1955 Ford Thunderbird

Description

OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE

“Seventh heaven on wheels” is what Ford called the new 1955 Thunderbird. Although the T-Bird looked like a sports car, Ford never claimed it was one, instead calling it a “personal car of distinction.” The two-seater's striking body, paired with a V8 powerplant, helped the Thunderbird vastly outsell the sportier but less comfortable Corvette. 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 in March 1955, this Thunderbird was restored in 2014 and refinished in its original Raven Black and correct black and white vinyl interior. Regardless of whether the T-Bird is called a sports car or personal car, this particular well-maintained example (with white removable hard top, 292 cubic-inch V8 engine, and three-speed manual transmission) looks more opulent than sporty. 

Highlights 

• Refinished in Raven Black paint over black and white vinyl interior 

• Powered by a 292 cu-in V8 with recently rebuilt carburetor, originally rated at 193 hp

• Three-speed manual transmission 

• White removable hardtop 

• The chassis number (P5FH168004) decodes as: 

  • P – 292 cu-in V8 

  • 5 – 1955 model year 

  • F – Dearborn, Michigan, assembly plant 

  • H – Thunderbird 

  • 168004 – Sequential production number

• The data plate decodes as: 

  • Body: 40A – Two-seat convertible 

  • Color: A – Raven Black 

  • Trim: A – Black vinyl 

  • Build date: 3C – March 3 

Features 

• Dual horns 

• Heater 

• 150 mph speedometer/odometer and 5000 rpm tachometer 

• Modern gauges for amps and oil pressure mounted below dash 

• Analog clock 

• BFGoodrich Silvertown 6.70-15 wide whitewall tires 

Known Imperfections 

• Carburetor was recently rebuilt and may require some adjustments with fresh fuel 

• Small paint blemishes (can be diminished by detailing) 

• Clock is inoperable 

• Driver’s side latch on rear of hardtop needs adjustment 

• Driver’s side taillight assembly needs top reflector to be reapplied 

• Driver's side window needs adjustment (it is in the down position and won't roll up)

Included 

• Hardtop stand 

• Spare tire 

• Three keys 

• Thunderbird rubber floor mats 

Ownership History 

This 1955 Ford Thunderbird is being sold by the family of the car’s longtime Michigan owner, who purchased and restored it in 2014. 

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