1955 Ford Thunderbird

Description

The Ford Thunderbird hit the market for the 1955 model year 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 T-Bird emphasized convenience, with more standard options 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 “Baby Bird” is finished in red with a white soft top over red and white upholstery, and it is powered by a P-code 292ci Y-block V8 paired with a three-speed manual transmission.

A red-finished hardtop will accompany the car, and additional details include a Continental spare tire kit, a retro-style radio, a Continental spare tire kit, 15” wire-spoke wheels, and power-assisted drum brakes.

This 1955 Ford Thunderbird is now offered with parts catalogs, spare parts, two sets of keys, and a clean North Carolina title in the seller's name.

Highlights

• Carbureted 292ci Y-block V8

• Three-speed manual transmission

• Red over red and white upholstery

• Continental spare tire kit

• White convertible soft top

• Red removable hardtop

• 15” wire-spoke wheels

• BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial whitewall tires

• Power-assisted drum brakes

• Power-adjustable seat

Factory Equipment

• The chassis number (P5FH190852) decodes as:

  • P – 292 cu-in 4bbl V8

  • 5 – 1955 model year

  • F – Dearborn, Michigan, assembly plant

  • H – Thunderbird (convertible)

  • 188612 – Sequential production number

• The trim tag decodes as:

  • Body: 40A – Thunderbird Convertible (standard for ’55–’56)

  • Color: R – Fiesta Red paint, white top

  • Trim: B – Red and white vinyl

  • Production Code: 20DSK533 – April 20th build date, San Jose DSO, unit number

Modifications

• Power-assisted drum brakes

• Retro-style radio

• Lap belts

• Wire-spoke wheels

• Continental spare tire kit

• AGM battery

• Converted to 12-volt electrical

Servicing & Documentation

• Per the seller, the convertible top was replaced approximately eight years ago, a power-assisted brake conversion was installed in 2021, and the battery was replaced in 2026.

Known Imperfections

• Paint chips on front end

• Chrome bumpers and exterior trim show wear

• Loose carpeting

• Overspray on underbody components

• Fluid leaks visible on underside

Ownership History

This 1955 Thunderbird was acquired by the seller in 2021.

Included Items

• Parts catalogs

• Fender skirts

• Spare steel wheel

• California license plate

• Two sets of keys

• Uninstalled Classic Auto Air kit

• Uninstalled air conditioning compressor

• Uninstalled 12-volt wiper drive