BEAUTIFUL IN THUNDERBIRD BLUE! AUTO, POWER STEERING & WINDOWS, BOTH TOPS, CLEAN!

Price: - Item location: Local pick-up only
Description:

1955 Ford Thunderbird

The early Ford Thunderbird remains one of the blue-chip investments of the car hobby. No, it won't make you rich overnight, but they have a consistent and loyal following and their values have been inching up year after year, making this pretty Thunderbird Blue 1955 example a car you can buy with your brain as well as your heart.
Arguably the most pure of the early Thunderbirds, this 1955 looks unique simply because it's not red, white, or black. But even in another color, there would be no debate about the quality of the bodywork, the straightness of the original sheetmetal, and the excellent prep it received. Originally code T Thunderbird Blue, that's how it was refinished and the pastel hue looks absolutely amazing on the slick T-Bird bodywork. There's also a serious amount of chrome on any car from the '50s, and the trim on this car has been nicely refinished so it shows off a bright shine without major defects. Original emblems were reinstalled wherever possible, and it's so fresh that even the exhaust tips poking through the rear bumper haven't started to discolor the chrome. It's pure 1950s fun in a right-sized package.
The tidy two-tone interior is equally nice, with plush seats that have been restored to as-new condition. Bright color-matched vinyl in turquoise and white is a nice change from all the black and white interiors we see in these cars, and its sunny disposition is like coming home. All the gauges have been rebuilt, and the crystal clear speedometer lens is especially nice, with the only real demerit being a speedo needle that's a little faded. That's a pretty small nit to pick! The bright trim that spans the entire interior has been given a proper engine-turned surface, and the original AM radio remains in the center of the dash. Of note, this one carries power windows and a power seat, as well as an optional automatic transmission and power steering, so it's pretty loaded up for 1955. Most folks don't realize it, but two tops were also an option, and this car includes both a white vinyl folding top and a correct early non-porthole hardtop in contrasting white. There's also a correctly finished trunk with a rubber mat and full-sized spare tire assembly.
Ford's Y-block V8 provided power for the Thunderbird, in this case a P-code 292 cubic inch V8 making 198 horsepower, which was the only engine available in 1955. Rebuilt not too long ago, it's still being broken in, but it starts easily and has a wonderful V8 exhaust note that invites you out onto the open road. The nicely detailed engine bay features all the correct parts, including the chrome air cleaner, special finned Thunderbird valve covers, and Ford Red paint on the block. You'll note that the inner fenders and firewall are extremely clean and the wiring is new. In fact, a lot of the stuff is new, making this a turn-key T-Bird that's ready to hit the road. The chassis is nicely finished although it was clearly built with an eye towards putting it on the road. A new exhaust system, a recent brake service, and new 205/75/15 whitewall radials on the original wheels mean that it's ready to go today.
Not many collector cars are icons like the Thunderbird, and you'll find that everywhere you go in this one, you're a celebrity. Call today!