Ford USA - Thunderbird - 1955
04
days
13
hours
27
minutes
31
seconds
Current bid
€ 12,500
Reserve price not met
Expert
Selected by Arjan Rietveld
Thirty years' experience with classic cars, specialising in Italian cars and Porsche.
Estimate € 53,000 - € 59,000
111 other people are watching this object
 Bidder 0830 | €12,500 | |
|---|---|---|
 Bidder 5264 | €12,000 | |
 Bidder 4388 | €9,700 | |
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Ford Thunderbird, 1955, turquoise exterior with white interior, manual 3‑speed transmission with overdrive, 4.6‑litre V8, 9026 miles, Dutch registration and comprehensive documentation.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Ford Thunderbird 1955
Desired manual transmission with three gears and overdrive.
Original color composition in turquoise.
Very original condition
Extensive American documentation available.
Well-known example thanks to appearances in multiple films and series, including Top Gear.
Hardtop
HISTORY/DOCUMENTATION
An iconic car: the first-generation Ford Thunderbird, produced from 1955 to 1957. This example was manufactured on March 21, 1955, and bears the body number P5FH197955, where the P stands for the engine code (312 4V V8), the 5 for the model year 1955, the F for the manufacturing location (Dearborn, Michigan), and the H for the model (Thunderbird). The remaining coding also corresponds with the configuration, namely: 40A (Roadster), T (Thunderbird blue). What makes this example special is that it was originally equipped with a manual 3-speed transmission with overdrive; rare and highly sought after! Another remarkable aspect is that extensive documentation accompanies the car, making its history well known. There is even an old photo from the United States of this specific vehicle, with license plate 'USU 501,' showing two women leaning over the car—classic American style. In the early 1970s, the then-owner, although the car was still in excellent condition, completely stripped and restored to concours standards, using as many original parts as possible. The car was subsequently used extensively as a show car at automotive events, where it was praised for its outstanding condition. Documentation of this is available. In 1990, the 'T-Bird' was shipped to the United Kingdom, where its originality and condition attracted significant media attention. The car appeared in films and series such as Boon, Tomorrow's World, The Ruth Rendell Mysteries, and Top Gear (1991). Additionally, it was used by K-Tell Records for promotional purposes and appeared on the cover of a parts catalog, which is also present with the car. Many other documents, such as maintenance invoices and export papers, are also available. In 2006, the car was imported to the Netherlands, where it has had only two owners. This is a unique opportunity to own a particularly beautiful and desirable Thunderbird with a rich history!
Exterior
Original is executed in the desired turquoise color and delivered with a hardtop in the same color. This creates a beautiful contrast with the striking white interior and the white softtop. This softtop is originally electrically operated, but this system is currently not functioning, so the roof can be opened manually. The restoration carried out is now over 50 years ago, and as a result, the car is no longer in concours condition, but it is still in good shape with a beautiful paintwork and fresh rubbers and lighting. The design of the car is iconic; for example, look at the exhausts integrated into the rear bumper.
Interior
An excessively luxurious interior, certainly unique and progressive for the 1950s. Think, for example, of an original electrically adjustable bench in four directions, electrically operated windows, and power steering. The leather interior is finished in a striking turquoise and white color scheme. The interior is further equipped with a horizontal speedometer, a clock, a tachometer, heating, and a radio. Naturally, it is delightfully comfortable to sit here on the comfortable bench.
technical
Under the hood is a 4.6-liter V8 engine, connected to a manual 3-speed transmission with overdrive. The car starts, drives, and shifts properly.
Seller's Story
For several years we have been active in the sale of vintage, classic and modern sports cars throughout the Netherlands, Europe and the rest of the world. We offer a wonderful variety of collector and driver cars that you can enjoy for years to come. You can find this online at Carrosso. com or by visiting our showroom in Oldemarkt, an hour's drive from Amsterdam.
We have a wide variety of classic sports cars, if you are interested in the specific details of a particular car, feel free to give us a call. We are open to negotiating transactions, we can store cars, and we have an effective and reliable way to sell your cars through our purchase or consignment sales program. So, if you have a (classic) sports car for sale, contact us and we can give you the price your car deserves!
Ford Thunderbird 1955
Desired manual transmission with three gears and overdrive.
Original color composition in turquoise.
Very original condition
Extensive American documentation available.
Well-known example thanks to appearances in multiple films and series, including Top Gear.
Hardtop
HISTORY/DOCUMENTATION
An iconic car: the first-generation Ford Thunderbird, produced from 1955 to 1957. This example was manufactured on March 21, 1955, and bears the body number P5FH197955, where the P stands for the engine code (312 4V V8), the 5 for the model year 1955, the F for the manufacturing location (Dearborn, Michigan), and the H for the model (Thunderbird). The remaining coding also corresponds with the configuration, namely: 40A (Roadster), T (Thunderbird blue). What makes this example special is that it was originally equipped with a manual 3-speed transmission with overdrive; rare and highly sought after! Another remarkable aspect is that extensive documentation accompanies the car, making its history well known. There is even an old photo from the United States of this specific vehicle, with license plate 'USU 501,' showing two women leaning over the car—classic American style. In the early 1970s, the then-owner, although the car was still in excellent condition, completely stripped and restored to concours standards, using as many original parts as possible. The car was subsequently used extensively as a show car at automotive events, where it was praised for its outstanding condition. Documentation of this is available. In 1990, the 'T-Bird' was shipped to the United Kingdom, where its originality and condition attracted significant media attention. The car appeared in films and series such as Boon, Tomorrow's World, The Ruth Rendell Mysteries, and Top Gear (1991). Additionally, it was used by K-Tell Records for promotional purposes and appeared on the cover of a parts catalog, which is also present with the car. Many other documents, such as maintenance invoices and export papers, are also available. In 2006, the car was imported to the Netherlands, where it has had only two owners. This is a unique opportunity to own a particularly beautiful and desirable Thunderbird with a rich history!
