For Sale: 1955 Ford Thunderbird in Morgantown, Pennsylvania

1955 Ford Thunderbird Roadster

Ford had only planned to build 10,000 Thunderbirds for the 1955 model year. Within the first 10 days after its debut in Detroit, Ford had over 3,500 orders and would end up selling over 16,000 Thunderbirds before the year was out.

For consignment, a 1955 Ford Thunderbird convertible with a title verified 54,297 actual miles. Not only did the car grace the cover of a prominent Jersey Shore magazine, but it's been photographed with a number of notable celebrities including Mickey Rooney, Soupy Sales, and numerous Miss Americas. Our consignor took meticulous notes regarding the car's care including recording each gas fill up!

Exterior
As if the shape is not iconic enough to turn heads, the Goldenrod Yellow certainly will as it embraces the curvature of this classic roadster, from the round topped front fenders to the narrow fins out back with very few flaws as we'll see. In profile, with the newer black canvas top stowed, it's the perfect parade car and in fact, this car is a veteran of many. The fender skirts with chrome gravel guard add an additional touch of elegance to the sporty car and partially covers the 15-inch wheel in back and they're all yellow painted steel wheels with the proper, polished wheel covers. The windshield frame is also polished, and the glass itself is almost jet fighter in its degree of curve, while the tail lights were clearly inspired by the developing jet age and the bumper exit exhaust are simply epic. Imperfections are limited to a few areas of cracking paint on the front fascia along with some color mismatch between the body and the fender skirts.

Interior
Black surrounds the spun aluminum panel that, when the doors are closed, forms a continuous band around the doors and the width of the dash. The remainder of the door panels are covered with yellow, ribbed vinyl that create a visual match to the bench seat and its yellow inserts in black padded surround, and it's all in fantastic condition. This fine status continues on the steering wheel and dash with an arching speedometer that tops out at 150 mph, while a tachometer and clock bookend the cluster, all within view of the driver. The spun metal panel takes in the AM radio and vent levers, topped by a courtesy light and the now iconic turquoise Thunderbird emblem. The black carpet is clean, the shifter shows its originality, and the trunk has a rubber mat and a yellow spare wheel occupying a good bit of real estate.

Drivetrain
Our detailing urge is strong with this one as we have a driver quality and accessible engine under the hood. It's the 292ci V8 with a Holley 2-barrel carburetor and a horsepower rating of 198. Behind it, a 3-speed manual with overdrive sending power to the Dana 44 with 3.56 gears in back. The car retains its 6 volt operation.

Undercarriage
We've got driver quality conditions here as well with typical patina and surface rust and some oil on the rear differential and transmission pan and a drop or two on the oil pan. From under here, the radiator appears to be newer and aluminum. Conversely, the knuckles have some grunge build up noted in other spots too. Drum brakes are at all four wheels while suspension includes coil springs up front and leaf springs in the back. The dual exhaust runs through stock style mufflers, then feeds through the X-frame, over the rear axle, and into the rear bumper which accommodates a noteworthy exit.

Drive-Ability
The V8 comes to life without hesitation, and we note some older tires, (205/75R15), so we keep things at pedestrian speeds during which the engine proves to be a smooth runner with some obvious power underfoot. The Thunderbird tracks straight, brakes, and turns well. Of note, the heater blower, clock, radio, and right turn signal are not working and the wipers are weak. Beyond that, all functions operate as they should on this bit of 50's sunshine. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at the time of your purchase.

The prized piece of our consignor's collection, this Thunderbird was much loved, nicely maintained, and reserved for special occasions such as parades, photo shoots, and car shows. Celebrity photos with the car will come with it, helping give some context to this storied example of Ford's successful Corvette fighter!

P5FH109103

P-292ci 4bbl 198hp V8
5-1955
F-Dearborn, MI Assy Plant
H-Thunderbird
109103-Sequential Unit Number

WARRANTY PLATE

BODY 40A-Thunderbird
COLOR V-Goldenrod Yellow
TRIM D-Black & Yellow
PRODUCTION CODE 19L-November 19th

Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person. There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee is not included in the advertised price.

With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy listening. You can also watch on YouTube!