Vehicle Description
1955 FORD THUNDERBIRD ROADSTER
When GI’s who fought in the European Theater of World War II returned home, they brought with them fond memories of the British two-seaters that were a common sight over there. Some even managed to buy some and have them shipped home. It was clear to Detroit that there just might be a market for an American made version of the famed two-seater open car.
The two most famous of these were the MG-TC (and the later TD) and the incredibly handsome Jaguar XK-120. Kaiser introduced the famed Kaiser-Darrin in the early 50’s and Chevrolet would follow next with the legendary Corvette. Ford was not blind to Chevrolet’s new car, but chose to develop a car along a different path.
It was decided their car would be made of metal instead of fiberglass; that it would be powered by a V-8 engine unlike the Corvette’s Blue Flame Six”; and that it would feature roll-down windows and an optional hardtop unlike the Corvette’s snap on curtains. They further decided that it would, as much as possible, utilize the same tooling and parts interchangeability with the big Fords of that era.
This Magnificent Southern Estate Classic is finished in Stunning Torch Red with Black Hartz Soft Top, White Hardtop, and Red & White Interior. It underwent a Professional Frame off, Ground Up, Rotisserie, Every Nut & Bolt, Award Winning Restoration. Total investment exceeds including Exterior, Interior, Brightwork, Top, & Mechanics exceeds $69,000.
This Baby Bird comes Highly Optioned with:
· Fordamatic Automatic Transmission
o Floor mounted Locking Button Shift Selector
o Low and Drive Range
· Four Way Power Seat
· Astra-Dial Full Instrumentation Panel
· Full Instrumentation (all functional)
· Factory Tachometer
· Telescopic Lifeguard Steering Wheel
o Fully Adjustable
· Directional Signals
· Magicaire Heating and Defrost System
· Delux Push Button Radio
o Upgraded Internally to AM-FM
· Electric Clock (functional)
· Cigar Lighter (unused)
· Tinted Windows
· Fully Disappearing Factory Hartz Canvas Soft Top
· Chrome Side View Mirror
· Rear Fender Shields
· Rear Fender Skirts
· Wide Whitewall Radial Tires
· “Ford” Scripted Wheel Covers
· Auto-Wipe Windshield Washers
· “THUNDERBIRD SPECIAL” V-8 Engine
o 4 Barrel Carburetion
o 292 Cubic Inch Displacement
o 193 Horsepower
o 8.1:1 Compression Ratio
o 3.75 X 3.30 inch Bore & Stroke
o Dual Exhaust System Through Rear Bumper Ports
· Chrome Engine Dress Up Kit
· Full – Flow Oil Filter
· Trunk Jack
· 102 Inch Wheelbase
· 185 Inch Length
· 2837 lb. Weight
· 71 Inch Width
· Highly Detailed Engine Compartment
o Show Quality
· Original Owner Manual
· Consistent Trophy Winner at Local Shows
In 1955, driving a Thunderbird immediately became the cool thing to do. It was considered “A Personal Car of Distinction.” It was a hit with Hollywood Celebrities, the Country Club Set, and Urban Singles. The popularity of the T’Bird forced Chevy to make changes to the Corvette to make it more luxurious, more powerful, and thus more appealing to a larger group of people. The T’Bird was a Sporty Car, a Boulevard Cruiser, a Luxury Car, a Personal Car. It “Sparked a Passion in America” that lives on to this day!
This Magnificent, Rare Thunderbird, finished in Prized Torch Red with Red & White Interior, with a Multitude of Options, is an Absolute Pleasure to Drive. It has traveled under 500 “Break-In” Miles since the Award Winning Restoration. Please examine the Show Quality Engine Compartment and Undercarriage to better appreciate the Outstanding Restoration Quality. Many “Baby Bird” aficionados consider the “55” to be the “First, Most Beautiful, and Most Desirable” of the “Baby Birds” of the
