1955 SHAY THUNDERBIRD Recreation

Description for Ford Thunderbird 1955

You are bidding on a 1980 Shay Reproduction of a 1955 Ford Thunderbird.

This is NOT a home built Kit Car. It is one of 200 fiberglass replica 1955 Thunderbirds built by the ShayAutomobile Company in Michigan from Nov 1980 to late 1981.
Shay had been building Replica Model A Fords that were sold through Ford dealerships and had built approximately 5000 when Ford authorized them to begin production of 1955 Thunderbird Replicas to be sold through Ford dealerships. Production proved too time consuming and only 200 were ever produced before production had to be discontinued due to failure to insure continued delivery of vehicles on back order.
The vehicle offered for sale was manufactured in 1981 using Fords MustangII suspension and steering, with full rectangular tube frame and first quality fiberglass body. Body panel molds were manufactured from original Ford stampings and identical to the original. Also included is the beautifully finished heavyweight fiberglass hardtop for year round enjoyment.

It has 1979 MustangII front power disc brakes and Ford Granada rear drum brakes on a 9 inch Ford rear with 3.50 gear ratio.

In 2006 the entire vehicle was updated with a 1990 5.0 engine with electronic fuel injection and a T-5 five speed transmission installed. Mustang power rack and pinion steering was added as well as a cooling system upgrade.Even the exhaust system was replaced with a new custom exhaust system at that time. The vehicle has been driven less than 2500 miles since all upgrades were done.
The paint, while not flawless is beautiful and draws attention and compliments wherever it goes. At shows, everyone assumes it is a stunning restomodded original 55 tbird and are amazed when the cars true origins are explained to them. It runs, handles, drives and stops great. Far superior to anything built
in 1954.
If you, like me, are a fan of the baby birds but are tired of rusted hulks that run and drive and stop like some clapped out farm truck then bid with confidence here. The reserve is low to insure the vehicle gets a new owner who will enjoy it as much as I have.