BEAUTIFUL BABY BIRD, FULLY RESTORED, STRONG 292 Y-BLOCK, AUTO, DUALS, HARDTOP!

Ford Thunderbird 1955 Description

The 1955 Ford Thunderbird was a game-changer. Sure the Corvette set the stage but the Thunderbird introduced the personal luxury car a concept that has proven remarkably durable in the 50-odd years since its introduction. This lovely 1955 T-Bird shows you why these are such enduring favorites and why no collection is complete without one today.If you ask someone to close their eyes and think of a Thunderbird this Torch Red roadster is quite likely what they'll imagine. Beautifully proportioned neatly styled and with neat little details throughout that told the world that Ford was serious about their 2-seater. This one was restored a few years ago and has seen some use since then but you really can't go wrong with an early 'Bird. The paint is bright offering a depth and clarity that even the best finishes in 1955 couldn't match and while it shows a few nicks and bumps none of it detracts from the pure '50s fun this car represents. The '55's trim proportions simple lines and lack of extras make them a favorite among collectors and it's easy to see why. Body gaps are decent and the fender skirts fit flush with the quarter panels indicative of a car that has never needed major surgery in that area. The chrome is nicely refinished and those details I mentioned including the hash marks on the fenders the hood scoop and jet-inspired taillights are all in excellent shape.Red and white is the theme inside too where you'll find a neatly restored interior that has all the correct bells and whistles. The two-tone bench seat is supportive with firm foam under the supple seat cover and better yet it's power actuated! Engine-turned panels sweep from the doors onto the dash giving the 'Bird a racy feel and the execution is crisp and highly detailed. The gauges appear to be a combination of original and restored pieces and they all work properly. An AM/FM/cassette head unit has been fitted in the dash but fits so well you almost don't notice it. And here's an unusual fact: you could have either a folding convertible top or a removable hardtop at no cost but getting both was extra so this one carries only a hardtop which is a porthole unit from a later model. The trunk offers a correct rubber mat CD changer and a compact spare that definitely frees up some valuable cargo space.The only engine available in 1955 was a P-code 292 cubic inch "Y-block" V8 which when linked to an automatic transmission makes 198 horsepower. Rebuilt and detailed when the car was restored it fires easily and wears a proper Thunderbird dress-up kit that includes a chrome air cleaner and those gorgeous finned cast aluminum valve covers. Ford Red paint on the block still looks good and the unusual air cleaner makes use of the hood scoop for fresh air. Underneath it's extremely solid and clean with body-colored floors framed by a black frame and a brand-new dual exhaust system that exits through the rear bumper guards. Recent 205/75/15 whitewall radials have been fitted and wear full wheel covers that look appropriate.A fully-sorted first-year Thunderbird is something that every hobbyist should experience. This one isn't perfect but if you want a great driver with a lot of class this 'Bird is hard to beat. Call today!