1955 Ford Thunderbird (Houston, TX)

1955 Ford Thunderbird

First generation (1955 - 1957) the Classic Birds or Little Birds First generation Classic Birds Manufacturer Ford Motor Company period 1955 - 1957 Factories Dearborn Michigan bodies Convertible 2 door 2 Door Hardtop configuration Engine 292 in V8 Y-block 312 in V8 Y-block Length width H battle Length 4.45 The first model of the Thunderbird was presented at the Detroit Motor Show in February 1954 and on October 22 1954 was first sold as a 1955 model . During the first 10 days received 3 500 requests . Ford had estimated build 10 000 units but eventually in 1955 sales were 16 155 . Thunderbird included a removable roof fiberglass . Factory also offers a version with convertible top convertible . The engine was a V8 Y-block home Mercury 4.8 L ( 292 in ) of 198 horsepower for the automatic version and 193 hp for the manual version . For the year 1956 the changes were subtle. The front emblem on the grille was changed from a pair of crossed checkered flags by a stylized symbol of Native American Thunderbird . The area of the headlights now have a framework. The flagship V -8 with the 8 in the V appeared constantly in advertising 1955 but the engine was officially described as Y- Block V -8 . In 1956 Ford showed publicity rights reserved to the nomenclature Y-8 . This explained why the V -8 insignia disappeared. On the sides of the T -Bird was added a vent damper to reduce heating inside the car. With the same objective side ventilation fins added under the windshield. The most obvious change was the continental tire kit which was placed in the rear of the car and was included as a standard accessory. More space is added to the trunk. He added air wind to improve ventilation . To improve the rear view of the removable roof version added small windows Port Window on the sides. A Y-block V8 engine of 5.1 L ( 312 in ) is left as an option only at the end of 1956 . In 1957 only large external changes are small but mechanically is placed a larger grille to improve the cooling system the front shape was modified and incorporated the name Thunderbird chrome straight ahead. 1957 The body was lengthened 15 cm compared to previous years because the spare tire went from outside to the trunk this made it easier storage Ford explained that this measure also improved the handling of the car because a more even distribution of weight. A new idea on the radio the Thunderbird was available. It had a speed-sensitive receptor . It was an electronic device built between the radio and the dealer . This device radio volume increased as the car accelerated. With increasing engine speed a capacitor connected in series with the distributor generated a signal to increase the volume . This kept the reception level balanced audio noise generated by driving. As an added security measure on the 1957 Thunderbird reflecting a strip at the bottom of the door . When the door opened at night the lights of cars approaching from the rear of the car is reflected in the strip . The 1957 is considered the most popular model of the Little Bird . Engine options and transmission also increased to mount a standard V -8 292 & 312 ranging from 212-340 horsepower. Sales were 31 380 including 3 extra months because the 1958 models were delayed . The last Little Bird leaves the assembly line on December 13 1957 . This will be the last Thunderbird 2-seater that makes up the sporty compact model 1982