Manufacturer: Carrosso Classic & Sportscars
Eekstraat 2, 8375HN Oldemarkt, NL
Phone: 0625351515
Website: http://www.carrosso.com
Email: [email protected]
See below for information in English
1955 Ford Thunderbird Overdrive
Sought-after 3-speed manual transmission with overdrive.
Original turquoise color scheme.
Very original condition.
Extensive American documentation available.
Well-known example thanks to appearances in several films and TV series, including Top Gear.
Includes hardtop.
History and Documentation
An iconic first-generation Ford Thunderbird, produced from 1955 to 1957. This example was manufactured on March 21, 1955, and bears the chassis number P5FH197955. The chassis code indicates a 312 4V V8 engine, model year 1955, produced in Dearborn, Michigan, and a Thunderbird blue Roadster.
This car was originally equipped with a rare 3-speed manual transmission with overdrive. It comes with extensive documentation, including an old photo from the United States showing the car with license plate USU 501, featuring two women leaning over the vehicle—an iconic American image.
In the early 1970s, the owner restored the car to concours condition, reusing many original parts. It was used extensively as a show car at automotive events and praised for its outstanding condition. Documentation of this restoration is available.
In 1990, the Thunderbird was shipped to the United Kingdom, where it gained media attention for its originality and condition. It appeared in films and TV series such as Boon, Tomorrow’s World, The Ruth Rendell Mysteries, and Top Gear (1991). It was also used by K-Tell Records for promotional purposes and appeared on the cover of a parts catalog, which is included with the car. Additional documents such as maintenance invoices and export papers are also included.
In 2006, the car was imported to the Netherlands, where it has had only two owners. This is a unique opportunity to own an exceptionally beautiful and coveted Thunderbird with a rich history.
Exterior
Originally finished in turquoise with a matching hardtop, which contrasts beautifully with the striking white interior and soft top. The soft top was originally electrically operated but has been disconnected for manual operation.
Although the restoration was completed over 50 years ago, the car remains in good shape with beautiful paintwork, fresh rubber components, and lighting. The design is iconic, featuring details such as exhaust pipes integrated into the rear bumper. The car is in very original condition.
Interior
The interior is luxuriously appointed and ahead of its time for the 1950s. It features an original 4-way power-adjustable bench seat, power windows, and power steering. The leather interior is finished in turquoise and white.
Additional features include a horizontal speedometer, a clock, a tachometer, heating, and a radio. The interior remains in very original condition and offers a comfortable, plush seating experience.
Technical
While sharing some design elements with other Fords of the era, such as round headlights and modest tail fins, the Thunderbird has a sleeker shape, a hood with an air intake, and a speedometer calibrated up to 240 km/h, which was unique for Fords at the time.
