1955 Ford Thunderbird
1955 Ford Thunderbird
Sold
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Location:
Kennewick, Washington 99338
Seller:
Engine:
292ci V8
Transmission:
Manual
Odometer:
1,744 (Mi)
Chassis/VIN:
P5FH167076
Carfax:
Not available
Lot Number:
10202450
Location:
Kennewick, Washington 99338
Seller:
Engine:
292ci V8
Transmission:
Manual
Odometer:
1,744 (Mi)
Chassis/VIN:
P5FH167076
Carfax:
Not available
Lot Number:
10202450
If a bid is placed within the last minute of an auction, an additional minute is added to ensure all bidders have a fair chance to bid. Bid carefully. Please complete your vehicle due-diligence prior to bidding. Bids are binding and by placing your bid you agree to our User Agreement and Privacy Policy.
If a bid is placed within the last minute of an auction, an additional minute is added to ensure all bidders have a fair chance to bid. Bid carefully. Please complete your vehicle due-diligence prior to bidding. Bids are binding and by placing your bid you agree to our User Agreement and Privacy Policy.
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.
BID: $28,500
BID: $28,000
BID: $27,500
BID: $27,000
BID: $26,500
@RWClark – I would have to agree with Raabedw: the overdrive bracket looks very aftermarket, it is crudely made. Maybe the factory bracket was lost at some point durning the restoration and the shop improvised. A Marti Report would confirm if the car was equipped with it from the factory, my guess is that it was. The other issue is the soft top, the photo shows a sloppy fit, it should be tight and wrinkle free. Good luck with the sale, this is my favorite year and color ...
I'll be honest. I just placed the soft top on for the photo. I never use the soft or hard top since I only use the vehicle for car shows and wineries. I guess I should have installed it the right way so it would represent the vehicle better. Sorry
BID: $26,000
BID: $25,500
BID: $25,000
I would have to agree with Raabedw: the overdrive bracket looks very aftermarket, it is crudely made. Maybe the factory bracket was lost at some point durning the restoration and the shop improvised. A Marti Report would confirm if the car was equipped with it from the factory, my guess is that it was. The other issue is the soft top, the photo shows a sloppy fit, it should be tight and wrinkle free. Good luck with the sale, this is my favorite year and color
BID: $22,222
BID: $20,000
BID: $18,888
BID: $18,500
@Raabedw – Is the overdrive functioning correctly? Do you know if it is originally from the factory or was it added. The bracket for the overdrive cable doesn't really appear original. Thanks ...
I just spoke with the prior owner to help answer this question. I am currently the third owner. The original owner purchased the vehicle in 1955 - 1983. The prior owner was 1983-2018 and I've owner the vehicle since 2018. The second owner did the full restoration and stated he restored everything that came with the vehicle in 1983 therefore I believe everything is original to the car (i.e. chassis, engine, etc.)
@RWClark – This car has been for sale for a number of years, it will be interesting to see if it makes the reserve using this auction site. These cars are all over the board price wise, I am going to keep an eye on it. The former dealer was unable to sell it when it was listed in Edmonds. If the seller is serious it should run without a reserve. ...
I just spoke with the prior owner to clarify this comment. I am currently the third owner. The original owner purchased the vehicle in 1955 - 1983. The prior owner was 1983-2018 and I've owner the vehicle since 2018. The second owner did the full restoration and stated he restored everything that came with the vehicle in 1983 therefore I believe everything is original to the car (i.e. chassis, engine, etc.)
@Raabedw – Is the overdrive functioning correctly? Do you know if it is originally from the factory or was it added. The bracket for the overdrive cable doesn't really appear original. Thanks ...
Based on my conversations with the prior owner the Overdrive was original to his knowledge. He owned the vehicle for 35 years prior to my purchase. According to my mechanic this feature is working properly. I am not familiar with it so I had him explain and show me how it works. I hope this answers your question.
@RWClark – This car has been for sale for a number of years, it will be interesting to see if it makes the reserve using this auction site. These cars are all over the board price wise, I am going to keep an eye on it. The former dealer was unable to sell it when it was listed in Edmonds. If the seller is serious it should run without a reserve. ...
I'm not sure if you are mistaking this vehicle with another vehicle. This car was owned by the prior owner for 35 years. Then placed for sale back in 2018 when I purchased the vehicle. I have never listed the vehicle for sale until now.
@JungleGeorge – How many miles are on the car (in thousands)? ...
I can't say for sure how many original miles are on the car. The only information I have is that the prior owner owned the car for 35 years. He did the full restoration, After completing the restoration he stated he placed approximately 3,000 miles on the vehicle. My wife and I primarily use this vehicle to go to wineries and car shows. Since owning the vehicle we have placed 1,433 miles according to the odometer.
How many miles are on the car (in thousands)?