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Ford Thunderbird 292 V8 1955

General description : Description
There's no doubt the Ford Thunderbird was a game-changer when it hit the market in 1955. Not designed to compete with the Corvette, but surely inspired by it, the Ford was more luxury than sport, but that was just fine in the eyes of Thunderbird buyers, who eagerly bought every single one Ford could build.
This lovely Thunderbird Blue 1955 T-Bird has been with the same owner for nearly 58 years. Impressive! Thunderbirds are notorious for rusting in some pretty demonic ways, so finding a solid example is important. The paint is 13 years old but it remains in fantastic shape, making this one of the most impressive early 'Birds we've seen in a long time. Code T Thunderbird Blue was accurately replicated using modern finishes so it's bright and clear in person, and all the chrome shows quite well. To say it was an expensive job would be an extreme understatement, but I think you'll agree that it was worth every penny. This car has also been fitted with a correct non-porthole hardtop, which might look odd but the porthole didn't show up until 1956. 1955 also included unique exhaust outlets in the bumper guards and what many enthusiasts consider the most pure shape: No pointed tail fins and no continental kit to mar the lines. This is a great-looking baby 'Bird!
The bright and cheerful 1950s were in full swing inside the Thunderbird, complete with two-tone turquoise and white seats. Thunderbirds came pretty well loaded, but this one also includes goodies like A/C, power windows, a power seat, and a 3-speed Cruise-O-Matic automatic transmission, so motoring is effortless and luxurious, as intended. The seat covers are exact replicas of the original equipment, and matching door panels are like art with their bright trim and sculpted vinyl. The instruments are original and in decent shape, including the sweeping speedometer and tachometer to the left of the instrument panel. There's also an AM/FM/cassette radio, which fits neatly in the original radio's slot. This is a single top car (the base 'Bird came with either a hard top or a soft top, but both was an extra-cost option), but with the way it looks and the A/C, you'll be more than happy to keep the hardtop in place. The trunk offers reasonable storage space, even with the full-sized spare living inside.
Power for the Thunderbird is supplied by Ford's P-code 292 cubic inch "Y-block" V8, which makes a robust 198 horsepower. Finished with red Ford engine paint, those distinctive finned valve covers with Thunderbird logos, and a chrome air cleaner, it's a study in early industrial design; Ford designers knew the engine had to be pretty in this car! It was rebuilt some years ago and shows signs of use, but it has also been properly maintained so it continues to run well today. It starts easily and drives beautifully, with a crisp V8 burble from the tailpipes providing the perfect accompaniment, and the modern A/C and alternator blend in well enough that most folks won't notice. The suspension is trusty, with soft springs for easy cruising, and drum brakes that are more than adequate for the T-Bird's modest curb weight. Classic 6.70-15 Firestone wide whites with standard hubcaps give it a true '50s vibe.
Early Thunderbirds are as stable as granite in the market. Buy this one today, enjoy it, maintain it, and it will always reward you with great performance and almost guaranteed resale. Call today!

Features : Telescopic Wheel , AM/FM Radio , Cassette Player , Defrost , Bias Ply Tires , Removable Hard Top , Air Conditioning , Heat , Vinyl Interior , Power Seats , Power Windows , Seatbelts ,

1955 Ford Thunderbird 292 V8 is listed for sale on ClassicDigest in Charlotte, North Carolina by Streetside Classics - Charlotte for $43995.

 

Car Facts

Car type : Car Make : Ford Model : Thunderbird Model Version : 292 V8 Engine size : 0.0 Model Year : 1955 Location : Charlotte Vehicle Registration : Undefined

43995 $

Seller Information

Streetside Classics - Charlotte

Streetside Classics - Charlotte
(704) 598-2130
Contact Seller

ClassicDigest Market Radar on Ford Thunderbird

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About Ford
Ford, founded in 1902, has arguably changed the history of automotive world more than any other car manufacturer by introducing the first people's car Model T in 1908. They had produced more than 15 million cars by the end of the production in 1927, by which T had become obsolete.

Ford launched the first low priced V8 engine powered car in 1932. 1932 V8 was an instant hit with superior handling and performance to many far more expansive cars of the day. No wonder 32 V8 Ford has become such a favourite among hot rodders around the world with 32 Deuce coupe as their icon.

During the war Ford completely shut down civilian vehicle production to dedicate all its resources to the Allied war efforts (1942-45) They used to build B-24 bombers, aircraft engines, jeeps, M-4 tanks, military trucks and Bren-gun carriers and more than 30,000 super-charged Rolls Royce Merlin V-12 engines for Mosquito and Lancaster bombers as well as P-51 Mustang fighters. After the war Ford cars in the USA got bigger and flashier along with their competitors. In the 60's Ford was back in the forefront again when introducing their commercial hit Mustang in 1964. Mustang was so popular the competition had to follow Ford's example and the ponycar phenomenon took over the US. Over the years the ponies grew some muscles until the oil crisis kill finally killed them off.

In the sixties Ford rushed into international motor sports scene with a fury. After unsuccessful Ferrari takeover, when Enzo Ferrari had cut the deal off with Henry Ford II making the latter absolutely boil with fury, Ford turned to Lola in UK to produce a Ferrari beating long distance racer after. The collaboration between Ford and Lola created the mighty Ford GT40 that absolutely beat Ferrari in Le Mans 24 numerous times.

In Europe, Ford introduced some of the most epic race and rally cars of the 60's based on humble family sedans; Cortina GT, Lotus Cortina, Escort Twin Cam, and Escort 1600RS with the iconic Cosworth BDA engines.

Today classic Fords are extremely popular with enthusiasts and a great selection of classic Fords can be found for sale at www.ClassicDigest.com