1955 Ford Thunderbird – Sold Locally for $25,500

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June 5, 2023 Update – Unfortunately, the seller did not understand our auction rules and sold this Thunderbird locally for $25,500 before the auction ended.  Luckily, no one had bid on the car here yet.

GuysWithRides.com is excited to offer our latest first-generation 1955 Ford Thunderbird for sale.  Lot 205 is a raven black 1955 Thunderbird believed to be a survivor-quality, unmolested example the current caretaker purchased from the original owner two years ago. The second owner placed their trust in GuysWithRides.com to offer their Baby Bird in a reserve-price auction.

Bidding opened Wednesday, May 31, 2023, and will continue through Wednesday, June 14, 2023, at 5:00 PM

This 1955 Ford Thunderbird for sale currently resides near Woodstock, New York, as part of a private collection.

 

The Deets

Year: 1955
Make: Ford
Model: Thunderbird
Location: Woodstock, NY
Mileage: 79,917
VIN:
Exterior Color: Raven Black
Interior Color: Black & White Vinyle
Engine: 292 cu in "Y" Block V8
Transmission: 3-Speed Automatic
Drivetrain: Rear Wheel Drive
Fuel: Gas

Current High Bid = $100

GuysWithRides.com is excited to offer our latest first-generation 1955 Ford Thunderbird for sale. Lot 205 is a Raven Black 1955 Thunderbird believed to be a survivor-quality, unmolested example. The current caretaker purchased from the original owner two years ago. The second owner placed their trust in GuysWithRides.com to offer their Baby Bird in a reserve-price auction.

Bidding opened Wednesday, May 31, 2023, and will continue through Wednesday, June 14, 2023, at 5:00 PM

This 1955 Ford Thunderbird for sale currently resides near Woodstock, New York, as part of a private collection.

The 1955 Ford Thunderbird was an iconic American personal luxury car that captured the essence of 1950s automotive design. Ford wanted to compete in the growing United States market for two-seater sports cars. To do this, they introduced the 1955 Thunderbird in only twelve months.

The Thunderbird quickly became a symbol of style and luxury. With its sleek lines, powerful engine, and numerous innovative features, the Thunderbird epitomized the spirit of the era.

The exterior design of the 1955 Thunderbird was a fusion of classic and modern elements. Its low-slung profile, elongated hood, and short rear deck created a dynamic and sporty appearance.

The front end of the car featured a chrome grille sporting vertical bars. On either side of it were circular headlights. This gave the car a unique and striking appearance.

The Thunderbird had sweeping chrome accents on its sides. This added a touch of elegance and improved the car’s aerodynamics. The rear end showcased rounded tailfins, reminiscent of the jet-inspired design popular during the era.

The 1955 Thunderbird featured a 292 cubic-inch V8 engine under its hood. This engine was Ford’s “Y” Block V8, which was sourced from the Mercury Division. This engine produced 193 horsepower. It could be mated to a three-speed manual transmission or an optional automatic transmission.

The interior of the Thunderbird was a blend of luxury and convenience. The cabin was thoughtfully designed with an emphasis on comfort and style.

The seats were upholstered in high-quality materials, and the dashboard featured a combination of chrome accents and elegant gauges. The 1955 Ford Thunderbird could be optioned with power windows and a power-adjustable driver’s seat featuring a memory function.

One of the defining features of the 1955 Thunderbird was its removable fiberglass hardtop. This feature enabled the car to switch from a coupe to a convertible. Drivers were given the option of open-air motoring or a more sheltered driving experience.

The 1955 Ford Thunderbird is notable for its standard removable hardtop, which came as standard. A canvas folding top was an optional feature that most buyers agreed to pay extra for.

Safety was a key consideration in the design of the Thunderbird. The car featured a robust steel frame and an advanced suspension system that provided stability and control on the road. It was equipped with drum brakes, power-assisted steering, and wide whitewall tires for enhanced grip and handling.

The 1955 Thunderbird was an instant success upon its release. It appealed to a wide range of customers, from sports car enthusiasts to those seeking a stylish and luxurious vehicle. Ford received an overwhelming response, with more than 16,000 Thunderbirds sold in its debut year, far exceeding initial expectations.

The Thunderbird’s popularity continued to grow, leading to subsequent model years and a lasting legacy. It became an icon of American automotive design and a symbol of the carefree and optimistic spirit of the 1950s. The Thunderbird was featured in movies, TV shows, and songs, cementing its place in popular culture.

In conclusion, the 1955 Ford Thunderbird was a remarkable car that embodied the style, performance, and luxury of its time. Its timeless design, powerful engine, and innovative features made it an instant classic and a beloved symbol of American automotive history. Even today, the Thunderbird remains a sought-after collector’s item and a testament to the golden age of American automobiles.

They are only original once. You’ll hear that phrase often from collector car enthusiasts. Today, many 1955 Ford Thunderbirds have been over-restored. This restoration has made them look even better than when they were first made.

It is refreshing to find an original, survivor-quality Baby Bird that stayed with its one owner until 2020. The car has only 80K original miles. The exterior paint is Raven Black, and the interior is “Tuxedo” black and white. It is believed that all of these features are original.

In addition to power steering and power brakes, this 1955 Ford Thunderbird for sale features its original six-volt electrical system. Standard roll-down windows are featured in this example. It is worth noting that there is an optional four-way power seat. This seat can be controlled from the driver’s door panel.

The seller believes their 1955 Ford Thunderbird’s engine has never been removed from the car, nor has it been rebuilt. The same applies to the car’s three-speed Ford-O-Matic automatic transmission.

A common misconception is that all removable hardtops on first-generation Ford Thunderbirds featured round portholes. The truth is that Ford added portholes as an option mid-way through the 1956 model year. Consequently, this 1955 Ford Thunderbird for sale features the correct hardtop. This 1955 Ford Thunderbird does not feature the optional snap-in vinyl tonneau that became popular on later models.

Authentic Kelsey-Hayes wire wheels were an optional feature on first-generation Ford Thunderbird Baby Birds. This 1955 model for sale has standard full-disc wheel covers instead.

To help you make informed bids, we’re providing you with access to Classic.com, the analytics and search engine for the Classic Car market, that provides an interactive graph of recent comparable sales year-to-date. By clicking on the green dots, you can navigate to each comparable car sold as a way to help you make an educated bid on the 1955 Thunderbird for sale we are featuring for auction here:

Exterior Gallery

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Interior Gallery

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Underhood And Undercarriage Gallery

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Tires And Wheels Gallery

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Windows & Mirror Gallery

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If you have any questions about this 1955 Ford Thunderbird for sale, please comment below or call Rudy at 877-468-6497.  Thank you for looking, and happy bidding!

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