Whilst Ford always claimed that the Thunderbird had not been developed as a direct competitor to the Corvette, the fact that the development of the T-Bird commenced a mere month after the Corvette broke cover seemed to initially contradict this claim. However, it’s when you delve deeper into the relative specifications of the two vehicles that you realize that Ford’s claim that the Thunderbird was not a true sports car does stand up to some scrutiny. The performance of the Thunderbird was nowhere near as “hard-edged” as that of the Corvette, and the fact that the T-Bird tipped the scales some 400lbs heavier than the Corvette demonstrated the fact that Ford was more focused on comfort and refinement, not on outright performance. If you would like to own an extremely nice “personal car,” then you will find this 1955 Thunderbird located in Charlotte, North Carolina, and listed for sale here on eBay. With bidding now sitting at $18,500, the reserve has been met. So it looks like someone is about to score themselves a true 1950s icon.
The Thunderbird presents nicely in its original Raven Black, although it has received a repaint at some point in the past. It isn’t clear when this occurred, but the paint does look to be in good condition. There are no obvious rust issues, and the owner makes no mention of any hidden problems. The lower rear quarter panel on the driver’s side looks like it might be a bit blasted by road grit, which is a relatively common problem. If this is the case, then this should probably be addressed before any rust is able to develop. There are no photos and no indication as to whether the vehicle has a hardtop, but the original factory soft-top is present. This doesn’t seem to fit terribly well, and I am guessing that it hasn’t spent a lot of time in the “up” position during the car’s lifetime. If this is the case, leaving it raised with the car parked out in the sun may help it to tighten and fit a bit better. The fender skirts are present, and along with the external trim and chrome, show no real problems.
Powering the Thunderbird is its original 292ci Y-Block V8, backed by a 3-speed automatic transmission. This combination was capable of accelerating the vehicle from 0-60mph in 9.6 seconds, and on to a top speed of 109mph. It is when we compare the vital statistics of the Thunderbird and the Corvette that we realize how Ford’s aim was different from that of General Motors. With the 265ci v8 available in the Corvette from 1955, it now had 195hp at its disposal, as opposed to the Ford’s 198hp. The difference there is minute, but while the Corvette tipped the scales at a lithe and lean 2,840lbs, the Thunderbird weighed in at 3,280lbs. A lot of this disparity came down to the steel body and increased levels of sound deadening in the Thunderbird, along with more luxury and convenience features, and significantly more external trim and chrome. At some point in the past, the engine in the Ford was treated to a rebuild, while recent work includes a full fluid change, a new fuel tank, a carburetor rebuild, along with a new battery and new exhaust. The owner says that the Thunderbird starts and runs well and that it drives and stops perfectly.
The interior presentation of the Thunderbird is very good and has no doubt been helped by the vehicle recently receiving new carpet, as well as a new seat cover. The upholstery on the passenger side door trim is quite wrinkled, so it would be interesting to see whether an upholsterer could successfully stretch this back into shape. Apart from the fuel gauge having an intermittent fault, the rest of the gauges, lights, and accessories are said to work as they should. This includes the factory radio and the 4-way power seat.
Given how neat and tidy this 1955 Ford Thunderbird appears to be, I am quite surprised that the reserve has been met with what would appear to be a pretty modest bid. There is some time left on the listing, so the potential is definitely there for the price to go higher. I would expect bidding to reach at least $20,000 for a car in this condition, although a higher figure is quite conceivable. Values across the board took a bit of a hit about a year ago, but with them starting to show signs of firming once again, a ’55 T-Bird could represent a pretty decent sort of an investment.
I have a T-Bird in the garage, but it’s not as graceful as this one is. Looks good and I’d be happy to have it in my possession. Like all my cars, I would drive it.
Hope the future buyer will keep it on the road.
These always look best to my eye in black. Sharp car.
Agreed. My dad had an MGB when I was a kid and they are my usual small car focus, but lately these Thunderbirds are getting all my attention. I’d like one just like this. I’d like a stick but find it interesting that the automatics were faster with more horsepower.
Very nice through out. Like the color and that the car is still in original condition. 20k would be a fair price to have a nice car to take on an occasional drive.
Agree with Redwagon! This is one sharp black T-Bird. 20k would be a good buy for this piece of history.
It’s not a 3 speed automatic it’s a 2 speed Fordomatic same type as the powerglide
All 1955 – 57 Thundebirds when equipped with the fordomatic were 3 speeds. The misunderstanding comes from the fact they start in 2nd gear unless you put the shifter in low range when you’re stopped – which gives a 1st gear start.
Correct Gord, it was a crazy Borg Warner thing back then. I believe Studebakers were the same way. The Fordomatic 2 speed didn’t come out until 1959.
I believe this specific car has changed hands twice in last few months due to problems underneath. Perhaps they may have been corrected, maybe not. Anyone bidding needs to do a thorough underbody inspection (as you always should). Just sayin…