1955 Ford Thunderbird

Description

The 1955 Ford Thunderbird was introduced as Ford’s response to the Chevrolet Corvette, though the Thunderbird was not marketed as a pure sports car, but as a “personal car of distinction.”

The Thunderbird blended performance with comfort and style, featuring a sleek two-seat design, removable fiberglass hardtop, and a powerful V8 engine.

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 T-Bird is finished in black over black and white upholstery, and it is powered by a P-code 292ci Y-block V8 topped with a four-barrel carburetor for a factory rating of 198 horsepower.

The ignition system has been converted to electronic, and additional details include a Ford-O-Matic three-speed automatic transmission, power steering, a four-way power-adjustable seat, an aftermarket steering wheel, a tachometer, and an analog clock.

This 1955 Ford Thunderbird is now offered with a Pennsylvania title in the seller’s name.

Highlights

• Carbureted 292ci Y-block V8

• Ford-O-Matic three-speed automatic transmission

• Power steering

• Four-way power-adjustable seat

• Black over black and white upholstery

• Removable hardtop

• American Classic bias-look wide whitewall radial tires

Factory Equipment

• Carbureted 292ci Y-block V8

• Ford-O-Matic three-speed automatic transmission

• Power steering

• Four-way power-adjustable seat

• Fender skirts

• Full wheel covers

• The chassis number (P5FH188612) decodes as:

  • P – 292 cu-in 4bbl V8 198 hp

  • 5 – 1955 model year

  • F – Dearborn, Michigan, assembly plant

  • H – Thunderbird (convertible)

  • 188612 – Sequential production number

Modifications

• Aftermarket steering wheel

• Electronic ignition

Servicing & Documentation

• Per the seller, the carburetor was rebuilt, the ignition was converted to electronic, and the tires, shocks, and exhaust components were replaced under current ownership.

Known Imperfections

• Does not have a soft top

• Radio inoperative

• Doors need to be aligned

• Paint scratches

Ownership History

The car was acquired by the seller in August 2022.