Description
The Ford Thunderbird was a child of inspiration conceived when established chief of Ford styling George Walker and former GM executive Lewis Crisco strolled by Grand Palais in Paris to witness European aesthetics in automotive trends. Soon after the Thunderbird was born featuring simple yet sophisticated lines of European flair over advanced engineering and luxury of American craftsmanship. Even before deliveries begun, it was recognized as a cultural icon which would soon establish an elite progeny of personal luxury automobiles. A year into production, a series of profit oriented revisions begun that would last for the next 4 decades only to establish the first year Thunderbird as the most sought after series for its original non-compromised inspiration.
The Thunderbird presented was built early in production to be delivered on the very 5th day of 1955 to its first owner in Los Angeles, the Chief of Engineering of Hughes Aircraft, a defense contractor of Howard Hughes who also acquired a Thunderbird many years later. With a price tag 60 percent higher than base price, this Thunderbird was equipped with nearly every available option including Ford-O-Matic 3 speed transmission, engine dress up kit, power steering, power windows, 4-way power seats and both hardtop and soft top. Two decades later it was stored in Athens, New York to be discovered four decades later by a family of collectors who decided to treat it with a 2-year long and $45000 worth of parts restoration. The ensuing concourse level condition would then be awarded at every car show entered in New York for the following 9 consecutive years prior to being shipped overseas to the UK where it was shortlisted by Sir Sterling Moss to compete in Best in Show competition during 2016 Goodwood Revival and most recently awarded as Best in Class in 2019 Concours d’ Elegance in FIVA of Athens, Greece. It is currently offered in exceptional cosmetic and mechanical condition with all original documents including the original invoice to its 1st owner, original Ford Service Policy and Warranty, original sales brochure, manuals, a comprehensive restoration file of over 70 invoices and photos as well as a series of parts.
Model year: 1955
Date of delivery: January 5th, 1955
Make: Ford
Model: Thunderbird
Chassis number: P5FH124074
Vehicle code number: 40A-A-11MLP71
Assembly plant: Dearborn
Key numbers: FL670 ignition and door, FZ314 trunk and glove box
Engine type: 292 CID 4778 cc, Y-block, OHV, V8, 8. 5:1 compression ratio, Holley 4-barrel carburetted, 198 bhp at 4400 rpm and 386 Nm at 2500 rpm
Transmission type: Ford-O. Matic Borg Warner 3-speed automatic
Exterior color: Raven Black
Hardtop color: Raven Black
Interior color, trim: Black with pleated White, vinyl
Soft top color: Black
Special options:
- Ford-O-Matic 3-speed automatic transmission with manual low gear selection option
- White side wall tires
- I-Rest tinted safety glass
- Power-Lift Windows
- Engine Dress-Up kit
- Radio 8-Tube and Antenna
- Full wheel covers
- Swift Sure power brakes
- MagicAire Heater
- Rear fender shields
- Master Guide power steering
- 4 way power seats
- Convertible fabric top with glass fibre hardtop
- Simulated wire wheels
1955 model year only features:
- 2-spoke flat steering wheel
- 6-Volt electrical system
- Wedge-shaped heater knobs
- Sewn-in soft top’s rear window
- Ford crest and crossed flag emblems
- Rear bumper guards
- Chrome exhaust ‘doughnut’ ring (early production)
- Hardtop trim squared-off at front lower corner (early production)
Standard features:
- Y-block Ford V8 motor
- Telescopic steering wheel
- Astra-Dial control panel with tachometer, clock, speedometer, oil & generator signal lights and illuminated control knobs
- Illuminated ignition switch
- Door activated courtesy center light
- Air ducts
- Windshield wipers
- Parcel compartment with locking-type push button latch
- Dual horns
- Glove box
- Recessed button interior door handles
- Windshield-mounted rear view mirror
- Half-circle horn ring
Ownership history:
1955-1999: 1st owner, Los Angeles, California and Athens, New York, US
2000-2012: 2nd owner, Cairo, New York, US
2013-2015: 3rd owner, Addlethorpe, UK
2016-2018: 4th owner, Coventry, UK
2018-currently: 5th owner, London, UK / Athens, GR
Documents:
- Ford Motors Inc. Invoice to 1st Owner, issued Jan. 5th, 1955, original
- Ford Authorized Dealer’s Service Policy and Warranty, issued to 1st owner, original
- Article and photo, Greene County Local Courier, p. cover & 19, published on May 2009
- Valuation, Chris Coleman, The Jaguar Workshop, London UK, issued 2018
- A1 Top Class Valuation, Peter James Insurance, Oldbury, UK, issued 2018
- UK and EU Light Passenger Vehicle customs clearance
Restoration, service records and parts invoices:
- Concours Parts & Accessories, Carson City, NV, US, 60+ invoices
- The Jaguar Workshop, London UK
- Thunderbird Headquarters parts, Concord, California, US
Manuals:
- 1955 Ford Thunderbird Brochure, original
- 1955 Ford Car Shop Manual, Ford Division, Ford Motor Company, original
- 1955 Thunderbird Handbook, reproduction
- Parts Catalog No. 6, dated 1993, 1955-1966 Thunderbird, Dennis Carpenter Reproductions
Awards:
- 2nd Place Award in Class, Rhinebeck 2003, Automobile Show & Swap Meet, New York, May 2003
- Best of Show, 6th Annual Cruisin’ on the Mountaintop, Rip Van Winkle, New York, June 2003
- 1st Place Award in Class, Rhinebeck 2004, Automobile Show & Swap Meet, New York, May 2004
- Winner’s Circle, Rhinebeck 2005, Automobile Show & Swap Meet, New York, May 2005
- 1st Place, 34th Annual Schoharie Valley Antique Auto Show, New York, July 2005
- 1st Place Award in Class, Rhinebeck 2006, Automobile Show & Swap Meet, New York, May 2006
- Winner’s Circle, Rhinebeck 2007, Automobile Show & Swap Meet, New York, May 2007
- 1st Place Award in Class, Rhinebeck 2008, Automobile Show & Swap Meet, New York, May 2008
- Village Trustees Choice, 2nd Saturday Stroll Car Show, Catskill, New York, May 2009
- Winner’s Circle, Rhinebeck 2009, Automobile Show & Swap Meet, New York, May 2009
- Ladies Choice, Round Top, Car & Bike Show, New York, 2010
- Top 40, Round Top, Car & Bike Show, New York, 2010
- 2nd Place Award in Class, Rhinebeck 2011, Automobile Show & Swap Meet, New York, May 2011
- Round Top, Car & Bike Show, New York, 2012
- Sir Stirling Moss shortlist, 3rd Place, 2nd Best in Show Competition, Goodwood Revival Meeting, Goodwood, September 2016
- 1st Place Award in Class, Open Top, Concours d’ Elegance, Philpa, Athens, October 2019
