Research indicates that it should be a 198 gross HP, 292 CI “Y- Block” V8. There are no images of the engine, most unfortunate. While the standard removable hardtop is in place, there is no word regarding the existence of the usually found, optional folding canvas lid. The existing finish is a cross between worn satin black and primer – what was someone thinking? The trim is mostly in place, but it, and the chrome, are faded and dull. The seller states that this Ford was originally finished off in Goldenrod Yellow, not that it matters now. The trunk lid does have some rust-through, however, while the rest of the body is in reasonably good shape. It’s hardly a wreck and the seller claims it to have a good, solid body, something expected of a California car, for the most part anyway. Ford’s instincts around the first-gen ‘Bird were ultimately spot-on as they reaped much better sales success with 1958’s back-seat equipped Square-Bird (’58-’60).Īny way you cut it, this Thunderbird is rough. With or without this unusual feature, the Baby-Bird always captures one’s imagination it was sorta similar to the competing Chevrolet Corvette but uniquely its own car at the same time. I keep looking for one of those but have never encountered an actual example with this rare, dealer-installed option. Thanks to MattR for this tip!Įvery time I encounter a ’55-’57 “Baby Bird”, I think of the Fabulous Thunderbird’s 1982 release “ T-Bird Rhythm” and the cover’s ’57 T-Bird replete with a “Bird’s Nest” rumble seat. It is located in Santa Fe Springs, California, and is available here on craigslist for $12,500. There’s not a lot of detail with the listing but let’s look this first year Thunderbird over and see what we can learn. Questions will abound around this T-Bird’s original owner, its whereabouts all these years, what work has and has not been performed the usual inquiries. But it has a barn find genuineness about it that makes it an attractive discovery, especially when documented via its 1972 California black plates. Well, an Amos Minter restored 1955 Thunderbird this isn’t.
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