OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE
245bhp, 312 cu. in. overhead valve V8 engine, Ford-O-Matic three-speed automatic transmission, independent front suspension with coil springs, live rear axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs, and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes. Wheelbase: 102"
Nearly two years after Chevrolet introduced the Corvette, Ford launched the Thunderbird at the 1955 Detroit Auto Show. While the Corvette and Thunderbird were both two-seaters based on production sedan components, the Thunderbird was a two-seater for cruising and personal transportation, with no sporting pretensions. In fact, Ford read the market correctly, selling no fewer than 16,155 Thunderbirds in 1955.
In 1956, the Thunderbird only received detail changes but Ford gave its two-seater a complete makeover for 1957, including a clean, open grille and extended rear fenders. Handling was greatly improved, thanks to the relocation of the spare tire to the newly expanded trunk area. The “high-canted” fenders of full-size Fo