Though both cars started as two-seaters, the Chevy Corvette and the Ford Thunderbird were not direct competitors. The ‘Vette was designed as a sports car to thwart English imports while the T-Bird was an early personal luxury car with more amenities. This ’55 Thunderbird is partially disassembled and resides inside a storage container. Located in Camarillo, California, we’re told it was last registered in 1969, black plates and all. This project car is available here on Facebook Marketplace for $11,500.
Early Corvettes could only muster six-cylinder engines as opposed to V8 power being part of the Thunderbird arsenal from Day One. From 1953-55, the first three years of the Chevy, they only managed 4,460 copies and it was nearly discontinued because of a lack of demand. On the other hand, from 1955-57, the first three years of the Ford, 53,166 units left the assembly plant. A stark contrast.
The T-Bird’s engine choice for 1955 was a 292 cubic inch V8, which could be in the seller’s car. From the looks of things under where the hood would be, parts have been removed, though the seller says at least some of them are still around. We’re told an automatic transmission is paired with this motor. Originally a black-on-black car, the seller tells us the car has its original sheet metal and chrome but no rust. Perhaps it will serve as a good platform for a restoration, assuming you don’t have to replace lots of missing parts and components.
Pardon my ignorance, but what’s the significance of a California black plate? I see it mentioned on here a lot, like it’s something desirable, but don’t know why.
Back in the 60’s California had black license plates. Once they were on the car they would remain for the life of the car so it is saying the car has not been subject to icy salted roads like northern cars as well as less humidity
Adding to Clay’s input: therefore a black plate car is worth a lot more than a California car without them.
I have always liked the first gen Thunderbirds especially the 57. As many as I have drooled over for decades now I can’t remember ever seeing a key like this one. Love it though
I’ve always wanted the shorter car, so the ’55 has always been my favorite.
I’m guessing that’s a novelty replacement key, not OEM. Pretty snazzy though!
Novelty key produced in the sixties. You can still buy them uncut for $45-55 on eBay.
After spending time sorting one of these out for a friend, I appreciate these more than I did a few years ago. (restored 2 C1 Corvettes previously) I would not spend this amount of money for this one. There are decent runners for about the same money as this one. If you were to restore this one to original condition, you would be in the car way underwater. They ask pretty good money just for a factory 4 BBL intake manifold. And double that for an original carburetor. (A later 292/312 with the “current” 4 bbl bolt pattern is easier to find and a lot cheaper) Plus, NO HARD TOP! I think not.
Looks like the same T-Bird from a July BF posting.
https://barnfinds.com/garage-find-project-1955-ford-thunderbird/
The previous post said it was in Sparks, NV for $6,500. Now it’s in CA for $11,500 and using pics from the same location. Is it a flipper?
Looks like no hood either. Someone would need a parts car to pair with this if avoiding being way underwater is a goal.
Damn flippers.
The ad says he has all of the missing parts, hood, intake, etc.