1955 Ford Thunderbird
The new and exciting 1955 Ford Thunderbird Convertible

1955 Ford Thunderbird

Ford's most exciting news for 1955 was the introduction of the 2-passenger Thunderbird! The new V-8 powered bird was introduced as a sporty competitor to the Vet, but included a full line of luxury options and based on a full-sized Ford. The first year Ford exceeded its projected sales for the T-bird with 16,155 produced. Introductory retail price was $2,695, just $5 less than the 1955 Corvette. Over 5,000 names were considered for the all new Thunderbird, including Hep Cat, Beaver, Runabout and El Tigre. Alden Giberson, a Ford stylist submitted the name Thunderbird based on the legend from the Southwest. The first Thunderbird rolled off the line on September 9, 1954 and was announced as the new sports car by Ford on September 23 and went on sale on October 22nd of the same year.The public responded well to the Thunderbird by placing more than 3,500 orders in the first 10-day selling period. The media responded as well, Motor Trend named the Thunderbird as one of the six best looking cars of 1955 in its September issue.

1955 Ford Thunderbird Production and Specifications

Model Number Body/Style Number Body Type & Seating Factory Price Shipping Weight Total Production
Thunderbird
P5 40 2 dr Convertible - 2P $2,944 2,980 lbs 16,155

Chassis Data

Model Wheelbase Overall Length Overall Width Front Tread Rear Tread Tires
Thunderbird 102 in 175.3 in 70.3 in 56 in 56 in 6.70 x 15 tubeless
 

Transmission Codes

Code Transmission Type
1 3-Speed Manual
2 Overdrive
3 Fordomatic 2-speed

1955 Ford Axle Codes

Codes Ratio
0 4.11 to 1
1 3.10 to 1
2 3.56 to 1
3 3.70 to 1
4 3.89 to 1
5 2.91 to 1
6 2.69 to 1
 
   
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