The 1955 Ford Thunderbird is one of the most recognizable American cars of the postwar era. Designed to compete with the Chevrolet Corvette, the T-Bird emphasized personal luxury over raw performance, and the result was a two-seat convertible that struck a perfect balance between style and drivability. This example, finished in a rare aqua exterior with a matching teal interior, is offered here on eBay by a private seller.
According to the listing, this Thunderbird is a rust-free Southern car that has been repainted and fitted with a new interior, including fresh door panels and carpet. It shows 80,000 miles on the odometer and is described as running perfectly. The seller even includes a video walkaround (you’ll want to check the eBay page for that), showing the car’s overall cosmetic and mechanical condition.
Power comes from a V8 engine paired with an automatic transmission, which was one of two options in 1955—the 3-speed manual and the Ford-O-Matic. While the listing doesn’t specify which V8 is under the hood, these cars were originally fitted with a 292-cubic-inch Y-block making around 193 horsepower, good for relaxed cruising with a healthy dose of mid-century torque.
Cosmetically, the car appears to present well with nice paint and a tidy interior. The teal and aqua combination is especially striking and gives the car a fresh, almost Miami-retro vibe that suits the Thunderbird’s flair. Details like the wide whitewall tires and signature porthole hardtop (if equipped) further add to the period charm.
1955 was the Thunderbird’s first year, and these early cars are particularly collectible. While not as rare as some of the later dual-carburetor performance variants, a clean, rust-free ’55 with recent cosmetic work and solid mechanicals is always a welcome find—especially if you’re looking for something that’s ready to enjoy without diving into a restoration.
With vintage convertibles climbing in value and T-Birds gaining renewed attention, this one could be a great pick for shows, weekend drives, or even the occasional vintage rally. It’s stylish, iconic, and still turns heads after nearly 70 years.
The portholes weren’t available until 1956.
I have a 55 with port holes. Ford started getting complaints from customers about the large blind spot area in the tops. To satisfy the complaints Ford created the porthole kit for dealers to install on those that complained. The portholes became standard equipment in 56 and 57. My 55 was ordered by a Ford official so it came with the portholes.
The portholes were optional in 1956. Almost all of them have them by now
These T-Birds were my first love. I’m resigned to the fact I’ll never afford one but a nice ’66 or a Turbo Bird would fit the bill.
I know what you mean I had a 56 and 55 back in the early 60’s. But know I have a 64 convertible wire wheels and a tonne cover for the rear seat area. Also a 1985 Turbo Coupe with air foils, Bose’s sound system and a custom grille with twin scoops on the hood.
Hated these darn things without power steering, but if I had the cash, this thing would be sitting in my garage.
In 1955, my sister’s boyfriend gave me a ride in one exactly like this. I was sold for life, on these!
I have a 55 and to my knowledge the port hole design was created in the 55 model year to address complaints of the large blind spot in the rear. Ford created a kit that could be dealer installed to address any complaints and the port holes became standard in 56 and 57. My 55 was ordered by a Ford official so it came with the portholes installed
That turquoise was the launch color seen at the Thunderbird’s release
What a sad color.
it is absolutely gorgeous.
The only hardtop offered in 1955 was the one in this article. The next year, 1956, Ford addressed three major marketing and customer issues: cabin heat, small trunk, and poor visibility with the top on. So, they put exterior vents on the sides, added a “Continental” spare, and the ubiquitous “port holes” in the glass-fibre top.
As I am sure you know, the portholes were optional from the factory in 1956, but dealers added them
The hardtops with factory portholes have six bows; the standard ones have five and those little windows are surprisingly helpful
I owned a ’56, and you are correct about the bow count.
I restored my 1956!
Ended at $15,800.
Reserve Not Met.
But, it has been relisted if you missed out.
I happen to own a 1955 T-Bird painted T-Bird Blue it was first day of Production car and its Body Tag # is xxxxx9. I am led to believe this is the car that was on display at the New York Motor Show. There is a Story they were having trouble fitting the hood and they had to hack at the metal around the hood hinge area to make it close. As they were running out of time to get it on the Transporter. My T-Bird has this damage under the hood around the hinge area.
Cheers
From Down Under
Correct except, for 1957, the port window was optional.