1955 Ford Thunderbird

This 1955 Ford Thunderbird convertible received a frame-off restoration within the last 4,000 miles and is accompanied by both a color-matched hardtop, a soft top, and a tonneau cover. The 292ci V8 is mechanically sorted with fresh fluids, sending power to the rear through a 3-speed manual transmission with overdrive. Finished in Raven Black over a reupholstered two-tone black and white vinyl interior, this first-year Thunderbird is now offered with restoration documentation, service records, a shop manual, spare original parts, and a clear Washington title in the seller’s name.

The Thunderbird model debuted in 1955 as a two-seat “personal luxury” convertible. This example from that first model year was the recipient of a frame-off restoration and was resprayed in its factory shade of Raven Black (A). Exterior finishes are said to display straight lines and even fitment, and in addition to a white cloth retractable top, a color-matched Black hardtop is included. The body features a hood scoop, vented front fenders, rear-wheel well skirts, and exhaust outlets integrated into the rear bumper.

Bright 15” wire wheels with spinner caps are mounted to Firestone Deluxe Champion wide whitewall tires, and the car’s original steel wheels with hubcaps are included with the sale. The suspension recently received replacement shocks and leaf springs.

The interior offers reupholstered black and white vinyl bench seating, with matching door panels, black lap belts, and black carpeting with Thunderbird-embroidered floor mats. The dash wears a full-width engine-turned aluminum trim panel, a Thunderbird center logo, and a push-button radio, with a modern Alpine radio being housed inside the glove compartment. An aftermarket three-spoke steering wheel with a V8 center logo has been added, and the original wheel is included with the sale. Amenities include power windows, a four-way power seat, although both are said to operate intermittently per the seller.

Instrumentation is provided by a 150-mph speedometer flanked by a 5k-rpm tachometer and an analog clock, with inset gauges for coolant temperature and fuel level. The five-digit mechanical odometer reads 1,700 miles, although true mileage on the chassis is unknown.

The 292ci V8 features chrome Edelbrock air cleaner with factory finned valve covers. The motor has accrued roughly 4k miles since restoration, and received a rebuilt harmonic balancer, a fluid change, while cooling was improved with an electric fan. Power is directed to the rear wheels via a 3-speed manual transmission with overdrive.

Photos showing the underside are available in the carousel.

The sale includes restoration documentation, service records, a shop manual, and original parts including the steering wheel and wheel covers.