1955 Ford Thunderbird Convertible

1955 Ford Thunderbird Convertible The flight of the Ford Thunderbird has taken several twists and turns during its first 42 year existence while maintaining its path in the forefront of American automobile legends. Oct. 22 was the date of public introduction of the original two-seater in 1954. More than 5,000 names were considered for the new Ford project in 1954. A young Ford car stylist, Alden Gib Giberson, won a $95 suit and an extra pair of pants from Saks Fifth Avenue for suggesting the name Thunderbird. Ctci.org/ford-thunderbird For consignment, a 1955 Ford Thunderbird convertible showing 52,464 miles, but the true miles are unknown. What is known is that this car has been owned by our consignor for an astounding 51 years and has a newer soft top, interior, exhaust, replated chrome, and a two stage respray in its original color.  Exterior If named after a crow, the black paint would not have the allure, so Ford picked the more mythical larger cousin, Raven Black for the name and it presents deeply on the stamped steel panels of this Thunderbird.  And if there's one thing black does better than any other color, it's to highlight metalwork and essentially anything that's NOT black. The faux fender vents, the broad window reveals, the fender skirt trim, and the stunning 15-inch wheels with full covers and white wall tires that enjoy an early 2021 date code. That's the profile. Look to the ends for even more visual vibrance; the eggcrate grille, torpedo bumper guards, chrome bumpers, and of course, the rocket age inspired afterburner tail lights. In a bold move you'll only find on a McLaren these days, the exhaust tips are moved up above the bumper, and protruding through what would be bumper guards here, and bodywork on the hypercar. Both tops are in great shape and so is the body and paint. Imperfections include surface scuffs, areas of dullness or orange peel, rock spray, some general uneven finish, and a few chips.  Interior The unmistakable interior of the baby birds begins with stylish door panels that set the pattern for the dash and includes spun metal trim on black and white vinyl. In front, white pleated inserts define two seats on the black bench, here presenting in excellent condition. Despite a hairline crack on the black steering wheel, the texture and addition of lower horn ring is classic and the wheel frames the transparent arching speedometer flanked by a tachometer and clock.  On the aluminum mid panel, a series of knobs join the AM radio in original configuration and a vent lever panel joins the grouping. Very nice black carpet floods the floor and surrounds the chrome shifter and the trunk shows as spotless, wearing a period plaid vinyl mat and housing a spare tire.  Drivetrain The show must go on...and it does under the hood where a clean 292ci V8 resides. It has a 4-barrel carburetor and is rated at 198 horsepower. It's mated to the Ford-O-Matic 3-speed automatic transmission that routes power to a Dana 44 rear with 3.31 gears. Our Thunderbird is afforded power steering. As we see it, this engine bay is show worthy.  Undercarriage We find a fantastically clean underside where the dual exhaust travels through stock style mufflers before making their epic exit through the bumper. Drum brakes are on all four wheels and suspension include coil springs in front and leaf springs in back. Drive-Ability Will this bird fly? Indeed, the V8 starts and idles nicely, and carries us in this black chariot through the test loop, tracking straight and handling well, all from a comfortable and compact cabin.  We note the radio, clock and wipers don't work but all other functions operate as intended and it's back to the nest for this raven colored convertible. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at the time of your purchase.  If you were to compile a list of the top ten