1955 Ford Thunderbird

This 1955 Ford Thunderbird convertible was completely restored 5 years ago, and has been driven approximately 100 miles in car shows since May when the seller took possession, leaving it with approximately 5,000 original miles on the odometer. Power comes from a rebuilt 292ci V-8 paired with the standard 3-speed manual floor with overdrive, and equipment includes power windows, new Tonneau cover, and new cloth bucket seats. This first-year example is currently licensed with no serious issues, and offered with detailed service records, plaques from various car shows, and a clear California title.

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 complete restoration 5 years ago, and is finished in a like new shade of Amethyst. Exterior finishes display straight lines and even fitment, and include a new cloth retractable top. The body features a hood scoop, vented front fenders, rear-wheel well skirts, and exhaust outlets integrated into the rear bumper that also includes built-in taillights.

The 15” steel wheels wear full chrome covers and are fitted with classic wide whitewall bias-ply rubber and the 102-inch wheelbase handled by way of 4-wheel power disc brakes. The newer tires were added during the rebuild.

The new cloth interior is trimmed with two-tone pink bucket seats, color-matched to the door panels, dash, and carpeting. Additional equipment includes power-operated windows, aluminum dash trim with under AC vintage air, extra upgraded gauges, and a later model tilting steering wheel.

Instrumentation is framed by a 2-spoke upgraded steering wheel and features a large 150-mph speedometer with integrated dials for oil, fuel level and coolant temperature flanked by a 5k-rpm tachometer and analog clock. The 5-digit odometer is reported to show approximately 5,000 miles of use. 

The 292ci V-8 was original to the car, and a complete rebuild was executed in 2016 which included a speedometer reset, and pistons liner in the block to solve overheating, The motor has accrued roughly 4k miles since restoration, and received a fluid check and fluid change recently. An appointment for replacing the gasket and seals are currently waiting on estimates. Power is directed to the rear wheels via a 3-speed manual transmission with overdrive.

Photos showing the underside are available in the carousel.

AUTOHUNTER ADMIN UPDATE 9/23/21 9:35AM PDT: Photos of the top up have been added to the gallery.