1955 Ford Thunderbird

Description

In an effort to keep pace with their rivals over at GM, Ford debuted the Thunderbird in 1955 as a direct counter to the futuristic Chevrolet Corvette. While it wasn't as focused on innovative construction and weight reduction, it did bring an air of refinement and luxury that impressed buyers. Implementing design cues and finishes from the popular upscale Fairlane range, Ford succeeded in reaching a demographic that prioritized style to outright speed.

This 1955 Ford Thunderbird is a first-year example finished in Torch Red over a red and white vinyl interior. Inside, it retains its factory instrumentation, including a chrome-accented steering wheel, framing an 150-mph speedometer, which was exclusive to the Thunderbird among Ford's 1955 range. Aluminum trim runs the length of the interior, with an aftermarket speaker installed into the red vinyl dashboard. The car includes two tops: a white convertible soft top, as well as a white factory hard top.

Under the hood, a P-code 292ci V8 is fed into a Ford-O-Matic three-speed automatic transmission. The car benefits from power steering, as well as a stainless steel exhaust system that exists within the rear chrome bumper. The vehicle wears grille badges from Classic Thunderbird International, as well as the Pajarito Thunderbird Club of New Mexico.

This 1955 Ford Thunderbird is now offered on dealer consignment with a clean Wisconsin title in the current owner's name.

Highlights

• Offered from Gateway Classic Cars of Milwaukee

• First year of Thunderbird production

• Torch Red with white hardtop

• 292ci V8

• Power steering

Factory Equipment

• P-code 292ci Y-block V8 engine

• Three-speed Ford-O-Matic automatic transmission

• Power steering

• White hardtop and soft top

• Torch Red exterior

• Red and white interior

• The vehicle's data plate decodes as follows:

  • 40A - Thunderbird Convertible

  • R - Torch Red exterior

  • B - Red and white vinyl interior

  • 5D - 5th of April, 1955 production

  • DD - Detroit assembly

  • 338 - Daily scheduling code

Modifications

• Aftermarket dash-mounted speaker

Known Imperfections

• Various external cosmetic blemishes present, as expected with age, notably chips on front end and headlight cowls

• Tears and creasing in soft top present

• Additional blemishes documented in accompanying photo gallery

Ownership History

This Thunderbird has been under current ownership since 2024. Previous registration was documented in New Mexico.