Although it was a direct response to the Chevrolet Corvette, Ford chose to go down a different path with its all-new ’55 Thunderbird. The new “personal car” category combined two-seater sportiness with refined creature comforts and luxury options, and it was a hit from day one. The original owner of this ’55 Thunderbird must’ve wanted a more sporty driving experience since it left the factory with a 312-cubic-inch V8 (more about that later), the standard 3-speed manual transmission with optional Overdrive, and non-power steering and brakes, but with a 4-way power bench seat. This ‘Bird is part of a private collection and the owner is selling to reduce his monthly maintenance costs (aka “downsizing”). You can call a guy named Jerry with any questions and to set up an appointment. Another thank you to a great ‘Bird Watcher, Mitchell G., for sending this nice ’55 our way.

It’s a pleasant change of pace to see an ad that describes a car in good detail. As the seller says, it ain’t perfect, but it’s nice, drives well, and can be enjoyed with some cosmetic improvements made down the road if the new owner so chooses. The previous owner had the car repainted in its original Code A Raven Black. It’s described as “appearing good but not show-quality,” and there’s a paint crack on the Bird’s front beak below the crossed flags emblem. The car’s had no known accident damage but has had some rust repairs to the inner rocker panels, floor pan patches, and repairs to the trunk drops. The chrome, trim, glass, and lenses look good and it comes with both tops, which is a plus. The optional convertible top is tan (’55 soft tops only came in black or white) and is in very good condition. There are photos of the matching Raven Black removable hardtop and the seller says it needs some TLC. All I could spot were some headliner defects and rips. The tires are described as older (and need wider whitewalls to be period correct) and come with the full wheel covers. A set of wire wheel covers are also included in the sale.

The ‘Bird’s classic black and white vinyl interior appears to be in very good condition. The seller shares that there is little wear on the seats, carpet, or door panels, but the radio doesn’t work, the steering wheel is showing wear with a crack on it, and some interior chrome is pitted. The turn signal switch has been rebuilt and the power seat wiring harness has been replaced. Other rebuilt/replaced items include the brake master cylinder, wheel cylinders and hoses replaced, and larger front and rear anti-sway bars have been added to improve handling.

The engine’s an interesting story because ’55 T-Birds were available with only one engine: the 292-cubic-inch Y-Block V-8 that generated 193 horsepower. The seller claims the ‘Bird’s larger 312-cubic-inch V8 was installed at the factory. Perhaps this Thunderbird was built towards the end of the ’55 model year run and the 312, an optional engine available on the ’56 T-Bird, was put in at the factory by request. Nothing is mentioned about documentation on this possible anomaly. Mileage is listed at 87,738 and the seller says the T-Bird “starts right up, runs well, and there are no known mechanical issues.” In the rebuilt/replaced department, the carburetor has been rebuilt, the solenoid and wiring for the transmission’s overdrive unit have been recently replaced, an electric fuel pump has been added, the timing and dwell have been recently adjusted, and the ‘Bird’s battery is brand new. This nice-looking Black ‘Bird is located in Lansdale, Pennsylvania and is listed for sale here on craigslist. The seller has a $40,000 asking price on it but says it’s negotiable. Ya know, there’s a reason why so many Raven Black T-Birds were featured in print ads and other marketing pieces back in 1955. It looked classy and sporty back then and still does 70 years later!