
Ford introduced the Thunderbird for the 1955 model year as a sporty two-seat convertible as a response to Chevy's new sports car, the Corvette. Photo Credit: RM Auctions

Roll-up windows and the removable fiberglass top provided more all-weather comfort than the folding tops and snap-in curtains associated with most other two-seaters. Photo Credit: RM Auctions

The Thunderbird sold very well its first year, outselling the the Corvette by more than 23-to-one with 16,155 units sold against 700 Corvettes. Photo Credit: RM Auctions

The Thunderbird's 102 inch wheelbase frame was mostly a shortened version of that used in other Fords while the car's standard 292 ci (4.8 L) Y-block V-8 came from Ford's Mercury division. Photo Credit: RM Auctions

The Y-block V-8 was marked by the emblem on the front fender, along with the characteristic hash marks. Photo Credit: RM Auctions

Ford's crossed flags emblem was featured on the front of the 1955 T-Bird. Photo Credit: RM Auctions

The Thunderbird script was featured on the rear fin of the 1955 model. Photo Credit: RM Auctions

The 1955 T-Bird featured a 150 mph speedometer hinting at a higher performance nature that other Fords didn't possess. Photo Credit: RM Auctions