Made To Compete With Corvette 1955 1956 1957 1958 1959 1960 1961 1962 1963 1964 on 2040-cars

Solid and straight, this T-bird’s lust-inducing body reflects a picturesque coat of glossy Burgundy paint over black interior that creates a rich and classy demeanor. From its glossy shine to its chip-free rocker panels, the paint’s deep finish is nice enough to be the star at any local cruise night, and certainly nicer than the car’s original, factory-applied Honey Yellow. Naturally, a star of that caliber requires top notch panel fit; and it appears the folks who bolted this Ford together spent a lot of time making sure its laser straight body maintained excellent cohesion. And overall, the car is a stunning tribute to one of the coolest designs to ever fly out of Dearborn, Michigan 50 years ago this September!

The Thunderbird was Ford’s response to Chevrolet’s crude Corvette. And when introduced in 1955, it outsold Chevy’s unrefined halo by 24 to 1. Part of the reason for that big success was the car’s versatile mix of American substance and European aesthetics. Tilt this Ford’s mile long hood up and you’ll find the original 390 cubic inch Thunderbird V8 that’s dressed to impress.  

Nice enough to show but still fully drivable, this is the perfect compromise for enthusiasts who like to display their car and still enjoy the occasional top-down weekend.

Behind the aforementioned 390, a stalwart automatic Cruise-O-Matic transmission sends power to the original factory 3.00 to 1 ratio rear end. The car’s suspension remains in its original configuration with control arms up front and leafs out back. All of the chassis’ s front end safety parts were replaced and a new dual exhaust ensures the integrity and sound that a true "Big Block Bird" is known for. Power front disc braking is quick and adequate thanks to fresh hardware occupying all for corners of the suspension. And on the outside of those new brakes, 4 new radial whitewall tires surround classy chrome hub caps, slightly hidden behind a set of famous Ford Thunderbird skirts.

Burgundy paint is legendary for its characteristically 60's feel. And when paired with this Thunderbird’s correct Black interior, it creates the perfect culmination of style and sophistication. While appearing original, its interior is still in good condition and as such, livable for years to come. There’s relatively new carpet throughout that features clean loops. Front and center, a translucent speedometer, "bubble gauges, and cool original radio look great inside a stainless-trimmed and Thunderbird-branded dash. In front of the driver, a Thunderbird "slide-away" steering wheel, complete with rim around a chrome, Thunderbird-branded center ring. Between the bucket seats sports a chrome laden console that accents the "cockpit" perfectly.  At the sides of the passengers, scuff-free door panels center perfectly placed armrests below engine-turned trim. And behind the car’s retracted top, a fully restored trunk hangs an old school jack between a new mat and correct deck lid decal.

It doesn’t matter whether you’re a Ford guy, Mopar guy or Chevy guy, this impressive Thunderbird is one of those cool cars that transcends barriers and has universal appeal. The car’s great looks, great performance, and great color combo all add up to an exceptional classic that can be driven and enjoyed every day of the summer. Indulge as is, or tinker with it to make it sharper, either way you’ll have a high value cruiser that has unmatched curb appeal and the muscle to back up its good looks.

DATA PLATE:  76 A C 26 11H 33 1 4

ADDITIONAL FEATURES INCLUDE: