an
unusual fact: in 1955 you could have either a folding convertible
top or a removable hardtop at no cost, but getting both was extra,
so this one carries only a hardtop, and it was painted Torch Red to
match the body. Thanks to the continental kit, the spacious trunk
is freed up even further, and it features an original-style rubber
mat and jack set.
The only engine available for a Baby Bird in 1955 was a P-code 292
cubic inch "Y-block" V8, which when linked to an automatic
transmission, made a factory-rated 198 horsepower. Nicely detailed
to show off at the next cruise-in, it fires easily and wears a
proper Thunderbird dress-up kit that includes a chrome air cleaner
and those gorgeous finned cast aluminum valve covers. Ford Red
paint on the block still looks good and the unusual air cleaner
makes use of the hood scoop for fresh air. Underneath, it's very
well-kept and presentable, with solid floors framed by a black
frame and a dual exhaust system that exits through the rear bumper
guards. Handsome and correct 6.70x15 wide whitewall bias-ply tires
have been fitted and wear full chrome wheel covers that look
appropriate.
A dialed-in first-year Thunderbird is something that every hobbyist
should experience. This one isn't perfect, but if you want a great
driver with a lot of class, this 'Bird is hard to beat. Call
today!
