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Details
1955 FORD THUNDERBIRD
Chassis No. P5FH251896
Red with black and white interior and white hardtop
Engine: V8, 292ci; Gearbox: four-speed manual; Suspension: independent front with solid rear axle; Brakes: power assisted four wheel drums. Left hand drive.
In 1955 Ford responded to the Chevy Corvette with the introduction of its first true sports car. From the start the 1955 Ford Thunderbird was a success, so much so that it outsold the Corvette nearly by 24 to 1. The consumer population of a vibrant post-war American economy was in love with the sporty new car and its sales helped Ford enjoy one of the most successful years in the company's history; Ford production was recorded as surpassing 1.4 million cars, second only to 1923 during the prime of the immortal Model T.
Offered in an array of colors, the Thunderbird was as much a statement of its owner's individuality as it was about the size of their bank account; a fully equipped Thunderbird could easily cost $3,500. The Thunderbird became an instant American classic and there was little the executives at General Motors could do to compete with Ford's new car. While the Corvette was known for its spirited straight-six engine, Ford countered it with a powerful Mercury V8, which in its base model form offered the driver an ample 182hp at 4,400rpm. If that wasn't enough the buyer could opt for an even more impressive 292ci. engine that supplied 198hp at 4,400rpm in addition to a variety of transmission choices from the Ford-O-Matic automatic ($178) to a three speed manual synchromesh with overdrive ($110). Other options included power seats ($64), radio ($99), heater ($71), hardtop ($290) or softtop ($75), power steering ($91), power brakes ($32), power windows ($102) and whitewall tires ($27).
The stunning 1955 Thunderbird pictured here was purchased by the vendor about ten years ago. This Thunderbird is described by the vendor as being in fabulous overall condition and has been carefully maintained. It is a rust free example that is believed to have been restored in the late 1980s while under the ownership of a Santa Cruz, CA businessman. The Thunderbird is equipped with the desirable Kelsey-Hayes wire wheels, as well as the three speed with overdrive manual transmission. Production numbers on the 1955 Thunderbird show only a mere 16,155 cars built. These '55 T-Birds are easily identifiable from the ensuing production years as they did not feature porthole hardtops or continental kits characteristic of many of the '56 and '57 models.
The 1955 Thunderbird on offer is a fine example of the spirited '50s American sports car in its premiere production year. It will always be considered a true classic and a design icon, immortalized in song, literature and on the silver screen.
WITHOUT RESERVE
Chassis No. P5FH251896
Red with black and white interior and white hardtop
Engine: V8, 292ci; Gearbox: four-speed manual; Suspension: independent front with solid rear axle; Brakes: power assisted four wheel drums. Left hand drive.
In 1955 Ford responded to the Chevy Corvette with the introduction of its first true sports car. From the start the 1955 Ford Thunderbird was a success, so much so that it outsold the Corvette nearly by 24 to 1. The consumer population of a vibrant post-war American economy was in love with the sporty new car and its sales helped Ford enjoy one of the most successful years in the company's history; Ford production was recorded as surpassing 1.4 million cars, second only to 1923 during the prime of the immortal Model T.
Offered in an array of colors, the Thunderbird was as much a statement of its owner's individuality as it was about the size of their bank account; a fully equipped Thunderbird could easily cost $3,500. The Thunderbird became an instant American classic and there was little the executives at General Motors could do to compete with Ford's new car. While the Corvette was known for its spirited straight-six engine, Ford countered it with a powerful Mercury V8, which in its base model form offered the driver an ample 182hp at 4,400rpm. If that wasn't enough the buyer could opt for an even more impressive 292ci. engine that supplied 198hp at 4,400rpm in addition to a variety of transmission choices from the Ford-O-Matic automatic ($178) to a three speed manual synchromesh with overdrive ($110). Other options included power seats ($64), radio ($99), heater ($71), hardtop ($290) or softtop ($75), power steering ($91), power brakes ($32), power windows ($102) and whitewall tires ($27).
The stunning 1955 Thunderbird pictured here was purchased by the vendor about ten years ago. This Thunderbird is described by the vendor as being in fabulous overall condition and has been carefully maintained. It is a rust free example that is believed to have been restored in the late 1980s while under the ownership of a Santa Cruz, CA businessman. The Thunderbird is equipped with the desirable Kelsey-Hayes wire wheels, as well as the three speed with overdrive manual transmission. Production numbers on the 1955 Thunderbird show only a mere 16,155 cars built. These '55 T-Birds are easily identifiable from the ensuing production years as they did not feature porthole hardtops or continental kits characteristic of many of the '56 and '57 models.
The 1955 Thunderbird on offer is a fine example of the spirited '50s American sports car in its premiere production year. It will always be considered a true classic and a design icon, immortalized in song, literature and on the silver screen.
WITHOUT RESERVE
Special notice
This lot has no reserve.