1955 THUNDERBIRD MANUAL. BEAUTIFUL PAINT & COND. RARE OVERDRIVE. MUST SELL!

Description for Ford Thunderbird 1955

This is a nice driving Bird that has lived most of it's life in California with a few years in Ashland, OR. The result is no rust, not even surface rust.
In 2002 an extensive restoration was completed which included new rocker arms, door panels covered with a beautiful 3 coats of black and 5 of clear that just pops. A tasteful pinstripe and deep chrome of bumpers and trim together with the vintage authentic knock offs make this a distinctive TBird. New gas tank, rebuilt 312 with a new carb from a '57 were added then, as were a rebuilt trans, clutch, relay, solenoid, and overdrive. Complete new exhaust, shocks. Custom new seats, dash, upholstery, radio, and accessories. A new convertible top was installed also and though I verified it was "new" at purchase and that the plastic window was clear, I have never had it up as the hardtop is so nice and not difficult to take on and off with two people.
The glass is very clear. The aluminum machine-turned dash and door panels are perfect, and the rebuilt power seats comfortable.
After restoration, the odometer was reset, and 7500 miles have been driven since. The engine pulls smoothly and the exhaust has a beautiful note. The brakes seem like new. All controls work smoothly. Lights all work, even the interior light.
This car gets a lot of attention wherever it goes, beginning with the first time I saw it: people were stopping their cars and asking about it.
I purchased this as an investment for a trust 15 months ago and drove it home 150 miles. It has been in covered storage since that time except to get 4 new tires, a new alternator, and to have the Borg-Warner Overdrive checked as it did not engage. I sent the distributor to a speed shop in Indiana for a complete rebuild and it came back working and looking like new.A new (9 months) Optima battery and trickle charger is included, as is the hardtop storage dolly and cover, an expensive heavy fitted car cover, a box of parts, vintage plates, various receipts, all the manuals that are available for this car.
Since I do not drive it and didn't know how long we would have it, I have not transferred the Oregon title but it is clear. My mother died recently so I have to sell it for the estate. I paid $29,995 for it in February of last year, and purchased it here through eBay.
My mechanic had the car for a long time and tried to find out why the overdrive did not engage. He just recently verified that all the parts: actuator, wiring relay, overdrive unit etc. were working or were new, and that the only thing left was to see why the unit was not engaging inside the transmission: something that will take more time to fix than I have as I must sell for trust reasons. It is estimated that only 3-4% of these early birds came with the overdrive, so it is rare.
Recently I drove it home from the mechanic and was caught in traffic in 102 degree. The car stayed cool and didn't even get close to overheating!
I will post about 80 detailed pics on a third party platform for you shortly.
This is an exceptionally clean car: the inner door wells, for eg., are clean and glossy. Your car will receive a professional detail prior to pickup.
You will love this car: the subtle mods, perfect chrome, and special paint will really make it stand out at a club meet, parade, show, or motoring down to Mel's for a burger on a beautiful summer night.
There is a $500 non-refundable deposit due through Paypal. The balance must be paid by cashier's check or electronic bank transfer within 7days (7x24 hours). No trades or lowballers. I understand that Dante has written about the special level of Hell reserved for scammers. This auction is only for proven members of eBay with excellent history please--not a new member.
The car is listed on other platforms so I reserve ther right to end the auction prematurely when it sells. You can call me, Michael, during 8am-8pm PST only at 530-207-9693 if you have any questions that are not answered above, but please do not waste my time.

On Aug-03-16 at 14:29:18 PDT, seller added the following information:

Just wanted to add that I have some but not all of the receipts for work done on the car over the years, as well as some vintage registrations and papers.