1955 Ford Thunderbird

Description

There's no doubt the Ford Thunderbird was a game-changer when it hit the market in 1955. Not designed to compete with the Corvette, but surely inspired by it, the Ford was more luxury than sport, but that was just fine in the eyes of Thunderbird buyers, who eagerly bought every single one Ford could build.

This lovely Thunderbird Blue 1955 T-Bird has been with the same owner for nearly 58 years. Impressive! Thunderbirds are notorious for rusting in some pretty demonic ways, so finding a solid example is important. The paint is 13 years old but it remains in fantastic shape, making this one of the most impressive early 'Birds we've seen in a long time. Code T Thunderbird Blue was accurately replicated using modern finishes so it's bright and clear in person, and all the chrome shows quite well. To say it was an expensive job would be an extreme understatement, but I think you'll agree that it was worth every penny. This car has also been fitted with a correct non-porthole hardtop, which might look odd but the porthole didn't show up until 1956. 1955 also included unique exhaust outlets in the bumper guards and what many enthusiasts consider the most pure shape: No pointed tail fins and no continental kit to mar the lines. This is a great-looking baby 'Bird!

The bright and cheerful 1950s were in full swing inside the Thunderbird, complete with two-tone turquoise and white seats. Thunderbirds came pretty well loaded, but this one also includes goodies like A/C, power windows, a power seat, and a 3-speed Cruise-O-Matic automatic transmission, so motoring is effortless and luxurious, as intended. The seat covers are exact replicas of the original equipment, and matching door panels are like art with their bright trim and sculpted vinyl. The instruments are original and in decent shape, including the sweeping speedometer and tachometer to the left of the instrument panel. There's also an AM/FM/cassette radio, which fits neatly in the original radio's slot. This is a single top car (the base 'Bird came with either a hard top or a soft top, but both was an extra-cost option), but with the way it looks and the A/C, you'll be more than happy to keep the hardtop in place. The trunk offers reasonable storage space, even with the full-sized spare living inside.

Power for the Thunderbird is supplied by Ford's P-code 292 cubic inch "Y-block" V8, which makes a robust 198 horsepower. Finished with red Ford engine paint, those distinctive finned valve covers with Thunderbird logos, and a chrome air cleaner, it's a study in early industrial design; Ford designers knew the engine had to be pretty in this car! It was rebuilt some years ago and shows signs of use, but it has also been properly maintained so it continues to run well today. It starts easily and drives beautifully, with a crisp V8 burble from the tailpipes providing the perfect accompaniment, and the modern A/C and alternator blend in well enough that most folks won't notice. The suspension is trusty, with soft springs for easy cruising, and drum brakes that are more than adequate for the T-Bird's modest curb weight. Classic 6.70-15 Firestone wide whites with standard hubcaps give it a true '50s vibe.

Early Thunderbirds are as stable as granite in the market. Buy this one today, enjoy it, maintain it, and it will always reward you with great performance and almost guaranteed resale. Call today!