1955 Ford Thunderbird Convertible
"The flight of the Ford Thunderbird has taken several twists and turns during its first 42 year existence while maintaining its path in the forefront of American automobile legends. Oct. 22 was the date of public introduction of the original two-seater in 1954. More than 5,000 names were considered for the new Ford project in 1954. A young Ford car stylist, Alden "Gib" Giberson, won a $95 suit and an extra pair of pants from Saks Fifth Avenue for suggesting the name Thunderbird." Ctci.org/ford-thunderbird
For consignment, a 1955 Ford Thunderbird convertible showing 52,464 miles, but the true miles are unknown. What is known is that this car has been owned by our consignor for an astounding 51 years and has a newer soft top, interior, exhaust, replated chrome, and a two stage respray in its original color.
Exterior
If named after a crow, the black paint would not have the allure, so Ford picked the more mythical larger cousin, Raven Black for the name and it presents deeply on the stamped steel panels of this Thunderbird. And if there's one thing black does better than any other color, it's to highlight metalwork and essentially anything that's NOT black. The faux fender vents, the broad window reveals, the fender skirt trim, and the stunning 15-inch wheels with full covers and white wall tires that enjoy an early 2021 date code. That's the profile. Look to the ends for even more visual vibrance; the eggcrate grille, torpedo bumper guards, chrome bumpers, and of course, the rocket age inspired afterburner tail lights. In a bold move you'll only find on a McLaren these days, the exhaust tips are moved up above the bumper, and protruding through what would be bumper guards here, and bodywork on the hypercar. Both tops are in great shape and so is the body and paint. Imperfections include surface scuffs, areas of dullness or orange peel, rock spray, some general uneven finish, and a few chips.
Interior
The unmistakable interior of the baby birds begins with stylish door panels that set the pattern for the dash and includes spun metal trim on black and white vinyl. In front, white pleated inserts define two seats on the black bench, here presenting in excellent condition. Despite a hairline crack on the black steering wheel, the texture and addition of lower horn ring is classic and the wheel frames the transparent arching speedometer flanked by a tachometer and clock. On the aluminum mid panel, a series of knobs join the AM radio in original configuration and a vent lever panel joins the grouping. Very nice black carpet floods the floor and surrounds the chrome shifter and the trunk shows as spotless, wearing a period plaid vinyl mat and housing a spare tire.
Drivetrain
The show must go on...and it does under the hood where a clean 292ci V8 resides. It has a 4-barrel carburetor and is rated at 198 horsepower. It's mated to the Ford-O-Matic 3-speed automatic transmission that routes power to a Dana 44 rear with 3.31 gears. Our Thunderbird is afforded power steering. As we see it, this engine bay is show worthy.
Undercarriage
We find a fantastically clean underside where the dual exhaust travels through stock style mufflers before making their epic exit through the bumper. Drum brakes are on all four wheels and suspension include coil springs in front and leaf springs in back.
Drive-Ability
Will this bird fly? Indeed, the V8 starts and idles nicely, and carries us in this black chariot through the test loop, tracking straight and handling well, all from a comfortable and compact cabin. We note the radio, clock and wipers don't work but all other functions operate as intended and it's back to the nest for this raven colored convertible. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at the time of your purchase.
If you were to compile a list of the top ten iconic classic cars, you'll have to include baby birds and '55 was the start of it all. This is a very nice example with some nice upkeep and fresh parts, ready for show and go and Saturday night ice cream runs.
P5FH203486
P-292ci 4bbl 198hp V8
5-1955
F-Dearborn, MI Assy Plant
H-Thunderbird
203486-Sequential Unit Number
WARRANTY PLATE
BODY 40A-Thunderbird
COLOR A-Raven Black
TRIM A-Black Vinyl
PRODUCTION CODE 7EDC145-May 7th
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person. There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee is not included in the advertised price. All prices are before state, city and county tax, tag, title and license fees. Out of state buyers are responsible for all state, county, city taxes and fees, as well as title/registration fees in the state that the vehicle will be registered. Classic Auto Mall is not responsible for errors and omissions. Please verify listings with dealer. Vehicles may require VIN verification and/or safety and emissions inspections to transfer ownership and register the vehicle in the declared state of residence. Please check with your local DMV office to ensure compliance with your states titling and registration process.
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