There are several things that set this 1955 Ford Thunderbird apart from others and make it a more desirable baby bird. Some would say that all ’55-’57 Thunderbirds are desirable – OK, I can agree with that, but let’s look this one over and see what’s so special. This Ford two-seater is located in New Braunfels, Texas and is available, here on craigslist for $14,950. Thanks to Matt R for this discovery!
Somewhat subjectively, what I like about this T-Bird is its later 312 CI V8 engine, the lack of fender skirts, no continental spare (a standard on the ’56 but still found, added to ’55s), the three-speed manual gearbox (as opposed to an automatic), and the portholes – another 1956 styling cue. Add all of that to the “Torch Red” finish, faded as it is, over a straight body and you have a winner in my book.
The seller quips, “the interior looks like my kid’s bedroom“. What? That’s the best you got? You should have seen my son’s when he was about ten – it would have put Dennis the Menance to shame. Yes, the interior is a bit ratty looking, the seats contain splits, the carpet looks like something either coming or going, there’s surface rust and dullness with the steering wheel trim and instrument panel, but it’s really not bad in the scheme of things. There are some images of the underside included and while it’s the color of Georgia clay with some obvious surface rust blisters, it doesn’t appear that the floors are rusted through.
Power is provided by a 312 CI V8 engine of unknown provenance. As the seller states, it’s a non-original engine as a 193 gross HP, 292 CI V8 was standard equipment in the ’55 Thunderbird. The 312 appeared in ’56 and was Thunderbird-rated at 215 gross HP in manual transmission form but again, the origins of this 312 engine are unknown. This is a running car but the seller adds, “Fuel system will need to be gone through…” There’s that weasel-worded “gone-through” euphemism again which really means, drop the fuel tank and flush it, hope that it can be salvaged and is still useable, blow-out the fuel lines, replace the fuel pump, and rebuild the carburetor – sounds like a bit more than just a “gone through”. But the fact that he got it running is very encouraging, hopefully, the going-through will be no more an arduous endeavor than suggested, and maybe less.
The fuel system issue is probably the result of this Thunderbird sitting for the last 35 years. And that may also be the reason that the mileage recording is only 77K miles, though that reading is not claimed as genuine. The seller adds, “Would make a great resto-mod with a coyote and 6-speed manual!” Nooooo, that would be heresy, this Thunderbird has too much good going for it. I’d straighten it out (gone through?) as it is and continue with it in its current vein. But that’s just me; how about you, which way would you take this cool ’55 ‘Bird?
While it does not appear the floors are rusted through it looks like lots of the structural members along the side are toast and someone shot the entire bottom with rusteloum primer to slow the spread. Buyer beware I would do a thorough underbody inspection before buying especially since the seller does not even mention the word RUST
The 312 with a manual transmission ought to be a good combo. Rather than a Coyote/Tremec restomod, I think I’d fix the rust, keep the powertrain (with a few upgrades for reliability), add disc brakes and sway bars, and keep it looking like it does now.
Great car.
Mongrel ? Nope. A hybrid* with a cherry picked assemblage of the highlights of the model run. Love it…
(*pun intended)
I am guessing it might be a fairly solid car. I don’t see the undercarriage being toast with the body looking so good. Maybe body is a “Bondo Replica” ,but I am a glass 1/2 full kind of guy. I would like to have my way with this Bird. I think with good planning and judgement you could have a high quality driver car (not restoration) and not break the bank.
I sold my white 55 t-bird high school ride in New Braunfels in ’75. Can’t help but wonder if this is it.
I am rather sure that Buick offered a “T” type opyion on the Electra model only. I am responding to the want ad for a Buick La Sabre “T” .
Buick offered T Types in all models from the early `80s, ending with the last Electra T Type in 1990.
LeSabre T Types were `87-`89.
Skyhawks, Skylarks, Centurys and Rivieras were introduced around `83 and ran until the late `80s except Skylark.
I was the fleet manager at Fanning Cadillac-Buick in Chicago and ordered hundreds of them.
Got some gussets gone, and it looks like the right rear quarter inside drop has a big ol patch . as Stanley points out you would need a good inspection and appraisal, as you could hear these birds rusting. Take a magnet with you. Good luck and happy motoring!
Cheers
GPC
Love the hubcaps. Were roof portholes available in ’55? Leave the Y-Block and 3-speed in it.
Portholes were introduced as a no-cost option late in the ‘55 model year to address a visibility issue. Dealers could also retrofit them to earlier non-porthole hardtops. Non-porthole hardtops were still available in ‘56 and ‘57, but customers overwhelmingly preferred the portholes.
I had two ’55s … no ’55 factory cars came with a porthole top … it was offered in ’56 & ’57 as an option, which most had … there were ’55 conversions adding a ’56 porthole hard top but the handles used to tighten the top had larger-sized inserts so those had to be changed also … if one were handy enough or had a good body man portholes could be cut in the ’55 top … and, unless you had a pulley system in the garage to lift it off, they were definitely a two-man job – they were fiberglass but weighed a “ton” …
My mom had one of these, same year and color scheme too with the portal windows. She traded it in on a brand new 1961 Galaxie convertible with a 390ci engine and a 3 speed.
Have never seen one without full wheel covers. My question is, is the steering column stock or is that an adjustable option? It’s also one of the very few cars I like rear skirts on. For it’s age the underside doesn’t look too bad. Could be a good buy.
Structural/bondo/rust issues aside, I love the way this car sits. Agree, never liked the fender skirts and the conti kit which is the majority of this era Tbird set up. If it were to get in my garage (pending a thorough inspection), I’d largely keep it the same with better brakes & suspension. Do some speed parts with the 312 and put a 5 sp in it. Then just enjoy it.
Needs whitewalls to bring back the top color.