Stalled restoration projects are not uncommon here on Barn Finds. Sometimes the seller will fess up and say they’ve lost interest, or just have too many projects, losing their storage space, or have had to shift the restoration funds to cover a major medical need. Sadly, sometimes it involves a family member or friend selling a vehicle for a recently deceased loved one or buddy. No reason is given for why this particular 1955 Ford Thunderbird is being sold. The seller states that it is “98% finished and should have all the parts to finish the car.” You’ll find this dusty ‘Bird project in a garage in Norfolk, Nebraska, and is for sale here on Facebook Marketplace for $19,750 (and the seller may consider trades). Thanks to NW Iowa Kevin for spotting this cool red ‘Bird and sending it our way!
Based on the supplied photos, the T-Bird looks to be in solid, decent shape. It’s on blocks and sitting in a garage in Nebraska. There’s no photo of the data plate to show how it left the factory, but it’s wearing a popular color for ’55, Torch Red, with a matching red and white vinyl interior. The paint looks shiny and presentable and the trim appears to be all there. The chrome looks shiny but no details are given about the fender skirts or if it comes with its original wheel covers instead of the aftermarket faux wire wheel covers. The glass looks good and there’s a photo of its front windshield that needs to be installed. There’s also a photo of a matching red removable hardtop with porthole windows (many owners of ’55 T-Birds had them installed when they appeared on the ’56 models to address a blindspot complaint). The desirable optional soft top frame is visible behind the ‘Bird’s bench seat but nothing is mentioned about the fabric covering.
The ‘Bird’s red and white vinyl interior could use a cleaning and the seller says that the new wiring harness needs to be finished up and the interior assembled. One can see the wiring harness and tagged wires coming out of the Astra-Dial speedometer that is visible in the floorboard. There’s a photo of a restored door panel and the instrument panel, carpet, and vinyl bench seat look to be in very good condition. There’s no list of the options on this particular ‘Bird, but it has power windows, an AM radio (which was optional) and a floor-shifted Ford-O-Matic automatic transmission.
There were no engine options for the ’55 Thunderbird. All came from the factory with a 292-cubic-inch “Y-Block” V8 that generated 193 horsepower with the standard transmission, and 198 horsepower with an automatic transmission. The seller says the engine has been rebuilt (but hasn’t been run yet) and the car comes with “tons of new parts.” Yes, as time marches on, the market for two-seater ’55 – ’57 Thunderbirds has softened. If the next owner is handy and the seller is flexible with the asking price, this could potentially be a good deal for someone.
For a long time, the ’50’s T-Birds have been some of my favorite cars. This seems a pretty smart example.
Nice Bird!!
For being close to being reassembled, the asking price actually sounds reasonable. I’m curious as to why they would consider a trade, if there’s a serious issue that they’re going through. I hope for the best for them.