1955 Ford Thunderbird

Description

OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE

The 1955 Ford Thunderbird marked Ford’s entry into the personal luxury car market, blending sporty performance with comfort and style. Introduced as a response to Chevrolet’s Corvette, the Thunderbird was not marketed as a pure sports car but as a “personal car of distinction.”

The Thunderbird featured a sleek two-seat design, removable fiberglass hardtop, and a powerful V8 engine, offering both speed and sophistication. Unlike the Corvette, the Thunderbird emphasized convenience, with options like power steering, power windows, and a well-appointed interior. Its elegant styling, combined with strong performance, made it an instant success, selling over 16,000 units in its first year — far surpassing Corvette sales.

This ’55 Thunderbird has been refinished in white over black and white vinyl interior and is equipped with a 292ci V8 and Ford-O-Matic three-speed automatic transmission. The car has benefited from numerous upgrades and maintenance work, particularly during its last 6,300 miles, with invoices totaling more than $23,000. Highlights include a rebuilt transmission, electronic ignition, recently installed factory-correct power steering, and reupholstered interior.

This 1955 Ford Thunderbird is now represented by a Broad Arrow Specialist at no reserve with a color-matched hardtop and rolling stand, manuals, and a clean Arizona title in the current owner's name.

Highlights

• Refinished in white over black and white vinyl interior

• Color-matched hardtop

• Replaced white convertible soft top

• Power-assisted steering

Factory Equipment

• 292 cu-in V8 engine rated at 198 hp and 285 lb-ft. of torque

• Ford-O-Matic three-speed automatic transmission

• 4-way power-adjustable seat

• Fender skirts

• Full wheel covers

• The data plate decodes as:

  • Body: 40A – 1955-56 Thunderbird (first generation)

  • Paint color: T – Thunderbird Blue (now white)

  • Assembly date: C13 – 13 March 1955

  • Interior trim: E – Light gray vinyl/cloth (now black/white vinyl)

  • Production: LP1167 – Internal plant code

• The chassis number (P5FH205838) decodes as:

  • P – 292 cu-in 4bbl V8 198 hp

  • 5 – 1955 model year

  • F – Dearborn, Michigan, assembly plant

  • H – Thunderbird (convertible)

  • 205838 – Sequential production number

Modifications

• 12V conversion

• Electronic ignition

• Auxiliary electric cooling fan

• Engine dress-up kit

• Seat belts

• Refurbished clock with refinished face (converted to 12V)

• LED taillight assemblies and reverse lights

Servicing & Documentation

The following service is reported to have occurred in the last 6,300 miles:

• Replaced rear main seal, oil pan gasket, oil pump, and valve cover gaskets (engine-out service)

• Overhauled transmission and converter (approx. 5,400 miles reported on rebuild)

• Rear differential fluid and seal replaced

• Power steering pump, control valve, cylinder ram, hoses, belts, brackets, and other power steering system components replaced.

• Convertible soft top and swing arm assembly from Prestige Thunderbirds installed

• Speedometer overhauled

• Water pump replaced

• Headlight switch, turn signal switch, horn switch, cam, and related parts replaced

• Dual exhaust installed

• Wheel cylinders, brake-line hoses, shoes and rear drums replaced

• Window regulators replaced

• Windshield and gasket replaced

• Headliner and front and rear weatherstripping for hardtop replaced

• SMS Auto Fabrics door panels, armrests, aluminum trim, and window and door handles replaced

• Exterior mirrors replaced

• Trunk carpet and trunk side panels replaced (side panels not installed)

• Door sill plates replaced

Known Imperfections

• Paint chips on door edges, right front wheel opening, near driver’s side mirror, along window edges of hardtop, and in door jambs

• Some paint cracking at emblem mounting points

• Driver’s door edge has tire pressure noted in black marker

• Stainless trim on hardtop and around windshield have wear including scratches, scuffing, and a ding in the lower windshield trim

• Chrome shows wear (fading, checkering, etc.)

• Blower motor and windshield wipers are inoperable

• Radio works but sometimes struggles to change stations

• Fuel gauge operates intermittently

• Reverse lights have been installed but need to be wired to the reverse switch

• Power seat motor operates, but seat does not move

Ownership History

The owner of this 1955 Ford Thunderbird purchased the car in Sun City, Arizona, in 2020 and has owned it for six years. The previous caretaker owned the Thunderbird for 7-10 years and also acquired it in Arizona, where it is believed to have spent a good portion of its life. The seller says he has been “diligent with maintenance and upkeep to ensure that it is a safe and reliable driver.”

Included Items

• Factory hardtop with rolling stand

• Removeable center console with cupholders

• Car cover

• 1955 Thunderbird Handbook, Wiring Manual, Fordomatic Shop Manual, and original sales brochure

• Thunderbird rubber floor mats

• Non-original spare tire and jack

• 2 sets of keys

• Small can of touch up paint (with paint code)

Additional Information

This 1955 Ford Thunderbird was offered on Hagerty Marketplace in February 2026. You can view the previous listing here.

A Broad Arrow Specialist is working as an agent on behalf of the seller of this vehicle. As such, the purchase transaction will be facilitated by Broad Arrow, including vehicle payment, applicable taxes required to be collected by the seller or Broad Arrow, and title/ownership reassignment. Broad Arrow is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hagerty.

Contact: Frank Malefors Phone: 602.488.7888 Email: fmalefors@hagerty.com