The 1955 Ford model season was very special indeed, for it marked the debut of the very first Thunderbird. In one of its earliest issues, a new magazine called Sports Illustrated celebrated "America's newest sports car." An American legend was born - and it was a real beauty! Offered in both a hard and soft rayon top, the new T-Bird was a carefree sports car with its top off and a classic driving machine with its top on. The sports car heritage was enhanced with duck exhausts exiting through the rear bumper guards and cross racing flag emblems on the rear deck cover and hood. Now "worth a mint," this groundbreaking sports car was propelled by a Y-block V-8 engine with a four barrel carburetor - and it was available in 3-speed and 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). Renowned for its crisp design and crisper handling, the '55 T-Bird was available in three colour schemes, including Sea Sprite Green and Snowshoe White - just like your model.

Original sticker price: $2,944
Current value: $60,000
Production quantity: 16,155

Fast Facts:
• The first T-Bird built on a production line.
• Astral-Dial Control Panel with illuminated knobs.
• Keylock on rear deck featured rotating cover.

(1996)

Scale: 1:43