Basic information and history

The Ford Thunderbird was launched as a two-seat "sports car" to avoid comparisons with the newly launched Chevrolet Corvette, which was a pure sports car. Affectionately called the T-bird, it holds a special place among the American coupes and convertibles of the fifties. 1955 is the T-bird's first model year and has more severe lines than subsequent model years that got the spare tire on the trunk. The T-bird was an immediate success and Ford sold 23 times more Thunderbirds than Chevrolet sold Corvettes. The combination of V8 powertrain, compact two-seat layout, convertible and well-tuned comfort features makes the 1955 Thunderbird a milestone in American automotive history.

This example is imported from the USA and was registered in Sweden on March 3, 1996. According to the seller, the car has had a total of seven owners in Sweden, three of which since the complete restoration carried out in the winter of 2017/2018. The odometer reading is stated to be approximately 50,128 miles (80,707 km). After the restoration, the car has only been driven on a few occasions. A four-page report about the restoration in Wheels Magazine is included with the purchase and can also be seen in the image gallery under the documentation.

The car comes with a hardtop and a towbar that is approved but not installed.

The information in this ad is provided by the seller.

Equipment and options

• Electric adjustable sofa
• Hardtop included
• New convertible
• Approved towbar, not mounted
• New steering wheel, original steering wheel included

Work carried out and improvements

The car underwent a complete restoration during the winter of 2017-2018. The body was stripped down to bare metal, the rear strut replaced, the sheet metal straightened and rust repaired. The car was then repainted in black metallic by a professional workshop in Borlänge. New bumpers were installed front and rear and the chassis was completely overhauled. The engine is said to be original and refurbished in the 1990s, but during the complete renovation, the four-port Holley that was installed was replaced with an Edelbrock 600.

Condition

Body and exterior condition The paint is reported to be in good condition and has been repainted in black metallic in connection with the renovation. Sheet metal work included a new rear trunk as well as alignment and rust repair. Windows are considered to be flawless. Chrome, moldings, headlight lenses and emblems are reported to be in flawless condition. The hardtop has an okay interior ceiling but needs to be repainted according to the seller.

Interior The interior is described as being in good condition. The sofa is new and the carpets are new. The steering wheel is new but the original steering wheel is included. The controls are in the original design from 1955. The dashboard shows age-related wear but everything is completely according to the seller.

Tires and rims The tires are reported to be in good condition. 

Mechanics and function The engine is original with an overhaul carried out in the 1990s - note the special Thunderbird valve covers. The braking effect is assessed as good during a test drive considering the model year. The gearbox shifts smoothly and nicely and the drivetrain feels tight and nice. The car was last serviced in 2023 and has not been driven since then.

Service history

Last known service was performed in 2023. According to the seller, the car has not been driven since this service. Last approved inspection is dated April 18, 2018 and the vehicle is inspection exempt. Previous service records, history or receipts are not available. However, a four-page report from Wheels Magazine is included as a basis for the restoration.

Summary

Here is a Ford Thunderbird of the first model year 1955. Imported from the USA in the mid-90s and registered in Sweden on May 3, 1996. The car has been completely restored  with extensive bodywork, professional repainting in black metallic, new bumpers and a completely refurbished chassis and new soft top. The interior has been updated with a new sofa and new carpets, and both a hardtop and a towbar are included. The indicated odometer reading is approximately 50,128 miles (80,707 km) kilometers and the mileage after the restoration is limited to some summer cruising. The engine is original and was refurbished during the 1990s. The Wheels Magazine magazine with the report documenting the restoration comes with the car.

For the enthusiast looking for a first-year model Thunderbird in top condition with a documented restoration, this is the perfect example.

Buyers are encouraged to review the accompanying documentation and to verify condition and specification on site.