This 1955 Ford Thunderbird spent its first 61 years in California and was refurbished approximately 20 years ago under prior ownership. The car is powered by a 292ci V8 paired with a three-speed manual transmission, and it is finished in white over black and white vinyl upholstery. Equipment includes a body-color removable hardtop, a replacement white soft top, rear fender skirts, 15″ steel wheels, and a Custom Autosound stereo. Recent work included installing a 12-volt electrical system, a Pertronix electronic ignition module, and front disc brakes as well as replacing the battery and tires. This Thunderbird is offered by the selling dealer in Pennsylvania with a removed carburetor and radio and a Pennsylvania title.
The car left the factory finished in Snowshoe White and was repainted in 2004. Equipment includes a body-color removable hardtop, a replacement white soft top, “checkered flags” emblems, chrome bumpers, solid front fenders, rear fender skirts, and dual exhaust outlets that exit through the rear bumperettes.
The 15″ steel wheels wear chrome covers and are mounted with whitewall tires. A front disc brake conversion was completed and the tires were replaced in 2024.
The seating surfaces have been reupholstered in black and white vinyl, and appointments include a Custom Autosound stereo, an analog clock, and a heater. The seat belts were replaced in 2024.
The two-spoke steering wheel features a chrome horn ring and frames an Astra Dial instrument cluster housing a sweeping 150-mph speedometer, a 5k-rpm tachometer, and auxiliary gauges for fuel level and coolant temperature. The five-digit odometer shows 86k miles.
The P-code 292ci Y-block V8 is topped with a four-barrel carburetor and is said to have been rebuilt in the 1990s. A 12-volt electrical system and a Pertronix electronic ignition module were installed in 2024. The battery was replaced and an oil change was performed in August 2025.
Power is sent to the rear wheels through a three-speed manual transmission.
Decoding the data plate reveals the following production information:
- P – 292ci V8, four-barrel carburetor
- 5 – 1955 model year
- F – Dearborn, Michigan, assembly
- H – Thunderbird
- 216028 – Consecutive unit number
- Body: 40A – Thunderbird
- Color: E – Snowshoe White
- Trim: A – Black and White vinyl
- Production Code: 2FSK699 – June 2 production date, San Jose sales district
The Pennsylvania title carries an Antique Vehicle brand.
Source: 1955 Ford Thunderbird 3-Speed
