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- 39,995 high price
- Valrico, FL
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- classiccars.com
The 1955 ford thunderbird was a game-changer. Sure, the corvette set the stage, but the thunderbird introduced the personal luxury car, a concept that has proven remarkably durable in the 50-odd years since its introduction. The paint has a fantastic high-impact shine, perfect for the 1950s, and while it shows a few signs of having been driven, none of it detracts from the pure fun this car represents. It was done in modern urethane so it's got the right shine, and it should be fairly low maintenance compared to the original lacquer. The chrome shines up well, and those details i mentioned, including the hash marks on the fenders, the hood scoop, and jet-inspired taillights, are all in excellent condition. The two-tone bench seat shows some normal wear and tear but no rips or tears, and better yet, it's power actuated, as are the windows. The gauges appear to have been restored and they're all working. A modern am/fm/cassette head unit was installed in the dash, along with a custom cup holder setup that fits in the ashtray. The trunk is finished with a correct black rubber mat and includes a full-sized spare tire that's never been used. The only engine available in 1955 was a p-code 292 cubic inch "y-block" v8, which when linked to a 3-speed automatic transmission, makes 198 horsepower. Rebuilt and detailed when the car was restored, it fires easily and wears a proper thunderbird dress-up kit that includes a chrome air cleaner and those gorgeous finned cast aluminum valve covers. Ford red paint on the block still looks good and the unusual air cleaner makes use of the hood scoop for fresh air. Yes, there are a few minor signs of use and age, but it's ready to drive not hang around on a show field. Underneath, it's probably original and in good order, and includes a correct dual exhaust system that exits through the bumper guards as original. Recent 15-inch whitewall radials have been fitted and yes, those are real wire wheels not merely hubcaps. A first-year thunderbird is something that every hobbyist should experience. This one looks great going down the road and always attracts a crowd. AM/FM
39,995 Valrico, FLValrico, FL at classiccars.com