Ford got a lot of things right with their first-year Thunderbird. But, there’s always room for improvement, and customers had three main complaints: 1) the cozy cabin got a bit warm and needed a better fresh air vent solution, 2) the fiberglass removable top had a blind spot, and 3) cargo space was limited because the spare tire took up almost half of the trunk space. Every once-in-a-while, you see a ’55 Thunderbird with an aftermarket continental kit that’s a solution to customer complaint #3. Here’s an example of one that’s been fitted onto a low-mileage ‘Bird (only 29,545 original miles listed). This car is in exceptional condition inside and out, is located in Spokane, Washington, and can be found here on craigslist for $34,500. Another thank you to our favorite ‘Bird spotter, Curvette, for sending this one our way!
The seller doesn’t share a lot of information about the car’s history or why it’s only been driven 29,000 miles in 71 years. He or she says “it was owned by an enthusiast, has been well cared for, never abused, and always garage kept.” Based on the ‘Birds, condition, it has spent a lot of time in a garage and away from Mother Nature. There’s something very formal looking about a solid black ’55 Thunderbird with a contrasting black and white interior. Men driving one in a tuxedo wouldn’t look out of place. The glossy shine of the Code A Raven Black is impressive and there’s no rust or other body flaws visible. It has both tops, but there are no photos shown of the white convertible top. The biggest elephant in the garage is the aftermarket continental kit. It’s pretty outrageous and required extending the exhaust pipes through the chrome rings on the bumper guard. It really changes the looks and proportions of this little two-seater.
The ‘Bird’s black and white interior is clean as a whistle and in great shape. The ribbed vinyl bench seat isn’t showing wear and the door panels look like new. The seller states that it has power steering and power windows, and a 3-speed manual transmission with overdrive. The optional AM radio has been replaced with an aftermarket one and color coordinated seat belts and floor mats have also been added.
It’s not surprising that the engine bay is as neat and tidy as the rest of the car. All Thunderbirds in 1955 left the factory with a 292-cubic-inch “Y-Block” V8 under the hood. Equipped with a manual transmission, the 292 could generate 193 horsepower at 4400 RPM. The seller says, “the car runs and drives great, it has the original engine, transmission, and rear end, and comes with tons of service records.” So, what do you think of this low-mileage, beautiful black ‘Bird with an extended rear end?
Paul Drake would rock this T’bird. But would this car make his @ss look big?
I don’t care how old the kit is; rip it off and replace the tires with run-flats.
Stunning. Just the way it is.
A great way to make a beautiful design look bad.
The ad is taken down so all I know of this car is what’s listed here. However, based on this posting, I see no reason to change anything on this car and I certainly wouldn’t.
Beautiful Bird. From the side it doesn’t even look all that different until you see the view three quarters from the rear. I just wonder what that continental kit does to the handling. Love that interior.
gone but that paint does not look like the paint put on it 71yrs ago. way too shinny.
To do list for this car:
1. Buy it.
2. Remove that outrageous butt-ugly continental kit.
3. Drive and enjoy.
Simple list. Easy peasy.