In the nearly 30 years of dealing in high-end collector cars, we have had quite a few 1955-1957 Ford Thunderbirds as part of our inventory, but I think it is safe to say that this particular car is one of the finest restored T-Birds we have ever laid our eyes on.
‘Red Hills Rods & Classics’ is very proud to offer you this absolutely gorgeous, 100% rotisserie-restored 1955 Ford Thunderbird! Folks, this car is an absolute show-stopper in every way! ‘Hill’s Automotive’ in Racine, Ohio, performed the no-expense spared, body-off restoration, and no corners were cut in any way. Having a car restored at ‘Hill’s Automotive’ certainly has its benefits, as numerous automobiles restored at their facility have gone on to receive some of the country’s most prestigious awards. Whoever ends up purchasing this spectacular Thunderbird could certainly enter any national level car event and receive Top Honors. As of now she sits on our showroom floor here in Saint George, Utah, in absolutely ‘mint condition’ throughout.
Featuring a stunning Raven Black (Code A) exterior, wrapped around a perfect factory-correct black & white leather interior, this T-Bird is about as elegant looking as they come. The body panels are laser-straight all the way around, w/ precise gaps & alignment, and the Raven Black paint is about as flawless as you will ever find, sporting a deep lustrous shine. All of the chrome & bright work is in show condition throughout. The black canvas soft-top is simply perfect and fits like a glove, while she also comes w/ the original black hard top that is in the same ‘mint condition’ as the rest of the car. She sits on 15” x 5” steel wheels w/ the correct chrome wire hubcaps, wrapped w/ Auburn Premium white-wall radial tires (P205/75/R15). The new owner will also receive an additional set of steel wheels (15” x 7” on the rear & 15” x 6” up front) w/ red Ford hubcaps, wrapped w/ B.F. Goodrich TA radial tires (P225/70/R15 on the rear & P215/65/R15 up front). Please look at the photos of the car wearing both wheel/tire combos, and also note that there are (5) of each set. Two different looks and both look absolutely stellar! The undercarriage is as nice as the top side, w/ all of the sheet metal painted glossy black just like the exterior. All of the components underneath the car are brand new throughout, as you would expect from a high-dollar rotisserie restoration. Please look at the undercarriage photos as they speak much louder than words.
Open the driver’s door and you will find a gorgeous black & white leather interior, that looks and feels like ‘showroom new’ in every way. Again, everything is brand new and/or completely restored throughout the interior. All of the engine-turned aluminum inserts are bright w/ sharp checkering, and all of the chrome items are mint. The black dash houses the original gauges, which all work perfectly. The power windows, 4-way power seat, and the telescopic steering column are all in perfect working order as well. The original 17” steering wheel was replaced w/ a new 15” black wheel w/ chrome horn ring, which looks and feels just right. The new black carpeting is made from OE quality materials and are made to look and fit like the original Ford Thunderbird carpet. Everything appears factory correct throughout the interior, w/ the exception of the slim AC vents under the dash, which were added during the restoration. The interior is visually stunning, very comfortable and fully functional in every way. The trunk area was fully restored of course, w/ the correct trunk mat, jack assembly, etc.
Pop-open the hood and nestled inside the beautifully detailed engine bay resides the fully-rebuilt 292ci V8 motor, lathered in the correct Thunderbird Red paint, and sporting the original finned Thunderbird valve covers. The original Holley teacup carburetor from 1955 was replaced w/ a Holley carb from a 1957 Thunderbird, along w/ the intake manifold, distributor & ignition. This is due to the original teacup carburetor being quite finicky, and by 1957 they had a much better running set-up. Everywhere under the hood you will find the correct FoMoCo and/or Autolite components, as you would expect. Again, I will let the photos do the talking. The motor is linked to the fully-rebuilt 3-speed Ford-O-Matic transmission, which feeds power to the Dana 44 rear end w/ 3.31 gear ratio. She fires up instantly w/ the flick of the wrist, and she runs & drives beautifully in every way. During the concours restoration, several other upgrades were added for comfort and/or reliability. These upgrades include: electric fuel pump, front disc brakes, 12-volt electrical system (battery looks like the original 6-volt unit), PowerGen alternator (looks exactly like the original generator), thermostat-controlled fan, Classic Auto Air Perfect Fit air conditioning system, and LED taillights, all excellent upgrades that will enhance the overall driving experience. This stunning T-Bird is a blast to drive and everywhere you go there will be folks snapping photos w/ their smartphones. The new owner will receive the (5) extra wheels & tires, the original black hardtop, original owner’s manual, original 1955 Ford Thunderbird brochure, paperwork having to do with components that were used for the restoration, as well as the free & clear title.
If you have been searching for a vintage Thunderbird, one that can win ‘First Place’ awards at any national level automotive event, but also one that can be driven and enjoyed to the fullest, you will want to take a very close look at this absolutely beautiful 1955 Ford Thunderbird!
