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1955 Ford Thunderbird
NASCAR Daytona Beach Speed Week, Daytona, FL, 1956. A privately entered 1955 Thunderbird starting a speed run on the beach. CD#1098-3282-4909-9

1955 Ford Thunderbird

1955 Ford Thunderbird

The Thunderbird was built in 1955 and marketed as a personal grand tourer. As a two-seat convertible, it was an alternative to sports cars such as the Chevrolet Corvette and European imports.

The first Thunderbird was presented at the Detroit Auto Show on February 20, 1954. It was similar to other productions in the Ford/Mercury line with its rear tail fins and Y-Block V8 powertrain.

Due to a large postwar demand , the Thunderbird was a great success. It combined essential sports car performance with American luxury. In the first year Ford sold 16,155 units, which was 6000 more than expected.

1955 Ford Thunderbird

1955 Ford Thunderbird
1955 Ford Thunderbird.
1955 Ford Thunderbird
NASCAR Daytona Beach Speed Week, Daytona, FL, 1956.
A privately entered 1955 Thunderbird starting a speed run on the beach.
CD#1098-3282-4909-9

 

In Detail

type Series Production Car
released at 1954 Detroit Auto Show
built at Detroit, USA
production 16155
price $ $ 2,944
engine Y-block 90º V8
position Front, Longitudinal
aspiration Natural
block material Cast Iron
valvetrain Pushrod OHV, 2 Valves per Cyl
fuel feed 4-Choke Carburetor
displacement 4785 cc / 292.0 in³
bore 95.25 mm / 3.75 in
stroke 83.8 mm / 3.3 in
compression 8.5:1
power 147.7 kw / 198.1 bhp @ 4400 rpm
specific output 41.4 bhp per litre
bhp/weight 132.07 bhp per tonne
torque 386.41 nm / 285.0 ft lbs @ 2500 rpm
body / frame Steel Body over Steel Chassis
driven wheels RWD
steering Worm & Roller
curb weight 1500 kg / 3308 lbs
wheelbase 2591 mm / 102.0 in
length 4453 mm / 175.3 in
width 1829 mm / 72 in
height 1321 mm / 52 in
transmission 3-Speed Manual
top speed ~185.1 kph / 115 mph
0 – 1/4 mile ~17.0 seconds

Auction Sales History

1955 Ford Thunderbird

1955 Ford Thunderbird – sold for $31,000. Small wonder this good-looking 1955 Ford Thunderbird was recently invited to participate in a local Concours d’Elegance: a completely rust free car from Florida, it is a rare, all-matching-numbers original Raven Black example fitted with a matching Black soft top and authentic chromed wire wheels with wide Whitewall tires. It is powered by Ford’s Thunderbird V-8 engine, in this case augmented with a floor-shifted automatic transmission and power steering and brakes. A beautiful and desirable first-year Baby Bird. Auction Source: 2012 Daytime Auction by Mecum

1955 Ford Thunderbird

1955 Ford Thunderbird Convertible – sold for $27,500. As a result of its clean styling, creature comforts, and V-8 engine, the Thunderbird triumphed over the early Corvette’s novel fiberglass construction, anemic six-cylinder engine, and sports car austerity. The Thunderbird trounced the Corvette in its first year of production, totaling 16,155 units to the Corvette’s 700. Painted Colonial White over a black and white interior, this iconic 1950s automobile was previously in long-term, one-family ownership for many years. It is equipped with the aforementioned standard features, as well as hard and soft tops and the optional wire wheel covers. It will be a welcome addition to any collection of iconic 1950s automobiles. Auction Source: 2012 St John’s by RM Auctions

1955 Ford Thunderbird

1955 Ford Thunderbird – did not sell for $42,000 Torch Red with Black and White interior. 292/195 HP engine. 3-speed transmission. Rotisserie frame-off restoration. Rare Black soft top. 4-way power adjusting seat. Manual windows and locks. Original AM radio. Owner’s manual. 546 miles since restoration. Auction Source: 2011 Monterey Daytime Auction by Mecum