If you love beautifully-restored red ‘Birds with a known history, then this gorgeous 1955 Ford Thunderbird is for you. It was purchased by the current owner’s father way back in 1963 and has remained in the same family ever since. It received a full, frame-off restoration in 1988 that still shows very well today. One look at this ‘Bird and you know why it caused such a stir across America (as well as GM) when it went on sale October 24, 1954. For the first ten days of being offered, over 3,500 Thunderbird orders were placed. Ford had projected only building 10,000 units for model year 1955, but ended up building 16,155 of these iconic two-seater “personal cars.”
The exterior of this T-Bird looks fantastic with its shiny Torch Red paint, gleaming bumpers and grille, subdued chrome trim, and well-proportioned styling. It’s wearing aftermarket wire wheels and was ordered with the optional rear fender shields, backup lights, and, most importantly, the desirable soft top (that folds and stows away behind the front seat), which was a $290.00 option when ordered with the standard fiberglass removable hardtop. There are no photos, but the seller says the black convertible top is in excellent condition. You’ll notice this ’55 has a white hardtop with porthole windows. Although I’ve read that ’55 Thunderbirds only left the factory with color-matching removable hardtops, customers could have dealers paint them in contrasting colors. Also, porthole windows, added to the 1956 models due to customer visibility complaints, were never offered on ’55 models, but many owners of ’55 Thunderbirds had their non-porthole hardtops converted to the now-iconic porthole windows.
The Thunderbird’s black, white, and aluminum-and-chrome trimmed interior looks as great as its exterior. I read that due to the T-Bird’s compressed development time, the exterior and interior of the ’55 Thunderbird were designed in tandem as opposed to separately by separate departments which was the norm back then. I guess that’s why the Thunderbird’s interior has such a “harmonious” look and feel to the exterior. It’s one of the greatest interiors of the 1950s without a doubt. The ribbed vinyl bench seat looks practically new as do the door panels, instrument panel, dash, and carpet. Seat belts have been added and you can spot the optional Ford-O-Matic automatic transmission (which cost $178.20) as well as the radio and heater. This ‘Bird also has power steering, power brakes and a 4-way power seat.
Not surprisingly, this Thunderbird’s engine bay is as clean and tidy as the rest of the car. Only one engine was available on ’55 ‘Birds, the 292-cubic-inch Y-Block V8 engine that generated 198 horsepower when new. It was ordered with the optional $25 Engine Dress-Up Kit and the seller lists the mileage at 29,684. The seller also shares that the ‘Bird was converted to a 12 volt electrical system and in 2022 received a new fuel pump, a carburetor overall, had the brake fluid changed, the transmission serviced, differential fluid serviced, the coolant flushed with a new heater valve, and the power steering flushed. Recently the car has had the water pump replaced and received a new battery. This classic ’55 Thunderbird is currently nesting at Authentic Motorcars in Redmond, Washington, and is listed for sale here on craigslist for $39,950. Another shout out to our pal, Curvette, for sending this beautiful ’55 Thunderbird our way. I envy the next caretaker of this ravishing red ‘Bird!
Looks so much better with the white top instead of red. Considering the work done and the condition the price seems fair but I thought the market was softening for these cars. I guess I’ll have to content myself with a last Gen T-Bird.
Agree to disagree on the top color.
One of my all time favorite cars was my 1955 T-Bird. Back in the day, I traded my ’59 Corvette even up with a close friend for his ’55 Bird and never looked back! The bird was a teal green with white hardtop when I got it. Re-painted it in ’65 Mustang orange, along with mag style wheels. Drove it for several years, tried to trade it in on a Falcon Sprint – but the dealer didn’t want the bird! Ended up trading it to a friend for his 1962 Chevy Impala. Would love to have another ’55 Bird, and this would be a good one to own.
Maybe we’ll see if somebody takes the bait.
Great write up Ron. Amazing how the restoration of this car still shines 37 years later. Price seems reasonable for the quality.
Do first year 1955 birds command higher prices than the 1956 or 1957? I’ve seen well sorted 1957’s advertised for a lot less. Than again, there’s the asking price and than there’s the selling price……………sometimes the differences can be substantial.
Nice car and good write-up Ron. This example looks particularly sharp. I hadn’t thought about how well integrated the interior is, but I agree with your comment. The $178 automatic transmission would be the equivalent of over $2100 today.
Wow.. beautiful is right Ron. As I think I mentioned a while back on another ad for a T-bird I haven’t been much of a fan of early Thunderbirds (until recently) so I’ve never seen a ’55, but this one is gorgeous and I love the lines.
Always liked the 55, this one’s a sharp car! Agree with others a nice write up Ron.