Ford Thunderbird 1955 $42,900

Some cars are simply universal in their appeal. No matter if you’re a Ford guy, a Mopar guy or a Chevy guy, there are some cars that transcend barriers. I’d argue that the 1955-57 Ford Thunderbird is such a car. Great looks and instantly recognizable, it all adds up to a beautiful car that everyone sees as something special. Some T-Birds are more special than others, however, and Ill argue that this ’55 is one of the nicest we’ve seen lately. The recipient of a 3 year, body-off restoration that cost somewhere near $85,000, this car is in outstanding condition from top to bottom. The mirror finish black paint is absolutely beautiful, applied over those classic T-Bird curves. Whenever I think of an early ’Bird, I always picture this color combination. All of the chrome and trim is perfect, the bumpers have been re-chromed. The body is straight, solid and rust free. The panel gaps are awesome and the door, hood and trunk lips are clean. This car looks even better in person than it does in photos. The doors open and close with precision, the forward-tilting hood fits extremely well, and the trunk lid, including the pass-through for the fuel filler, fits well. The paint has obviously been cut and buffed, because the gloss is fantastic. Under the hood you’ll find a nicely detailed 292cubic inch motor and the 3-speed manual transmission. Up front there’s a 3-blade fan which looks awesome. The Thunderbird valve covers are a beautiful addition. The exhaust manifolds have been coated to keep them looking “like-new” forever.  A new heater box and duct work, new wiring and a new master cylinder were updated during the restoration. This ‘Bird also received a fresh alignment. You will find a battery shut off switch under the dash as well. Underneath, you’ll find that the entire frame has been treated to a black paint job before the body was reinstalled. The floors are as glossy as the body panels and it creates an awesome background for the details that are found throughout. The springs and shocks have been rebuilt, and the stainless steel exhaust system is beautiful. The rear end housing has a paint job that is worthy of the hood! The gas tank has been refinished, and the brake lines as well as the parking brake cable are new. The steering gear is painted, the bushings are new and there are new motor mounts front and back. The back sides of the fenders are beautiful as well, showing no filler, no bumps and no bruises. The interior is a real treat. As I said, whenever I think of a ’55-57 T-Bird, I always envision a black one with a black and white interior. The power seat has been as beautifully restored as the exterior, and are all-day driving comfortable. The instruments have been fully restored and look gorgeous in that jet-age instrument panel that is framed by engine-turned metal appliqués that run from end to end. The dash pad and carpets are also new. There is an aftermarket stereo installed in the dash. The original Town & Country AM radio is in working condition, and will go with the car to the new owner. Overhead, the black top fits extremely well. This T’Bird comes with a tunneau cover and an unfinished hardtop (all components required to finish it are available).  The trunk features a new mat and a matching wide whitewall tire. Many T-Bird enthusiasts think that 1955 is the best-looking of all the early ’Birds, with no external spare tire like in 1956, and no extended trunk and mini tailfins like the ’57. Instead, the purity of the original design that wowed crowds at car shows remained pretty much intact. Restored to spectacular condition inside and out, this particular ’55 T-Bird is on that you can drive and enjoy, or trailer to a show and bring home trophies; it all depends on your mood. This is a car where you’re getting an awful lot of restoration for not a lot of money, all surrounding a gorgeous, highly-collectable car that will always have an eager crowd of admirers around

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