1955 FORD THUNDERBIRD-CALIFORNIA RUST FREE CAR-very low reserve
1955 Ford Thunderbird
CALIFORNIA RUST FREE 1955 FORD THUNDERBIRD
47 years owned by same family
HISTORY:
This was a one family-owned car since 1976 before I purchased the car from the daughter of the long-time owner. Her father purchased the car in 1976 and died in 1994. The car has been known to be stored indoors since 1976 and probably prior to the owners purchase in 1976. The car has been driven seldom since 1994. The car was originally purchased in Redding, CA. and has been in California its entire life. This car was built in April 9, 1955. The mileage is 30,xxx (true mileage unknown) and I suspect the car was restored prior to the owner purchasing the car in 1976.
DETAILS:
This car has very few options. The only options are a body-colored hardtop, an engine dress up kit, power seat, factory undercoating and automatic transmission (3.30 to 1 axle ratio). Radio and heater were standard. Because of the factory (or possibly dealer undercoated) undercoating and indoor storage, the car is rust free. The underside of the car has not been detailed. The engine compartment has been cleaned but not detailed.
The car was ordered with manual steering, manual brakes, manual windows and no convertible top. All 1955 Thunderbirds were equipped with a 292 cubic inch V-8 with a standard four-barrel carburetor which produced 198 horse power.
The paint is Thunderbird Blue with Turquoise and White interior. In my opinion the best 1955 color combination.
OBSERVATIONS:
With few power accessories, there is very little maintenance needed for costly repairs and with no convertible top, ongoing maintenance and replacement is eliminated. As an added note, with manual brakes the car still has brakes if the engine stops running.
This car looks great, but it is not a show car. It is a car meant to be driven, therefore, it is a great driver…..not a trailer queen.
RECENT WORK:
The following work has been done because the car was not exercised regularly since 1994:
· Some of the engine valves were stuck and bent multiple push rods. The heads were pulled and refurbished and new push rods were installed. The heads required no work except cleaning and the engine cylinders looked like new. We found a brass tag on the engine with numbers that indicate the engine was overhauled. No indication of the company or date but Ford never had this tag.
· Engine dress up kit refurbished (looks like brand new)
· New 6-volt battery
· New oil and oil filter
· New spark plugs
· New spark plug wires
· New brake master cylinder
· New gas tank
· New gas tank sending unit
· New fuel pump
· Rebuilt carburetor
· Rebuilt generator.
· Brakes were refurbished. Brake shoes appear new and drums were in good condition
· Tires are older with no date code.
· A new after market 15” steering wheel has been installed to allow more room than the original 17” steering wheel. The original steering wheel is available, but does not have the correct horn ring.
OPERATING:
I would say this car is a driver. The engine runs quiet and very strong. The car drives straight, with no pulls to either side when the brakes are applied. The transmission shifts correctly. No leaks of any kind are apparent. All gauges operate correctly.
TITLE:
Clean title in hand.
ITEMS THAT NEED ATTENTION:
· The tachometer does not work.
· Radio is all original but when turned on, no sound.
· Wipers are vacuum and need attention.
LOCATION:
The car is located in Orland, CA
PICTURES:
More pictures available on request.
CONTACT:
Calls welcome 1-530-nine six five-5151
- Make: Ford
- Model: Thunderbird
- Type: Convertible
- Doors: 2
- Year: 1955
- Mileage: 30000
- VIN: 11111111111111111
- Color: Aqua
- Engine size: V-8
- Number of cylinders: 8
- Fuel: Gasoline
- Transmission: Automatic
- Drive type: 2WD
- Interior color: White
- Drive side: Left-Hand Drive
- Vehicle Title: Clean Want to buy? Contact seller!
