Red 1955 Ford ThunderbirdBig Block V8 4 Speed Manual POWERFUL & FUN

Please take a look at this '55 Ford Thunderbird Conv being listed for sale on behalf of a friend of our AACA Chapter who is not "tech-savvy". He has had several Tbirds over the years citing this has been his best car. With a 2nd old car owned, along with his age and his wife's health woes, he said its time to pass the torch to let someone else in on the fun.
By all accounts, this is a solid stock-appearing '55 Ford Thunderbird Convertible (please see photos).
As I look over the many "baby-birds" seemingly for sale at prices all over the radar, I hope you'll agree
this car is fairly represented, solid, and priced competitively for its merits. I will strive to best represent
all known details in the spirit of transparency for a discerning buyer. Of course a personal inspection is
always encouraged and welcome.
This car has a gorgeous presentation. The car is straight, rust-free and has had several upgrades
by the prior owner which is why this was purchased by its current owner. A "cut above" some of the others
he's owned over the years.
The car is red with a red/white interior. I *think* its leather, but it could be a high grade vinyl.
I'd characterize the paint as a strong 8.5 out of a possible 10 for its quality. Some overspray is observed on
a few of the usual trim pieces that weren't removed when it was painted some time ago. The panel alignment
is good (no sagging doors) and both the hood & decklid fit their openings well. No missing parts.
MODIFICATIONS:
Modifications by the prior owner include: A big block Ford V8 Engine with Holley 4bbl carburetor replaced its
former Y-block engine. I was unable to find any identifying numbers to clarify which big-block motor this is, but
several Ford aficionado-types told me it's an "FE Big Block---------Probably a 390 V8". The engine looks good
in the engine bay, is clean with no profound leaks or missing parts etc. The car starts easily with the turn of the
key almost always on the 1st or 2nd crank and sounds powerful--------yet no obnoxious exhaust.
The 3spd manual transmission was replaced with a 4 speed manual and a Hurst shifter. It shifts well with little
to no grinding between gears (it may have just been my limited driving skill on the clutch).
A set of Stewart Warner aftermarket gauges for temperature(s), oil pressure & battery were very nicely added to
the center dash area for a great look (not hanging UNDER it for example).
The Aftermarket cassette player works fine.
The trunk has been fitted with trunk carpet with an embroidered "55" on the backwall area near the seat.
Door edge guards were added and can be removed for any purists.
INTERIOR:
The Interior is very nice looking. No wear on the door trim panels. The bench seat is comfortable and clean.
The soft top and hardware were removed presumably by the prior owner for space saving in the interior which I
have found to be common in other birds. So there is no soft top. Only a hard top.
The "knobs" are missing off the climate-control and are available and cheap at any of the T-bird suppliers.
No carpet wear. No seat bolster wear. No heal-pad wear. The carpet is in good shape, still has good color etc.
Dash is not split on top. Door panels are not ripped/torn/damaged etc. The previous finished the trunk area in red carpet with an embroidered "55" in the rear vertical aspect.
EXTERIOR:
The 2-stage base/clear paint is nice looking. Looks great from every angle. Some care went into repainting it
save for a few pieces of trim that were not removed at that time. The rear upper deck area where the hardtop rests
has a subtle "wear mark" from where the top rests. It's not bad, but it is visible.
The panel alignment is good. No sagging doors. The added door edge guards can be removed for the purists.
Chrome bright work is complete and looks good. No profound damage evident. No known rust or collision damage on this
car. Trunk floor pans are solid under the mat.
Hardtop is in good shape. Latches are all good. Headliner looks to be all original but in good shape considering its vintage.
MECHANICAL:
The prior owner put in a Big-block V8. Those who have seen it describe it as an "FE big block" and suggest this is likely a 390 but this is unconfirmed. I have several other engine photos available if this will help ID the engine more accurately. The Transmission has been upgraded to a 4 speed with a Hurst shifter. The engine starts easily, sounds good with no unusual sounds etc. There is a subtle small oil leak that looks to be coming from the oil pan gasket (unconfirmed). The Transmission shifts into all 4 gears and reverse with no issues. The car is a strong performer, great fun to drive, and does not have any obnoxious-sounding exhaust etc.
No power steering. No Power Brakes. No Power Windows.
Undercarriage shows new bolts/hardware suggesting it has been properly maintained. I believe this car is mechanically sound and will drive you across country tomorrow. Of course we always encourage shipping for any car over 50 years of age for obvious reasons.
KNOWN ISSUES:
There is a subtle stone bruise in the windshield centrally situated down low and not in the field of vision
for driver or passenger.
The black trim knobs are missing on the climate control levers
Sun visors were removed by prior owner. These too are available and fairly inexpensive.
The decklid lock cylinder cover is missing.
Odometer/Speedometer have both quit working in the last 2 months. Owner has been unable to get back into his mechanic
at time of this listing to identify the cause.

With the value of these "baby birds" ranging anywhere from $25k up to $50k, the reserve on this car has been set at a competitive price.
The nice thing about this car is you can buy it, insure it, and start enjoying it immediately with nothing requiring any immediate attention. You will not be disappointed with this car.
Buyer will be asked to sign a car club buyer agreement form that has has the customary "As-is/where-is" language.
Thank you for taking a moment to look at this auction. I think this is 1 of the best '55 Tbirds for the price. Located in Franklin, TN.

Also published at eBay.com