Exterior
Original is executed in the desired turquoise color and delivered with a hardtop in the same color. This creates a beautiful contrast with the striking white interior and the white softtop. This softtop is originally electrically operated, but this system is currently not functioning, so the roof can be opened manually. The restoration carried out is now over 50 years ago, and as a result, the car is no longer in concours condition, but it is still in good shape with a beautiful paintwork and fresh rubbers and lighting. The design of the car is iconic; for example, look at the exhausts integrated into the rear bumper.
Interior
An excessively luxurious interior, certainly unique and progressive for the 1950s. Think, for example, of an original electrically adjustable bench in four directions, electrically operated windows, and power steering. The leather interior is finished in a striking turquoise and white color scheme. The interior is further equipped with a horizontal speedometer, a clock, a tachometer, heating, and a radio. Naturally, it is delightfully comfortable to sit here on the comfortable bench.
technical
Under the hood is a 4.6-liter V8 engine, connected to a manual 3-speed transmission with overdrive. The car starts, drives, and shifts properly.
Seller's Story
For several years we have been active in the sale of vintage, classic and modern sports cars throughout the Netherlands, Europe and the rest of the world. We offer a wonderful variety of collector and driver cars that you can enjoy for years to come. You can find this online at Carrosso. com or by visiting our showroom in Oldemarkt, an hour's drive from Amsterdam.
We have a wide variety of classic sports cars, if you are interested in the specific details of a particular car, feel free to give us a call. We are open to negotiating transactions, we can store cars, and we have an effective and reliable way to sell your cars through our purchase or consignment sales program. So, if you have a (classic) sports car for sale, contact us and we can give you the price your car deserves!
Details
Brand
Ford USA
Model Type
Thunderbird
Year
1955
Located in
Netherlands
Mileage reading
9026 mi
Registration papers
with Dutch registration
Transmission
Manual
Fuel
Petrol
Colour
Green
Horse Power
198
Cubic capacity
4.785
Matching numbers
Unknown
Matching colours
Yes
Service book/history
Yes
Valid MOT
No
CoC (Certificate of Conformity) present
No
Certificate available
No
Condition (Paint & body)
Very Good: minor chips or scratches, minor conventional body and paintwork
Condition (Interior)
Good: shows signs of normal wear and usage. May require repair or replacement of parts
Condition (Frame & underbody)
Very Good: frame/structure is in a well preserved condition, minor signs of usage/wear
Condition (Mechanical)
Good: mechanically sound. May require maintenance and repair
Condition (Overall)
Very good condition: minimal signs of wear
Sold by
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Catawiki always aims to offer you the best possible buying experience. Our experts virtually review and select every vehicle in line with our submission guidelines and we require our sellers to provide the most accurate description of the vehicle. However, providing a fully detailed analysis of the vehicle is extremely difficult, and close to impossible. To guide you, we ask our sellers to provide information about the vehicle’s condition. Please consider that most vehicles for sale are classic vehicles and they often already have a whole life behind them, meaning that even a condition 1 or 2 vehicle might need maintenance to be ready for the road. It is advised to carefully read our submission guidelines that further describe details about the condition grades and types to manage your expectations. Cars are sold “as is”, meaning as described and in the condition they are in at the time of the sale and without any representation, warranty or assumption of liability of any kind as to the condition by Catawiki or by the seller. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from yours, your local garage, or the dealer’s opinion. This does not automatically mean the car does not conform to its description. Before bidding, please check your local legislation regarding vehicle registration. Neither the seller nor Catawiki is responsible for the registration of the vehicle in your country and will not accept a cancellation for your failure to register the vehicle. We also recommend that, if possible, you arrange a viewing with the seller before placing a bid.
Catawiki always aims to offer you the best possible buying experience. Our experts virtually review and select every vehicle in line with our submission guidelines and we require our sellers to provide the most accurate description of the vehicle. However, providing a fully detailed analysis of the vehicle is extremely difficult, and close to impossible. To guide you, we ask our sellers to provide information about the vehicle’s condition. Please consider that most vehicles for sale are classic vehicles and they often already have a whole life behind them, meaning that even a condition 1 or 2 vehicle might need maintenance to be ready for the road. It is advised to carefully read our submission guidelines that further describe details about the condition grades and types to manage your expectations. Cars are sold “as is”, meaning as described and in the condition they are in at the time of the sale and without any representation, warranty or assumption of liability of any kind as to the condition by Catawiki or by the seller. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from yours, your local garage, or the dealer’s opinion. This does not automatically mean the car does not conform to its description. Before bidding, please check your local legislation regarding vehicle registration. Neither the seller nor Catawiki is responsible for the registration of the vehicle in your country and will not accept a cancellation for your failure to register the vehicle. We also recommend that, if possible, you arrange a viewing with the seller before placing a bid.
