Classic Auto Mall
6180 Morgantown Road
Morgantown, PA 19543
"1955 Ford Thunderbird Convertible
In March 2024, Hemmings penned an extensive article explaining the various monikers Ford Thunderbirds have been labeled with through eleven generations of the model. It starts with the class of Baby Birds of 1955-1957, also referred to as Early Birds. Then came the Square Birds of 1958-1960 followed by Bullet Birds of 1961-1963. Angular sheet metal and added chrome made the 1964-1966 T-birds the Flair Birds. We'll end with the finely styled cars that left sporty behind with the Glamour Birds of 1967-1971.
For consignment, a 1955 Ford Thunderbird convertible showing 85,037 unverifiable miles, an early bird that comes with the revolutionary porthole hardtop. For those who remember encyclopedias, chances are if you looked up ""classic car"" in one, a 1955 Thunderbird with a porthole hardtop would be depicted! This has had some restoration in the past two years including paint in 2023.
Exterior
A coat of single stage acrylic urethane was applied last year in Midnight Blue Metallic, a stunning shade of dark blue that helps accentuate the brightwork that adorns the car. The gravel guards and edge trim on the fender skirt becomes immediately apparent in contrast, as does the faux fender vent, the Thunderbird script, and the wrap-around bumpers when viewed in profile. The rear view, with its round tail lights topped with reverse lenses in a cat ear design, was utilized across the Ford line but perhaps best associated with the sleek paneled Thunderbird. Baby Birds enjoy unique exhaust portals each year and for 1955, jet plane-like cylinders mounted on the rear fender housed the tailpipes, making the car look like it could rocket down the street. These fender additions are mirrored on the front where they represent, appropriately, the front of a torpedo. 15-inch chrome wire wheels with white walls complete the truly epic styling of the original Thunderbird and the contrasting Colonial White top is fantastic. Imperfections include quite a bit of orange peel in the paint, some discoloration on the white top, some unevenness in the corner of a door gap, and some paint runs.
Interior
Designers got it right with the exterior, and they didn't take a nap on the interior either. Bold design and materials occupy the black and white door panels with an angular and trimmed metal insert that completes what can be regarded as a work of art. The stacked materials make their way around the cabin in a coordinated feast for the eyes. We note some looseness of material on the swooping armrests, but the panels are in otherwise excellent condition. The bench for two up front is cast in black and white as well and shows some compression and usage on the driver's side in particular. A 3 spoke steering wheel front a dashboard with sunlit speedometer flanked by a round tachometer and round clock with matching red needles. An AM/FM radio occupies the middle panel along with the vent panel while the lower dash is painted to match the exterior. Black loop carpet surrounds the floor mounted shift and both show a bit of age and patina. Blue rubber Thunderbird mats cover the footwells. The trunk wears a new trunk liner.
Drivetrain
Clean and presentable, we find a 292ci V8 under the hood, sporting a 4-barrel Holley carburetor and rated at 198 horsepower, a respectable number in 1955. A Ford-O-Matic 3-speed automatic transmission is married to the engine and sends power to a Dana 44 rear with 3.31 gears. This sporty ride is equipped with power drum brakes on all four wheels. Our consignor states that the car has new wires, spark plugs, a K&N filter, cap, wiring, points, and 6 volt regulator.
Undercarriage
Surface rust and patina abound underneath where driver quality conditions prevail. There's quite a bit of grease build up on the knuckles and other steering components as well as some errant fluids scattered around. Some flaking rust is found on the inner rocker panels and body braces. The dual exhaust enters a pair of Cherrybomb mufflers before making their epic exit. Suspension consists of coil springs up front and leaf springs in the back.
Drive-Ability
Fortunately, the seat is at a good distance for us because we find the power seat, controlled by some nifty switches on the door panel, is not working. Meanwhile, the 292 is working and pulls us onto the test loop with plenty of power, the 198 horses tempered slightly by the 3,142 pound curb weight of the car. The car handles fine, but we note a bit of extra sound coming from an exhaust leak and a miss in the engine. There's also the distinct sound of exhaust vibrating against the chassis. We would cover the sounds with the radio, but it was not working during our drive. Beyond that, all other functions including lights, instruments, and brakes worked as they should. 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.
After initially only offering the Thunderbird in three colors in 1955, black, red, and a blue that was teal based, Ford introduced five other colors. But none of those colors were a medium or dark blue, so here's a uniquely colored 1955 Baby Bird with decent bones and room for improvement. And don't worry about storing that hardtop on sunny days, the car comes with the storage dolly!
P5FH257674
P-292ci 4bbl V8
5-1955
F-Dearborn, MI Assy Plant
H-Thunderbird
257674-Sequential Unit Number
WARRANTY PLATE
BODY 40H-Thunderbird
COLOR E-Colonial White
TRIM XA-Black & White Vinyl
PRODUCTION CODE 23H927-August 23rd
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person. There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee is not included in the advertised price.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy listening. You can also watch on YouTube!
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| Year: | 1955 |
| Make: | Ford |
| Model: | Thunderbird |
| Mileage: | 85037 |
| Exterior Color: | Midnight Blue Metallic |
| Interior Color: | Black |
| Trim: | Convertible |
| Body: | convertible |
| Stock: | 6944 |
| Engine Size: | Gasoline |
| Transmission: | 3 Speed Automatic |
| Vin: | P5FH257674 |
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Classic Auto Mall is a world class consignment house located in southeastern Pennsylvania with indoor showroom space for up to 1,000collectable and special interest vehicles offered for sale. We are conveniently located just west of Philadelphia. This one of a kind building is climate controlled and security monitored and is the ultimate destination for classic and specialty car lovers. The building is located right on the Pennsylvania Turnpike with terrific frontage and exposure. Additionally, this one of a kind building houses one of the finest barn findcollections in the world with over 400 vehicles on display. The facility and grounds have plenty of room for indoor and outdoor automotive related events, car shows, car club meets, ride and drives and more.
Classic Auto Mall by the Numbers:
This wonderful facility started life as a clothing outlet mall in 1985 and then evolved into a furniture outlet mall until it closed its doors in 2011. There is a 188 room Holiday Inn with a walk-thru entrance attached to the facility that has a full-service restaurant, lounge, meeting facilities and an indoor swimming pool. The hotel just underwent a $3,000,000 renovation.
With an abundance of car collectors, car clubs and racetracks located within a short distance, this fantastic facility is ideally situated.
Our consignment program has classic car lovers excited to have a facility like this to store and offer their prized possessions for sale. We market vehicles worldwide and get top dollar for your one special car or your entire collection!
Please contact us further to discuss your needs.
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