Vehicle Description
Low mileage, well-maintained T-Bird. Loaded with all options
including Premium package and removable hardtop. Two sets of
wheels, manuals, accessory tonneau cover, and much more. The
special interest car for the person who just wants to get in and
go! These were collectors' items almost from the start, so very few
ever saw day driver duty and that is the case here-with only 39,604
original miles, this car was exclusively a sunny weather driver.
The bright Torch Red paint sizzles in the sunlight and it's exactly
the right color for Ford's sporting two-seater, both then and now.
Retro cues include the chrome grille with twin fog lights that
emulate the original bumper, a hood scoop, and the twin
afterburner-style taillights out back. In between you get a sleek,
clean, and largely uncluttered ragtop that always attracts
appreciative stares. This car has spent much of its life with a
Thunderbird collector and of all the cars he's owned over the
years, this has been his favorite. It gets just as much attention
as his vintage cars without the hassles. And its status as a
collector piece shows, because there are no major chips or
scratches, certainly no rust, and it has never been hit or damaged.
Just a clean car ready to enjoy. This particular Thunderbird has
the optional two-tone interior with the $1000 Premium package that
really makes it look flashy. The upholstery is in fantastic shape
and the carpets have been protected by both factory floor mats and
a set of red accessory mats that are included with the car.
Everything was standard on these cars, including power windows,
seats, locks, and mirrors, automatic climate control, cruise
control, and a powerful AM/FM/CD stereo system that sounds great
even at speed with the top down. You'll note that this car also
carries a custom hard-shell tonneau cover that was a proposed
accessory that was never actually part of the Thunderbird package
but looks right since it was designed by the factory to be there in
the first place. It is easy to remove and install and stows in the
trunk using a custom set of fabric bags. Everything works, of
course, and the black canvas power convertible top powers itself up
and down with the touch of a button, unlike the original. There's
also a decent-sized trunk in back that's perfectly adequate for two
people on an adventure. This car also includes an optional $2000
removeable porthole hardtop. A 3.9-liter DOHC 32-valve V8 engine
was the only choice in these Thunderbirds, and it's a good one.
It's the same smooth V8 that lived in the Lincoln LS, making 252
horsepower and 267 pounds of torque-enough to make the T-Bird feel
downright quick. It's not quite as pretty as the original Y-block
with its finned aluminum valve covers but with modern electronic
controls, it fires instantly and idles perfectly every time, no
matter the weather. No 1950s car could ever do that. It has
obviously been properly maintained but as with most modern cars, it
really doesn't need much more than gas and oil and the last 20
years have proven that these cars are reliable machines. And having
served in a Lincoln, it's impeccably smooth. The engine bay is
extremely clean, showing zero signs of foul weather or neglect and
parts are still readily available today so it's easy to keep it in
top shape. The only transmission available in the Thunderbird was a
5-speed automatic that's a good match for the car's relaxed
demeanor-quick shifts around town but a tall, relaxed overdrive for
high-speed cruising. The suspension is fully independent, which
gives it great reflexes and there's a big disc brake at all four
corners. The dual exhaust system offers a muted V8 soundtrack,
enough to be a little muscular but never overbearing and the twin
chrome tips out back look awesome peeking out from under the rear
bumper. The car is currently wearing 17-inch chrome wheels from a
Lincoln LS, but the original wheels are included with the car.
Recent 235/50/17 Michelin radials are fitted, so it rides and
handles superbly. There are a LOT of extras with this car,
including the original boxed set of books, original manuals, a full
set of factory service manuals, accessory front end cover, mud
guards, floor mats, and a few spare parts. If you're someone who's
looking for a special interest car that's welcome at almost any
show but you're not really into maintaining an old car or driving a
garden-variety Mustang, the late-model Thunderbird is an ideal
choice. Stylish, comfortable, and fast, it is as appealing today as
the original was in 1955. And with all the modern conveniences, it
asks for nothing from the driver beyond a tank of gas, a sunny sky,
and an open road. Call today! Harwood Motors always recommends and
welcomes personal or professional inspections of any vehicle in our
inventory prior to purchase.