tbird
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- Reaction score
- 576
- Thunderbird Year
- 2005
Auction at- http://bringatrailer.com/listing/1955-ford-thunderbird-8/
The Raven Black exterior and matching hardtop were refinished in 2016, and much of the rubber and chrome trim was replaced. New badges have been installed along with a new chrome side mirror and the antenna.
Portholes didn’t arrive on the factory hardtop until 1956 and the 1955 model year features less trim and the absence of the flip-out vents on the front fenders. It is the purest of all the early T-Bird designs. The seller notes that much care was given to the uninterrupted bodylines, ensuring that the panel fit was even and straight. Optional rear skirts fit well, with a clean uniform seal against the fenders.
The dual exhaust exits thru the over-riders on the rear bumpers and much consideration was given to ensure that the tail pipes were properly centered. New taillights were installed during the restoration and the re-chromed front and rear bumpers provide consistent an crisp reflections.
Bedford whitewall tires are worn on the original steel wheels with polished hubcaps and new centers.
The Astra-Dial speedometer lights up properly and the odometer registers a believed to be original 98k miles. The black dash-pad was replaced by the previous owner and new bulbs have recently been installed, along with a rebuilt clock and tachometer. The original heater and defroster sliders are said to more freely and the blower motor was rebuilt in 2016. The AM radio illuminates and powers-up, but the seller notes that it does operate and the lower horn ring is missing from the steering wheel.
Hallmark styling and options like 4-way power seats featured in the Thunderbird made it more luxurious than other roadsters of the era. Finished in a matching black and white, the interior was reupholstered by the previous owner and presents well. The engine-turned aluminum door trim is well preserved, but shows some depressions commensurate with age and new rubber floor mats were added by the seller. Pictures may be seen in the gallery below of the new headliner and replacement latches recently installed.
Beneath the teapot style air-cleaner sits the appropriate Holley carburetor, which feeds the freshly rebuilt numbers-matching 292 V8. Rebuilt to stock specifications, machine work was handled by Hat Racing and T&G machine. The Y-block Ford features 8.5:1 compression as original when ordered with the 3-speed automatic and is fitted with optional finned-aluminum valve covers. The original generator is included with the sale, but a 6V alternator is currently installed for reliability. Within the past year the seller has rebuilt the windshield wiper and washer system, installed a rebuilt brake booster and detailed the engine compartment.
The 3-speed Ford-O-Matic transmission was rebuilt by Horgan transmissions approximately 100 miles ago and it is said to deliver smooth, quiet shifting as originally intended. Restoration work was carried out on the undercarriage and the previous owner reportedly overhauled the braking and suspension system, and replaced the exhaust.
Receipts from the mechanical and cosmetic restoration work performed are included with the sale.
- Location: Sausalito, California 94965
- Chassis: P5FH142100
- 98K Miles Shown
- Refinished Code-A Raven Black
- Two-Tone Interior
- Re-Chromed Bumpers
- New Badges and Trim
- Factory Hardtop
- Freshly Rebuilt 292 V8
- Rebuilt 3-Speed Automatic
- 6V Alternator
- Rebuilt Brakes
- Private Party or Dealer: Private Party
The Raven Black exterior and matching hardtop were refinished in 2016, and much of the rubber and chrome trim was replaced. New badges have been installed along with a new chrome side mirror and the antenna.
Portholes didn’t arrive on the factory hardtop until 1956 and the 1955 model year features less trim and the absence of the flip-out vents on the front fenders. It is the purest of all the early T-Bird designs. The seller notes that much care was given to the uninterrupted bodylines, ensuring that the panel fit was even and straight. Optional rear skirts fit well, with a clean uniform seal against the fenders.
The dual exhaust exits thru the over-riders on the rear bumpers and much consideration was given to ensure that the tail pipes were properly centered. New taillights were installed during the restoration and the re-chromed front and rear bumpers provide consistent an crisp reflections.
Bedford whitewall tires are worn on the original steel wheels with polished hubcaps and new centers.
The Astra-Dial speedometer lights up properly and the odometer registers a believed to be original 98k miles. The black dash-pad was replaced by the previous owner and new bulbs have recently been installed, along with a rebuilt clock and tachometer. The original heater and defroster sliders are said to more freely and the blower motor was rebuilt in 2016. The AM radio illuminates and powers-up, but the seller notes that it does operate and the lower horn ring is missing from the steering wheel.
Hallmark styling and options like 4-way power seats featured in the Thunderbird made it more luxurious than other roadsters of the era. Finished in a matching black and white, the interior was reupholstered by the previous owner and presents well. The engine-turned aluminum door trim is well preserved, but shows some depressions commensurate with age and new rubber floor mats were added by the seller. Pictures may be seen in the gallery below of the new headliner and replacement latches recently installed.
Beneath the teapot style air-cleaner sits the appropriate Holley carburetor, which feeds the freshly rebuilt numbers-matching 292 V8. Rebuilt to stock specifications, machine work was handled by Hat Racing and T&G machine. The Y-block Ford features 8.5:1 compression as original when ordered with the 3-speed automatic and is fitted with optional finned-aluminum valve covers. The original generator is included with the sale, but a 6V alternator is currently installed for reliability. Within the past year the seller has rebuilt the windshield wiper and washer system, installed a rebuilt brake booster and detailed the engine compartment.
The 3-speed Ford-O-Matic transmission was rebuilt by Horgan transmissions approximately 100 miles ago and it is said to deliver smooth, quiet shifting as originally intended. Restoration work was carried out on the undercarriage and the previous owner reportedly overhauled the braking and suspension system, and replaced the exhaust.
Receipts from the mechanical and cosmetic restoration work performed are included with the sale.
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