In 1955, the Guinness Book of Records began publishing. It was a fortunate time, for that year witnessed a hallmark of important firsts. Aside from the introduction of such icons of Americana as Play-Doh and Kentucky Fried Chicken, it was also the year of such firsts as the licensing of the Salk Polio Vaccine, the national franchising of McDonald's and the introduction of the sporty new Ford Thunderbird, one of the greatest classics in automotive history.

The 1955 Thunderbird was a feisty little sports car that featured a new overhead V-8 engine that produced an impressive 162 horsepower (which could be boosted to 182 horsepower with the use of the Power Pack option). A rakish two seater, the T-Bird came with either a fiberglass roof or a rayon rag top for wind-in-your-hair cruisin'.

Another American classic is Coca-Cola. Providing refreshment to the nation - and later to the world - for over a century, Coca-Cola is more than a soft-drink. It is a 20th century icon. Now, Coca-Cola and T-Bird - two American legends - have combined in an electrifying die-cast replica. It is marked with the Coca-Cola advertising 1955. The Coca-Cola 1955 T-Bird is produced by - and available only from - Matchbox Collectibles.

(1998)

Scale: 1:43