RESERVE REMOVED: 4.6L-Powered 1955 Ford Thunderbird

OVERVIEW

This 1955 Ford Thunderbird was treated to a frame-off build that included custom-fabricated bodywork, fresh paint, and several new parts and upgrades. It is powered by a 1997 Lincoln Mark VIII 4.6-liter Modular V8 backed by a rebuilt TH350 three-speed automatic transmission with a shift kit. Features include a custom shaker hood scoop, side pipes, power windows, a modified 1959 Ford dashboard, a tilt steering column, an AM/FM/USB/Bluetooth digital stereo, and power disc brakes. Finished in Torch Red and equipped with a removable body-color hardtop over a black vinyl interior, this Thunderbird comes with a key fob remote, additional paint, an owner’s manual for the radio, and New York registration in the seller's name.

EXTERIOR – FEATURES

During the build completed in September 2023, the reportedly rust-free body was finished in Torch Red (code WA9075). Features include removed bumpers with custom-fabricated sheet metal valances, a modified front grill with AC Cobra-inspired oval air intake ducts, amber front fog lights, black powder-coated trim, a custom shaker hood scoop, electric windshield wipers, dual rearview mirrors, modified Volkswagen Beetle side trim, flared fenders, modified 1966 Ford Mustang rocker moldings, new glass, side-exit exhaust pipes, power entry door handles, a removable body-color roof with porthole windows, dual black roll bars, a power antenna, and electric hood and trunk releases.

The seller states that the electric features have manual backups to open the hood and trunk. Additional features include a key fob that shuts the power off to the door handle to prevent people from getting in the car, a hidden button mounted under the passenger-side fender to lower the passenger-side power window, and remote battery jump lugs. Additionally, there are no chips or scratches in the paint. A walk-around video can be seen below.

EXTERIOR - WHEELS AND TIRES

A set of 17” x 8” Foose five-spoke chrome wheels is wrapped in 275/40ZR17 Antares Ingens A1 radial tires.

INTERIOR – FEATURES

The cabin is furnished with black vinyl bucket seats surrounded by black and red vinyl door panels and trim. Features include power windows, manual interior door handles, power steering, a tilt steering column, a 1969 Camaro shifter mounted in a modified 1958 Thunderbird center console, and a glove box-mounted AM/FM/USB/Bluetooth digital stereo. The seller states that switches for the windshield washer, fuel pump, fog lights, and hood release are hidden under the dashboard.

INTERIOR – GAUGES

A 160-mph speedometer and gauges for the fuel level, oil pressure, coolant temperature, and voltage are mounted in the center of a modified 1959 Ford Fairlane dashboard. The odometer reads 21 miles, but the true mileage on this vehicle is unknown. The seller states that the gauges do not work consistently.

ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION

Power is provided by a 1997 Lincoln Mark VIII 4.6-liter Modular V8 and backed by a TH350 three-speed automatic transmission. The gearbox was sourced from a 1978 Chevrolet Corvette, rebuilt, equipped with a shift kit and a new torque converter, and mounted to the engine with a custom adapter. New engine bay features include the timing chain kit, valve covers, ignition coils, Sullivan Performance intake manifold, and four-barrel carburetor. A programmable MSD electronic ignition control box, an aluminum radiator, and an electric fan have been installed. An oil change was completed in December 2023. 

UNDERCARRIAGE

This Thunderbird is equipped with an independent front suspension, a 2010 Ford Focus power rack-and-pinion steering assembly, new front shocks, and a 1966 Ford Mustang eight-inch solid rear drive axle with a Trac-Lokdifferential and 3.25:1 gears. The rear axle is mounted with a four-link setup and coil over shocks. Braking is provided by power Kelsey Hayes four-piston calipers and rotors mounted with 1966 Ford front spindles. An electric fuel pump, a new fuel tank, and steel body floors have been installed. A set of Pace Setter tube exhaust headers exit into polished side pipes.

ADDITIONAL DETAILS

The seller will include additional paint and an owner’s manual for the radio as part of the sale.