1955 Ford Thunderbird
Auto, Power Seat, California Car
This 1955 Ford Thunderbird is an honest, driver-quality example refinished in its original Torch Red with a red and white and red interior and a white removable hardtop. The car remained under the same ownership for over 40 years until we acquired it in 2021. It still wears both black and gold California license plates.
The previous owner purchased the Thunderbird as a retirement restoration project and had the engine rebuilt many years ago. When we acquired the car, it was running well, though much of it still needed to be reassembled and sorted before returning it to regular road use. Over the past few years we have gradually completed the reassembly and addressed various mechanical and cosmetic details to make it a usable and enjoyable driver once again.
Power comes from the original rebuilt 292 cubic-inch Thunderbird V8, paired with an automatic transmission. The engine starts easily and runs smoothly with plenty of power. The transmission shifts nicely through the gears and the car drives well. Under the hood everything appears largely stock, including the factory-style air cleaner and Thunderbird valve covers. The engine compartment was refinished years ago in the period-typical Xolatone speckled finish, and the engine itself still shows the fresh paint from the earlier rebuild, which likely has only a few hundred miles on it since completion. It had a new, very nice dual exhaust installed giving it a nice, period-correct sound, new shocks at the front and rear, and a new fuel tank.
The car was repainted in Torch Red, believed to have been done sometime in the late 1980s. The finish presents fine as a driver-quality repaint and gives the car a nice overall appearance. The body, frame, and undercarriage are clean and show no signs of rust, which is consistent with the car’s long California history. Most of the exterior trim appears to be original, with a few replacement pieces, including the grille surround, which we installed during our ownership. The wheel skirts are present, and the car currently rides on an older set of bias-ply whitewall tires that should be replaced due to age. The undercarraige is original with rust-free frame and floors. Overall, this is what we would describe as an honest, budget-friendly Thunderbird with a nice presence — a good “10-footer.”
The interior is presentable and comfortable and complete. The red and white upholstery, door panels, carpeting, and seating surfaces are all in good condition and show well. The car is equipped with the optional power seat, which is in working condition. We have replaced the window regulators, allowing the windows to move up and down smoothly. The speedometer and odometer are functioning, though the tachometer (RPM gauge) will need rebuilding. Auxiliary gauges are installed under the dash for oil pressure, temperature, and amperage to provide additional monitoring while driving. (At the time of photography a new temperature sending unit was not yet installed). The car retains a factory radio, which is currently not working. The heater system functions properly. The white hardtop headliner is in good condition and the top fits and fastens down correctly. A few minor trim pieces inside the dash area could still benefit from additional attention if it's future owner chooses to further refine the car. All in all, the interior is clean and comfortable and ready to enjoy. The trunk is finished in carpet, a common practice during restorations in the 1980s and early 1990s. The spare tire and jack are present.
This Thunderbird has been an enjoyable project for us over the past four and a half years, working on it periodically to get it sorted and back on the road. It is now a solid driver-quality classic ready for its next owner to enjoy as-is or continue improving over time. For someone looking for an honest, rust-free California Thunderbird with great colors and classic style, this is a very appealing and approachable example.
Be sure to check out all 350+ photos and the video at www.leftcoastclassics.com.
Call or text Donn with questions, shipping, and financing options or for a link to the hi-resolution photos at 707-332-8331.
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