1955 Ford Thunderbird

Convertible

4.8L 4786CC 292Cu. In. V8 GAS OHV Naturally Aspira

3-speed manual

Clear

Gasoline

You are bidding on a very solid and very original first-year 1955 Ford Thunderbird with clear title, matching VIN exactly for export, or registration in states that require inspection. Built in Dearborn, Michigan and sold new in Los Angeles, California. She's been garaged most of her life and is a very solid car to rod around in as-is (with minor TLC for reliability), or to fully restore to former glory. Priced to get you in right, and still be right-side up when done. This little beauty was finished from the factory in code "T" Thunderbird Blue (which we would refer to as Turquoise) with a White removable hard top. The interior was originally code "C," Turquoise and White. Perhaps the most iconic and beautiful combination possible. It now wears an old early 70's repaint in lipstick red (and red oxide primer), along with the original interior having been dyed black. Behind the seat is what appears to be the mounting base and motor for a soft top. Options include interior rear view mirror, exterior rear view mirror, manual transmission, power brakes, heater, radio, engine dress-up kit, oil bath air cleaner, removable hard top, and full chrome wheel covers. The rear wheel openings do have the mounting tabs for fender skirts if you wish to install a pair in the future. The interior is amazingly clean, with a perfect dash pad (not a crack), beautiful engine-turned bezel insert without dents or dings, original knobs, gauges, etc. in working order. The tachometer works, being driven off the original tach-drive distributor, the clock works, temp gauge works, etc. The optional heater blower still works, windshield wipers work, and the optional original radio is also present. The carpet has been removed to show the solid floors (no rust at all) and original paint finish. Behind the original seat hangs what appears to be the soft top boot/cover. No extra holes, cuts, or modifications. The glass is all good; both side glass regulators could use a little help. The removable hard top is very straight, with its' original white perforated headliner still in excellent condition. The engine compartment appears completely original other than a new premium Optima 6-volt battery, and replacement ignition coil. The P-code 292 engine features its' original early Holley carburetor, original tach drive distributor, original generator, original engine dress-up kit featuring the Thunderbird finned aluminum valve covers, chrome optional oil bath air cleaner, etc. Radiator, shroud, brackets, etc. are all original. Hard to find one in this price range that is this original and unmolested, with only 113K original miles. The engine fires right up, doesn't smoke, and runs smoothly... it is a very sound engine. The brakes seem solid, including the parking brake, and the clutch is operable for driving. I have only driven it "easy;" the clutch may be ready for replacement. I can't stress how unmolested this car is, other than the paint and interior color change. Almost 100% complete, the only known items that are missing are the fuel door w/emblem, and side V8 emblems. The trunk release mechanism is included. The body is very straight. The red paint still has some decent shine to it, and is interspersed with red oxide primer (presumably were the paint has previously failed). Expect some filler to be found; passenger rear quarter has some I can feel from the inside, everywhere else seems to be on top of metal, not perforations. All in all I'd say the car is very, very solid; the floors and trunk have no rust presenting at all. The trunk still has its' original pressboard divider with spare tire instructions on it! The front bumper guards feature driving lamps; I've reviewed about one hundred images of different '55 T-birds online; about 6% of them have driving or fog lamps in the center of the bumper guards... not sure if this was a factory- or dealer-installed option, or just a minor custom touch. I should mention that the trunk latch is not adjusted; it will close tightly and follows the body lines exactly (looks slightly raised in the pictures; it is NOT bent or otherwise problematic). Hood latches properly and unlatches easily with the in-cabin hood release. The passenger side window needs replacement ($40 for new glass) and both manual side window regulators could use some TLC to operate smoothly. It comes with its' original set of four factory steel wheels (plus spare), all with the optional fancy full wheel covers wearing decent whitewall tires, The manual transmission shifts smoothly, no known mechanical issues other than she'll need a clutch at some point in the future, and the exhaust system should be replaced. Last driven regularly in the eighties, she's been started regularly to keep the engine in proper order. The milage is low and original at 113K. This is a car that you could drive around essentially as-is, or restore back to former and exquisite beauty. Please bid only if you can pay, and please be prepared to remit payment via deposit into my Bank of America account, or bank wire transfer within 3 days of purchase. Shipping is the full responsibility of the buyer; I will make myself available for loading. While every effort is being made to describe the vehicle accurately, it is in fact a 60-year-old classic, and being sold as-is, without warranty or guarantee expressed, written, or implied. While I am not a professional auto appraiser, I am a long-time auto enthusiast, and I believe you will find my description very accurate.