The owner of this 1955 Thunderbird has put a bit of effort into decoding the VIN on this car and claims that after this car was built, there were only four more 1955 Thunderbirds that rolled off the production line. That was a long time ago, and time appears to have been this car’s enemy. There is some work to be done to bring it back, but for the right person, the effort may well be worth it. The owner has set the opening bid for the Thunderbird at $2,500, but there had been no bids on the vehicle at the time of writing. Located in Denton, North Carolina, it is listed for sale here on eBay.
The owner says that the Thunderbird rolled off the line on the 16th September 1955. It was finished in Raven Black, with a black interior. It has obviously undergone at least one color change in that time. It has also suffered from the rust issues that claimed so many cars from this era, although it is not a completely lost cause. The owner says that the frame appears to be solid, but there is rust in the floors, as well as in the hood and trunk lid. The rest of the really prone areas such as the bottoms of the doors, fenders, and quarter panels actually look pretty reasonable, with only minor rust visible. The fiberglass hardtop is going to need some work, while the rear glass is present, but not installed.
The black on black finish must have looked pretty special when the car was new, but that was ever such a long time ago. As with the outside of the car, the interior has copped a real hammering over the years. The car was originally fitted with a power seat, and while the switches are still present, the seat itself is MIA. The rest of the interior will require a full restoration. The other bad news surrounds the engine and transmission. Originally equipped with a 292ci V8 and manual transmission, both of these items are now long gone. This is a blow for anyone looking at restoring this as a numbers-matching original. A date correct engine and transmission should be able to be sourced, but it means that the ultimate restored value of the car will be impacted to some degree.
I’m not going to say that this Thunderbird is a lost cause, because I think that we’ve all seen sorrier sights that have been revived. However, it is going to take some work. As a potential restoration project, it would make the most financial sense if it was to be tackled by a person who has the ability to undertake the rust repairs themselves and wouldn’t have to pay for someone else to do them. The owner also floats the idea that the ultimate fate of the Thunderbird may be as a parts car, which is also a real possibility. So, if you bought it, would you restore it, or would it become a parts car?
Betcha the original black factory finish would have fared better after all these years than this horrible blue repaint revealing poor prep. Looks like the paint itself caused all the premature surface rust! Interior looks nice and, hmmm, crusty. No monetary premium by it being the 5th to last car of the 55s. The retooled 56 was hardly a departure so there is no historical significance to this late 1955 production #.
The best part about this Bird is that there are literally thousands of reproduction parts to restore these now. A rather famous T-Bird restorer in Dallas is an expert on these, and can restore them in his sleep.
wow–just Googled the site and Minter’s T-birds look fabulous. He had a 300 out of 300 score in 2018 on one–very impressive
Shame to see this bird in this condition. But- small block or a fe mill would go in there nicely. Hopefull someone can save her. The gentleman in Texas who is the Bird expert is Amos Minter. Good luck!!
Cheers
Gaspumpchas
In its current condition I would not attempt restore it to stock. Update suspension, engine, trans, differential, etc. and definitely paint it back to it original color of black.
How deep is the water mama? 2 feet and rizen
Left out in the N.C. Rain. ‘Tis pity.
looking at these pics, I suddenly have a craving for a bowl of Post Toasties….
Could have been left out in the rain and standing in water from the mud marks on the left front tire. A friend of mine from high school had a black/black 55 with the hard top. Loved that car’s looks.
Update everything mechanical, install a Chevy 350/350. Or, a Dodge 360/727. Throw in whatever you have lying around for interior. Fix the floor rust thru and happily drive away in your rat rod. I’m not a Ford lover but do like only the earliest T-Bird body style. This car is definitely not worth restoration unless your pockets are very deep. And for heavens sake, never paint a car black! The worst and hardest to keep clean color known to man.
Are you out off your mind. A brand X or mopar in a T bird will almost completely destroy its value for resale to any Ford buyer. A 351W and C4 could be put in for less than 1000.00 but I would just overhaul the Y block as they are very easy to rebuild and now days are very economical to do.
Sorry, this one is way to far gone. The cost to restore far outways the value. There may be some salable parts on her. Not many, Im afraid.
You would put $50,000 into a $30,000 car. You can buy these all day. Not worth restoring unless you had all the needed parts and did it yourself.
It’s a tough call. I think the new owner will be into the Project North of six figures if that person does not do his own wrenching. The cars are now selling at a slightly inflated price of medium 5 figures in very good condition. I always loved the two seater Birds and to be honest I always wanted one. I can swing it now, but I have no room. I’m in negotiations for more space as we speak .
Just a while back, BFs featured an early Thunderbird where the original owner had left his daughter his Thunderbird. I can’t remember why she sold it (no funds maybe), but then the Buyer must have realized the task was too great and listed it for sale. I could easily see this Thunderbird ending up in a similar scenario where the car just keeps getting sold due to “sticker shock” from the new owners not realizing what they are faced with in terms of time and parts and labor cost.
Morrison chassis, Coyote motor, 8 speed auto, 9″ Ford rear, original style interior to match new black paint and either 16″ and 18″ or 18″+20″… and drive it every day!