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Details
1955 FORD THUNDERBIRD CONVERTIBLE WITH REMOVABLE HARDTOP
Registration No. Not UK registered
Chassis No. P5FH 254412
Engine No. TBA
Red with red and white interior
Engine: V8, overhead valve, 4,785cc (321cu.in.), 198bhp at 4,400rpm; Gearbox: Fordomatic three-speed automatic; Suspension: front, upper and lower A-arms, coil springs, rear, live axle, semi-elliptic leaf springs. Brakes: four wheel; Left hand drive.
The classic Thunderbird was introduced in 1955, and was Ford's response to the Chevrolet Corvette, which appeared in 1953. Although the same wheelbase (102in) as its rival, the Thunderbird was designed to be more practical and luxurious than GM's Corvette. Ford knew that the two seater V8 was going to attract a wider audience than the Corvette's racing/performance orientated market. The Thunderbird design incorporated Ford features found on other models to create a product recognition with the hope of encouraging sales of other Ford cars as well. The universal appeal of the styling made the Thunderbird an instant success and the 1955 model out-sold the more expensive Corvette by 24 to 1!
The Thunderbird was named after the god worshipped by America's South West Indians as the bringer of rain and prosperity. It was built with a sturdy steel body, roll-up windows, either a hard top or snug fitting fold down soft top, or both and a strong Mercury V8 engine. With European style and American comfort, convenience and go, it was no wonder the Thunderbird proved to be irresistible.
This particular example was first registered on July 1st 1955 and has several desirable options such as a porthole hardtop, white soft top, whitewall tires, tinted windows, electric windows and seats as well as a rare factory leather covered steering wheel. As the original design without the exterior spare mounted tyre it is by many enthusiasts of the marque considered as the most desirable model. Production figures of the 1955 Thunderbird show only a meagre 16,155 cars built. This car is in excellent order throughout with regard to both the mechanics and the bodywork, and has been recently road tested by the vendor and a Christie's specialist. The T-Bird represents an ideal opportunity for a discerning collector of American "cult cars" to acquire a first series model in good restored condition. The car is at present EU registered with duties paid, so for UK road usage it would have to be registered with the DVLA in Swansea.
Registration No. Not UK registered
Chassis No. P5FH 254412
Engine No. TBA
Red with red and white interior
Engine: V8, overhead valve, 4,785cc (321cu.in.), 198bhp at 4,400rpm; Gearbox: Fordomatic three-speed automatic; Suspension: front, upper and lower A-arms, coil springs, rear, live axle, semi-elliptic leaf springs. Brakes: four wheel; Left hand drive.
The classic Thunderbird was introduced in 1955, and was Ford's response to the Chevrolet Corvette, which appeared in 1953. Although the same wheelbase (102in) as its rival, the Thunderbird was designed to be more practical and luxurious than GM's Corvette. Ford knew that the two seater V8 was going to attract a wider audience than the Corvette's racing/performance orientated market. The Thunderbird design incorporated Ford features found on other models to create a product recognition with the hope of encouraging sales of other Ford cars as well. The universal appeal of the styling made the Thunderbird an instant success and the 1955 model out-sold the more expensive Corvette by 24 to 1!
The Thunderbird was named after the god worshipped by America's South West Indians as the bringer of rain and prosperity. It was built with a sturdy steel body, roll-up windows, either a hard top or snug fitting fold down soft top, or both and a strong Mercury V8 engine. With European style and American comfort, convenience and go, it was no wonder the Thunderbird proved to be irresistible.
This particular example was first registered on July 1st 1955 and has several desirable options such as a porthole hardtop, white soft top, whitewall tires, tinted windows, electric windows and seats as well as a rare factory leather covered steering wheel. As the original design without the exterior spare mounted tyre it is by many enthusiasts of the marque considered as the most desirable model. Production figures of the 1955 Thunderbird show only a meagre 16,155 cars built. This car is in excellent order throughout with regard to both the mechanics and the bodywork, and has been recently road tested by the vendor and a Christie's specialist. The T-Bird represents an ideal opportunity for a discerning collector of American "cult cars" to acquire a first series model in good restored condition. The car is at present EU registered with duties paid, so for UK road usage it would have to be registered with the DVLA in Swansea.
Special notice
No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VAT at 17.5% will be added to the buyer's premium which is invoiced on a VAT inclusive basis.
Sale room notice
Please note that the Ford Thunderbird of this car did not have engine numbers.