1955 Ford Thunderbird convertible / A personal car of ....

1955 Ford Thunderbird convertible / A personal car of distinction

How Ford's Thunderbird ensured the survival of the Chevrolet Corvette…

After Chevrolet launched its Corvette convertible with 6-cylinder engines at the beginning of 1953, the higher-ups at Ford were under pressure to avoid leaving the field of two-seater, open sports cars solely to their acknowledged direct competitor, Chevrolet.

So Ford pulled out all the stops and launched a two-seater convertible as early as September 1954. However, in its communication and presentation of the new Thunderbird, Ford avoided placing it in direct competition with the decidedly sporty Corvette. In the brochure from late 1954, Ford used the phrase "A personal car of distinction," consciously emphasizing chrome, comfort, and a considerable amount of luxury.

However, customers were primarily drawn to the sleek design, a powerful 292cui V8 engine, a speedometer that went up to 150mph (240km/ h!) and the power dome on the hood – and bought more than 16, 000 T-Birds from the first model year.

Chevrolet sold far fewer than 1, 000 Corvettes during the same period and even considered discontinuing the model. Allegedly, Chevrolet's chief engineer, Zora Arkus-Duntov, successfully fought against the Corvette's demise and pushed for the development of the legendary small-block V8, which would provide the necessary power for the Corvette starting in 1955.

Because now it was the people in charge at Chevrolet who didn't want to leave Ford alone in the field of two-seater, open sports cars…

This Ford Thunderbird, offered on behalf of the owner, is one of the early examples from the first model year of 1955: According to the still-existing Ford data plate, its production started as early as December 27, 1954. This T-Bird, with the rather rare 3-speed manual transmission and in the exterior color "Torch Red" with the "Red & White" interior, was ordered by a dealer from Los Angeles.

This Ford Thunderbird is currently in very good condition: the paintwork shows only minor signs of wear, while the interior is virtually pristine. The engine and transmission run smoothly. Only the electrical system requires attention after more than 70 years of use.

The 5-digit odometer shows a mileage of approximately 46, 600 miles. The next vehicle inspection (MOT / TÜV) is not due until July 2027.

Notice / Disclaimer

This vehicle is being brokered on behalf of a client. The sole contractual partner in any purchase agreement is the owner or registered keeper of the vehicle.

All information regarding the vehicle, its features, mileage, history, condition, originality, scope of restoration, and other characteristics originates from the vehicle owner or was compiled based on information and documents provided by them. Despite careful review, no guarantee can be given for its completeness, accuracy, or timeliness.

Despite careful description, signs of wear and tear due to age and mileage, repairs, restorations, repainting, technical deviations from the delivery condition or missing original parts may be present.

The vehicle description therefore does not constitute a legally binding agreement regarding the vehicle's condition, a warranty, or a legally guaranteed characteristic. Only the actual condition of the vehicle at the time of inspection and the agreements in the subsequent purchase contract between buyer and seller are legally binding.

Interested parties are expressly advised to inspect the vehicle in person before purchase and, if necessary, to have it checked by a knowledgeable third party or expert.

Errors, typos, prior sale and changes are reserved.