How to determine value for a 1956 & 1957 Tbird

P

Pennykatz

Click here to upgrade
Last seen
Joined
Oct 22, 2018
Thunderbird Year
1956
Good morning,

I have the opportunity to sell two Thunderbirds out of San Bernardino California. One is white and turquoise 1956 and one is a black 1957. Any information you can provide to help me value these beautiful vehicles would be greatly appreciated. I’m new so if I violated any rules here please let me know.
 

Attachments

  • 2D323751-A36F-4A89-B10C-9CA3A029A083.jpeg
    2D323751-A36F-4A89-B10C-9CA3A029A083.jpeg
    151.7 KB · Views: 1
  • D06AEBCC-B9DF-47E2-B9B8-B2E2C4057F85.jpeg
    D06AEBCC-B9DF-47E2-B9B8-B2E2C4057F85.jpeg
    149.2 KB · Views: 1
  • 0D5D7618-9F48-4B2E-941E-F51D2140ECCE.jpeg
    0D5D7618-9F48-4B2E-941E-F51D2140ECCE.jpeg
    173.6 KB · Views: 1
  • 15D6B639-316E-49A0-9A68-FCE673DA5F9C.jpeg
    15D6B639-316E-49A0-9A68-FCE673DA5F9C.jpeg
    157.7 KB · Views: 1
  • 66CFF401-68A7-4EDF-9001-A43EE719F3F1.jpeg
    66CFF401-68A7-4EDF-9001-A43EE719F3F1.jpeg
    119 KB · Views: 1

This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated. As an eBay Partner, and Amazon Associate I may be compensated if you make a purchase at no cost to you.

Being from Southern California make them desirable, that being said the condition is very important, also as mentioned by JDJ and to be more specific to the 57, it could be a C,D,E or an F code. most were D codes E and F are highly desirable. you can always have them professionally appraised by a Tbird specialist. The market is soft for the baby birds right now.
 
Thank you Penny and JDJ, but unfortunately it is time to put my T-Bird in storage for the winter. Since Monday was a sunny day, I took her on a 50 mile ride through the park. It was the last ride for the season.

doug7740
1955 Thunderbird Blue
 
I know Penny, but I was born in Ohio and I have lived here all of my life. I do like the different seasons in Ohio, but I think that fall is too short and winter is too long. My Thunderbird on the other hand was shipped to Richmond, California in 1954 and lived in California until it was shipped from San Francisco to Cleveland in 2001. I have records indicating that it was a California black plate car.
 
I’m learning a lot about the Thunderbirds, wish I had enough money to buy one myself. So what’s the difference of the black plates
 
Penny,

This license plate series began in 1963 and ended in 1969. A black plate on a car and title signifies that the car has been in California continuously since the plate was issued.

Having a black plate is no guarantee that the car was originally sold in California, but the sales area on my car’s VIN indicates that it was shipped to the Richmond, California sales area district.

The California black plate adds a very nice touch of history and provenance, and it also looks really cool on the cars.

doug7740
1955 Thunderbird Blue
 
Yes it is a reliable value providing you are being honest about the condition of your car, and if you don't have both tops you are deducting the value of the missing top. I think Hagerty updates these values quarterly.

doug7740
1955 Thunderbird Blue
 
doug7740 said:
Yes it is a reliable value providing you are being honest about the condition of your car, and if you don't have both tops you are deducting the value of the missing top. I think Hagerty updates these values quarterly.

doug7740
1955 Thunderbird Blue
Click to expand...
How do you determine the condition of the car accurately? I understand 1-showroom and 5-nor running but everything in between seems subjective.
 
This is Hagerty's explanation of a vehicle's condition:

Condition #1

Vehicles are the best in the world. The visual image is of the best vehicle, in the right colors, driving onto the lawn at the finest concours. Perfectly clean, the vehicle has been groomed down to the tire treads. Painted and chromed surfaces are mirror-like. Dust and dirt are banned, and materials used are correct and superbly fitted. The one word description for #1 vehicles is "concours."

Condition #2

Vehicles could win a local or regional show. They can be former #1 vehicles that have been driven or have aged. Seasoned observers will have to look closely for flaws, but will be able to find some not seen by the general public. The paint, chrome, glass and finishes will all appear as excellent. No excessive smoke will be seen on startup, no unusual noises will emanate from the engine. The vehicle will drive as a new vehicle of its era would. The one word description for #2 vehicles is "excellent."

Condition #3

Vehicles could possess some, but not all of the issues of a #4 vehicle, but they will be balanced by other factors such as a fresh paint job or a new, correct interior where applicable. #3 vehicles drive and run well, but might have some incorrect parts. These vehicles are not used for daily transportation but are ready for a long tour without excuses, and the casual passerby will not find any visual flaws. "Good" is the one word description of a #3 vehicle.

Condition #4

Vehicles are daily drivers, with flaws visible to the naked eye. The chrome might have pitting or scratches, the windshield might be chipped. Paintwork is imperfect, and perhaps the body has a minor dent. Split seams or a cracked dash, where applicable, might be present. No major parts are missing, but the wheels could differ from the originals, or other non- stock additions might be present. A #4 vehicle can also be a deteriorated restoration. "Fair" is the one word that describes a #4 vehicle.

In September 2018 the value of our cars reached it's peak and since January 2019 the value has been dropping steadily ever since. I guess you have to ask yourself if you bought your car to make a profit, or for your own enjoyment. In my case it is for my enjoyment. I take care of my car and try to keep it in the best condition that I can. If you were to ask me to rate the condition my Thunderbird, I would rate it as condition #3.

doug7740
1955 Thunderbird Blue
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top