The Ford Thunderbird began life in February 1953 in direct response to Chevrolet's new sports car, the Corvette, which was publicly unveiled in prototype form just a month before. Under rapid development, the Thunderbird went from idea to prototype in about a year, being unveiled to the public at the Detroit Auto Show on February 20, 1954. Like the Corvette, the Thunderbird had a two-seat coupe/convertible layout. Production of the Thunderbird began later on in 1954 on September 9 with the car beginning sales as a 1955 model on October 22, 1954. Though sharing some design characteristics with other Fords of the time, such as single, circular headlamps and tail lamps and modest tailfins, the Thunderbird was sleeker and more athletic in shape, and had features like a faux hood scoop and a 150 mph (240 km/h) speedometer hinting a higher performance nature that other Fords didn't possess. Mechanically though, the Thunderbird could trace its roots to other mainstream Fords. The Thunderbird's 102.0 inches (2,591 mm) wheelbase frame was mostly a shortened version of that used in other Fords while the car's standard 292 cu in (4.8 L) Y-block V8 came from Ford's Mercury division.This particular 1955 Ford Thunderbird is a very special car. With the exception of new tires, fluids and new belts, there has been nothing done to this car to modify it from its original form. With only 32,000 original miles, the car is a true timepiece. The second owner of the car purchased it June 12, 1973. He kept it in his collection until we purchased it this month. He told us that the car has been used to judge original restorations on accuracy in local and national Thunderbird clubs. The car is finished in its original color of Thunderbird Blue with black top. The paint is the original enamel and is showing its age. There is some cracking to the paint. The soft top is the original for the car as well and in good overall condition but is showing its age. The rear plastic window does show some discoloration. The chrome is in excellent condition as well as all the molding and chrome accents. The original turquoise and white interior looks nearly as good as the day it was new. There are no rips or tears on the seats as well as the dash and door panels. The seat is power but the windows are manual. All of the soft top mechanicals work with no problems and the top hides behind the seat with no problems. Under the hood, the vehicle still retains the original engine 292 Cu In V8 and automatic transmission making it very desirable to collectors and purists. In the trunk is the original spare, jack and tools. The VIN is P5FH200082 and is being sold on a clean title. Bid with confidence, seldom does an all original 1955 T -Bird come to market in this condition.