1955 Ford Thunderbird

Chevrolet 350ci V8 - Automatic Transmission - Red Over Tan Interior - Shaved Door Handles - Pioneer Radio

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Gone are the days of Diners, poodle skirts, and drive-in theaters, although their popularity was at its peak around the time that the Thunderbird was introduced. First generation Thunderbirds are beautiful cars that are fun to drive, and continuously lusted after by collectors. This Thunderbird is a custom that doesn't really look very custom at first glance. We're not sure whether we should call it a custom or maybe a resto-mod. Either way, it's a nice T-Bird that is ready to rock and roll.

Bright red paint hugs the curves and fins of this classic Ford. The red might not be the color this car left the factory wearing, but it looks great on the car now. The paint is even and glossy, which pairs well with the chrome trim throughout. The exterior has a few unique changes other than the obvious updated wheels. Shaved door handles are the first thing that you may notice when scanning the car carefully, but plenty of chrome remains despite the deletion of the door handles. Body panel fitment has been dialed in nicely, and a hardtop is present.

The tan interior is a nice contrast to the bright red exterior. Inside the car is where there are more custom touches which have been neatly carried out. The low back bucket seats have been trimmed in leather, which is carried over to the door panels. Speaking of the door panels, the armrest remains in the stock location, but an abstract shaped section of carpeting has been added on the lower part of the door panel, and a mirrored piece of metal trim replaces the factory “engine turned” piece of metal. A few auxiliary gauges have been integrated in the dashboard, and a Pioneer stereo was put in place of the original radio. An exterior-color matched center console was added which houses the shifter and window switches. The trunk, which would've been trimmed with simple vinyl mats has been carpeted with matching tan carpeting in this classic T-Bird.

Under the forward canting hood is a Chevy 350ci V8. Not quite the 292ci V8 that one would expect. Hours and hours could be spent discussing why it is not a good idea, or why it is a good idea to stick a Chevy engine in a Ford. What we can tell you about this particular car, and engine swap is that it's neatly installed and runs great! Billet valve covers, aftermarket A/C lines and compressor, power brake reservoir, and an electric fan are additional features under the hood. Torque thrust style wheels hide disc brakes at the front of the car.

This unique T-Bird isn't quite what it was when it rolled off the assembly line, but it's a great looking classic car that's sure to earn some attention. A trip to the diner for a malt or a black cow may be in order for the new owner of this T-Bird. Just be prepared to answer questions about the powerplant if the hood is open! Be sure to check out all the photos and video on our main website: Garage Kept Motors. Call if interested or e-mail with any questions. Thank you for looking.