In 1955, the world witnessed the very first Ford Thunderbird. Dubbed "America's newest sports car," that first T-bird is now one of the most celebrated and coveted automotive classics of all time. Offered as both hardtop and convertible, this sensational new design was both a fun-to-drive sports car and a real performer on the road. And its legendary performance was provided by a Y-block V-8 engine with a four barrel carburetor. The car could also be equipped with a 3-speed optional automatic overdrive for an extra $110. Other options included Ford-O-Matic automatic transmission ($178), radio ($99), heater ($71), power brakes ($32) and power windows ($102).

Your die-cast model is a replica of the very first T-bird ever introduced to the public. It was actually a wooden mockup painted in "Thunderbird blue." Your model captures that first T-bird's sports car heritage including the dual exhausts exiting through the rear bumper guards and crossed racing flag emblems on the rear deck cover and hood. Your Matchbox Exclusives Platinum edition is officially authorized by Ford Motor Company and is produced by - and available only from - Matchbox Collectibles.

Original sticker price: $2,944
Current value: Priceless (original prototype)
Production quantity: 6,155

Interesting facts: •The first T-bird built on a production line
•Astral-Dial Control Panel with illuminated knobe
•Keylock on rear deck featured rotating cover

(2000)

Scale: 1:46