1955 Ford Thunderbird Unknown

Believed to be the start to the niche market of personal luxury cars, Ford nailed the concept with the offering of the Thunderbird. Luxurious, classy, sporty, and powerful, these birds initially outsold GM's Corvette 24 to 1. Today you have the opportunity to own one of these beauties., , Offered For sale by the California Automobile Museum, , A 1955 Ford Thunderbird. At nearly 57 years old, this 1st year, 1st generation Thunderbird is definitely a looker. It turns heads and receives thumbs up on a regular basis., , Exterior-, Cosmetically restored a few years ago, the paint still presents very well. The paint is not quite the original style or color. The car was originally paint code T (Thunderbird Blue) according to the data plate. It now is a brilliant white with a turquoise pin stripe along its sides. While this is not a 100 point body off frame restoration, a person in search of a driver quality T-Bird will not be disappointed. The body of this Thunderbird is very straight. Except for one small area, there does not appear to be any rust, no damage from accidents, no evidence of panel repairs or replacement, and no obvious signs of body fillers. The trunk lid on the extreme corner edge driver's side there is a rust bubble about the size of a U.S. dime. There are small chips present, mostly along the front of the car around the headlights. There are also some minor scratches difficult to see on the white paint. The chrome and trim is all in decent shape. It shines well but there is some signs of aging and patina. There is a small ding in the grille trim on the passenger's side of the grille opening. Other minor items worth mentioning are a small screw hole on the driver's side door from a previous mirror mounting location, and a small ding on that same door. On the passenger's side front fender, the paint is cracking in a strange way around the base of the radio antenna. The glass on the car is in good shape except the passenger's side door glass. It has two chips on the leading edge near the top. The lighting and lenses are all in good functional condition with one exception. The reverse lights do not work but the lenses and lights are intact. The cause is thought to be the switch on the linkage. This car originally had skirts over the rear wheels. They are no longer there and not available with the car. The removable hard top is in good condition and covered in vinyl. The seals are decent and the top secures properly although the anchor plates on the rear deck that latch the top are a little loose. There are paint chips and scratches on the deck that the top secures to. The soft top is in good condition as well. It operates properly and secures properly., , Interior-, The interior is in what appears to be original form in the correct C code turquoise and white. It is neat and clean with no major stains, no odors, and no rips, tears, or other blemishes. The bench seat will operate electrically but not with weight on it. All of the interior options work except for the cigarette lighter. Even the factory clock works. A rarity in these older cars. The dash mounted light works when either of the doors open but does not work with the switch. There are some added options installed in this Thunderbird as well. The stereo was replaced with a Custom Audio Sound Mfg. USA 6 Thunderbird am/fm stereo and a Sony RF Modulated 10 disc CD changer is mounted in the trunk. There are also two three way 6"X9" Sony X-Plod speakers custom mounted behind the seat. The steering wheel attached to the telescoping chrome steering column has been replaced with a sport style wheel but the original is available and included with the car. In addition to the functional factory horn, a COGA PA Musical car horn and PA is installed beneath the dash. This car is not equipped with sun visors and the passenger's side window has an issue with the track. The window will open and close but when closing it has to be held against the track to seat properly. Aside fr