292ci OHV V8 engine
Single Holley four-barrel carburetor
193bhp at 4,400rpm
Ford-O-Matic Automatic Transmission
Independent Front Suspension - Live Rear Axle
4-Wheel Drum Brakes

*Subject of a comprehensive restoration
*International Classic Thunderbird Club Award winner and AACA Senior status
*Ready for further concours judging or driving events
*1950s Americana at its finest

The Ford Thunderbird

Conceived to challenge Chevrolet's Corvette sports car, the classic Thunderbird convertible debuted in October 1954 for the 1955 model year and was one of the first models produced with Ford's new overhead-valve V8 engine. In '56 Thunderbird configuration, the latter displaced 292ci (4.8 liters) and produced 200bhp, while the optional Special V8 displaced 312ci (5.1 liters) and delivered 215bhp. Introduced in two-seat 'personal car' form, the Thunderbird was intended to appeal to image-conscious younger customers, beating the Corvette hands down in the sales war thanks to its superior V8 engine and greater refinement. Its success took Ford by surprise: 16,000 were sold in the first year when a total of only 10,000 had been expected, and the production run over three years exceeded 53,000.

Apart from mounting the rear wheel on the trunk and adding porthole windows to the hardtop, Ford left the 'T-Bird' fundamentally unchanged for 1956 before a more thoroughgoing restyle for 1957 saw the adoption of a longer tail section featuring prominent fins. This alteration provided greater luggage space while enabling the spare wheel to be relocated in the trunk, a move that greatly improved the handling. Despite its success, the original concept soon was abandoned and a larger - and slower - four-seat version introduced for 1958, a move that turned the early two-seater cars into collectors' items almost overnight. Today the 1955-'57 Thunderbirds are among the most desirable and sought after of post-war American automobiles.

The Motorcar Offered

This classic Thunderbird began life on July 6th, 1955, with the order placed through the Ford District Sales Office in Detroit, Michigan. It was ultimately built at Ford's Dearborn, Michigan plant. This Thunderbird received a total frame-off restoration by the premier Thunderbird specialists at Hill's Automotive/Classic Cars, in Racine, Ohio. The restoration was comprehensive from fore to aft, bringing the Thunderbird to factory Ford, OEM-correct specifications. Since being restored, this handsome Thunderbird has been stored safely inside a climate-controlled facility in the warm and sunny state of California. The result of this meticulous restoration and subsequent care, is a beautiful Thunderbird that is ready for both display at show and motoring.