The Thunderbird was launched in 1955, being Ford’s answer to the Chevrolet Corvette, which was having things largely its own way in the rapidly growing market of rich young Americans who wanted a sleek and sporting car. Sales estimates for the first two years of production were far in excess of the predicted figures, trouncing the Corvette and forcing some dramatic rethinking at General Motors. Ford, however, deemed that the only modifications that needed to be made to the Thunderbird were safety features like energy absorbing instrument panel padding and safety door latches, plus practical developments that enhanced the car’s usability. This example has the standard (for 1956 only) ‘Continental’ spare wheel mounting which gave extra luggage space in the boot and the 12 volt electrics which replaced the six volt system used on the 1955 model.
This lovely and evocative example is presented in white with a black hood and black interior, powered by a V8 mated to an automatic gearbox. These motor cars are synonymous with the American dream and boulevard driving in the hot Californian sunshine – which can be repeated today and still turn heads.
Ce bel exemplaire est présenté en blanc avec un capot noir et un intérieur noir. Equipé d’un moteur V8 associé à une boite de vitesses automatique. Ces voitures sont synonyme du rêve Américain et de la conduite sur les boulevards au chaud soleil de la Californie… ce que l’on peut refaire aujourd’hui et faire encore tourner les têtes…
Auction | 2016 mondial de l'automobile paris |
Auction Date | N/A |
Day of Auction | N/A |
Lot Number | 133 |
Registration Number | EU Registered |
Chassis Number | P5FH2344790 |
Year | 1955 |
Make | Ford |
Model | Thunderbird |
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