1955 Ford Thunderbird

Description

“Seventh heaven on wheels” is what Ford called the new 1955 Thunderbird. Introduced in response to Chevrolet’s Corvette, the Thunderbird was not a sports car in the traditional sense, but rather a stylish two-seater roadster that emphasized comfort, convenience, and performance.

Unveiled at the 1954 Detroit Auto Show and launched in October 1954, the Thunderbird featured a sleek, low-slung body designed by Franklin Q. Hershey, a removable fiberglass hardtop, and a powerful 292-cubic inch Y-block V8 engine paired with either a manual or automatic transmission. It was capable of reaching speeds over 100 mph, but its appeal lay more in its refined ride and upscale features, such as roll-up windows and a telescoping steering wheel — luxuries not found in most sports cars of the era.

Ford marketed the Thunderbird as a “personal car of distinction,” and it was an immediate success, outselling the Corvette by a wide margin. In its first year, Ford sold over 16,000 units, far exceeding expectations. Walt Woron, writing in the December 1954 issue of Motor Trend magazine, reported: “The Thunderbird has three basic points in its favor: a rakish, ground-hugging style, performance to match good sports cars, and a design that has built-in comfort for driver and passenger, with no penalty whatsoever to pay for fun.”

Built 14 December 1954, this early ’55 Thunderbird was refinished in its original Torch Red and correct Red and White vinyl interior.

Highlights

• Refinished in Torch Red paint over Red and White vinyl interior

• White convertible top

• Powered by a 292 cu-in V8 rated at 193 hp

• Ford-O-Matic three-speed automatic transmission

• The Data Plate decodes as:

  • Body: 40A – Two-seat convertible

  • Color: R – Torch Red

  • Trim: B – Red and White vinyl

  • Build date: 14M – 14 December

  • Sales district: LP – Los Angeles

• The chassis number (P5FH121367) decodes as:

  • P – 292 cu-in V8

  • 5 – 1955 model year

  • F – Dearborn, Michigan, assembly plant

  • H – Thunderbird

  • 121367 – Sequential production number

Features

• Edelbrock AVS2 4bbl carburetor upgrade

• Roll-up windows

• Telescoping steering wheel

• Full instrumentation including tachometer and clock

• Wide whitewall tires

Known Imperfections

• Missing the cigarette lighter

• Radio inoperable

• Some small paint scratches

• One small stain on carpet under floor mat on driver side

Ownership History

The consignors of this 1955 Ford Thunderbird have owned it since 2021.

Additional Notes

A Broad Arrow Auctions Specialist is working as an agent on behalf of the owner of this vehicle. Broad Arrow Auctions is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hagerty.

Contact: Craig Zimmerman Phone: 586.707.5811 email: cszimmerman@hagerty.com