Pick A Price: 1955 Ford Thunderbird – SOLD!

November 25th Update: We just confirmed the private seller of this Thunderbird deleted their Craigslist ad, so we’re now able to call this one “Sold!”  While this one got away, if you have your heart set on something similar, email us the details of what you’re looking for or call Rudy directly at (908)295-7330.

November 12th Update: We just came across a fresh listing for this pretty T-Bird with a caretaker who can’t exactly decide what price to post.  Their latest Craigslist ad has the car priced back down at $23,500.

September 9th Update – Another week, another price.  While preparing for Topless Thursday we noticed the private seller just revised their asking price once again to $25,000.

September 2nd Update – Oddly, the private seller of this T-Bird increased their original asking price of $23,500 to $28,000.  We think they are trying reverse psychology. After likely receiving sub-twenty thousand offers with the original asking price, the seller upped the price with the hope of a counter offer that meets their original low twenties expectation.

In 1955 Ford called Chevrolet’s six-cylinder Corvette sports car and raised it with their new V8-powered luxury themed Thunderbird.  In a world now full of over-restored garage queens, it’s nice to come across a nicely optioned, driver quality examples such as this Snowshoe White over Torch Red and White interior 1955 example originally listed in the fall of 2020 on Craigslist in Watchung, New Jersey with 92,000 original miles with an asking price of $23,500.   Comparing this against the Hagerty Insurance Online Valuation Tool confirms this private seller has his Baby Bird priced between the #3 “Good” appraisal of $32,600 and the #4 “Fair” (Daily Driver) estimate of $20,600.

In April of 2019, Hagerty Insurance put together this nicely detailed buyer’s guide for these first-generation Thunderbirds. Here’s the original extended Ford commercial detailing the features of their new-for-1955 two-seater:

The black paint in the limited pictures provided for this example appears to be shiny and the panels appear straight which would be consistent for a truck showing only 48K original miles.  As good as the exterior appears to be, the red custom interior is what really shines as the current caretaker added a Southern Rods heat and air conditioning system to compliment the updated upholstery, dashboard, radio, and gauges.  While the private seller calls the current carpet “fine”, a replacement rug with sound deadening that needs to be installed will be included as part of the sale.  It’s not clear from the seller’s description whether they were factory original, however, this truck is equipped with new power brakes and power steering which are nice upgrades if they are not listed on the glove box door Protecto-Plate.

The seller’s description and realistic price have us believing the 80-year-old private seller is more interested in finding a great home for his driver quality T-Bird than having to look at it sit in his garage while he tries to get a few dollars more for it.  It’s refreshing to see that mentality still exists in the collector car world.  Good luck with the purchase!

Here’s the seller’s description:

“This is a “55” T-Bird Convertible Coupe you can buy and enjoy it’s a driver. Very Clean Straight excellent mechanical condition won’t break the bank doing it. Comes with hardtop as well. This is a true American Classic car the very first year T-Bird was made. It’s a MUST HAVE..

This T-Bird is currently owned by an 80yr old guy that can no longer drive is looking for someone else to own this and enjoy it. He has owned it for 6yrs.

This Pearl white beauty is about a #6 out of 10. It has some very small body blemishes, restoration is an older one of about 12yrs ago.

Very solid very strong running “55” T-Bird and very well taken care of.

I have about 40 or so more pictures I can send you if you are interested in seeing them.

Power Windows, Power Seat, Power Brakes, 2spd Automatic Trans, 292 V-8 Engine, Original 6 volt system. The top is in excellent condition along with the interior.

I look forward to showing this car please contact me”

Do you have a Ford Thunderbird story you’d like to share?  Comment below and let us know!