1955 Ford Thunderbird

Convertible

8 - Cyl.

Automatic

P5FH165585

Gasoline

This is a beautiful example of a 1955 Thunderbird. This original California car has always called the Golden State her home. She is stunning in her original color combination of Raven Black with black/white vinyl interior. The turning of heads when you drive down the street is a reminder of the legacy this car started. Cruising down main street in the T bird is like a trip back to 1955. History: 1955 was the first model year for the Ford Thunderbird. Development began in 1952, right after the announcement of the Chevrolet Corvette model. Ford knew an answer to this new body design was needed. Engineers strived to develop a car that would not directly compete with the Corvette. The result was a sleek design that cried out sophistication. The Ford Thunderbird would not be released until 2 years later and the wait proved to be worthwhile. Although the Ford Thunderbird has much in common with the Corvette, there were just as many things that were different. The two cars shared the 2 door design and wheel base. However, the Corvette came standard with an inline 6 cylinder engine while the T Bird used a V8 engine. Also, the Tbird had a tried and true metal construction while the Corvette was fiberglass. The Tbird also had many available power options that were simply not available on the Corvette. Both car makers were interested to see which car would carry most of the market share. By the end of the 55 model year, the T Bird outsold the Corvette 3 to 1! Overall: This 1955 T bird was original shipped to the Los Angeles dealer division in Southern California. She spent most of its life in sunny Santa Barbara, CA and has never left the state. It's caretakers always have kept her in a garage and have treated the car like family. Over the years, she has always been well maintained and never required restoration due to the loving care this lady has received. This excellent original T bird has accrued only 94,500 miles in her 55 year life. Exterior: This Thunderbird is finished in its' original Raven Black color. The body is in excellent condition. There are no major dings, dents, or scratches. Being an original California car, it has no major rust or rust repairs. The paint is decades old and has always been garage kept so it shows great. The shine is quite deep and the finish mimics a factory paint job. The older paint shows the car has a sound, unmolested body. All panels open and shut well with great alignment. The trunk is clean with no rot or repairs. The chrome all shines well with excellent reflection and no major pitting. Any 55 year old would be proud to look this good. You would be hard pressed to find a nicer original body than this one! Interior: The interior is in very good condition is mostly original. The only interior component that look to have been replaced it the carpet. The seat cover, door panels, kick panels, and all dash components are original to the car. The seat cover is quite nice as you would expect from an original mile car. Other than some wear on the driver's side seat bottom, it is mint. The door and kick panels are very nice originals that could use some reinforcement on the lower clip areas to hold them in place. The dash is excellent with no rips, cracks, waviness or repairs. The original machine turned dash panel is very nice and original. The original clock, tach, and radio are all still in excellent cosmetic and working condition. The steering wheel is amazing. The ashtray does not look to have ever been used. Both the power windows and power seat are both in working condition. The interior of this car screams unrestored original! Engine: This Thunderbird came with the 292 Y block V8 engine. The engine is original to the car and has been completely rebuilt and balanced. A picture of the receipts for the engine rebuild/balance can be seen in the photo section. Many other receipts will be included with the sale of the car. The engine and trans were overhauled in 1998 at around 82K miles. The engine is still completely stock down to the original Holley T pot style carb and 6 volt electrical system. It starts instantly and purrs like a kitten with no issues with getting hot, pinging, etc. Transmission: The factory Ford-O-Matic 3 speed automatic transmission is original to this T Bird. It was completely rebuilt a few years back and functions flawlessly. A picture of the receipt for the trans overhaul can be seen below. Rear End: The rear end is the original unit. It has been serviced and works fantastic. Suspension: The suspension is just as Ford designed it, simple and effective. The ride is smooth with tight, responsive steering. Ford Motorcraft gas shocks make the driver one with the road. Exhaust: The exhaust is the factory style that was recently replaced. It is in excellent condition and exits through the rear bumper as original. Undercarrage: The underside of this car is exactly what you would expect of an original California garage kept car. There is no rust, repairs, or damage. Just a nice, clean original underbody. Wheels/Tires: This car has 14" chrome wire spoke wheels with spinner hubcaps. All 5 wheels are in excellent shape with very nice tires. They need nothing. Tops: This car comes with is original hardtop in excellent condition. Even the original headliner is in fantastic original condition. The top really changes the look of the car. Also, the car is equipped with a rag top as shown which is a snap to install. Conclusion: This T Bird truly has it all. An first year production model in an excellent color combination with an original V8 engine hooked to smooth shifting automatic transmission. You can cruise with the top down, hardtop on, or soft top up. She commands respect from all ages whether going to a car show, business meeting, or a night on the town. She also could be a great investment and you can't drive a blue chip stock! This is the car for everyone! This is your chance to get behind the wheel of a beautiful 55 T Bird at NO RESERVE! That's right, the high bidder will win this car regardless of the final bid amount. Bid early and bid often!GOOD LUCK!