A Pair of Estate ‘Birds: 1955 and 1956 Ford Thunderbirds
Here, for your consideration, are two classic Ford Thunderbirds from the same estate that are being auctioned. One is a Thunderbird Blue 1955 that is located in Lancaster, Ohio, the other is a Fiesta Red 1956 and located about fifteen minutes away in Rushville, Ohio. Kudos to the auction house for providing plenty of photographs (100 of each car) and a video of each Thunderbird. It sounds like the owner passed away four years ago and based on the undercarriage cobwebs and interior dust, the cars haven’t been driven or given much attention since then. Both cars appear to be driver quality, and could use a good cleaning along with some TLC.
The 1955 is finished in my favorite color offering of that year: Thunderbird Blue. The video says the car was restored about 30 years ago and was running four years ago when its owner passed away. Its 292-cubic-inch V8 currently cranks, but will not start. The paint is presentable as is the chrome and glass and it has both the removable fiberglass hardtop and black soft top that is described as in good condition but a bit dirty. The paint isn’t perfect as there are some paint bubbles and chips and small dents are visible on the front grill trim.
The seller states that the floor pans have some rusted areas on both the driver and passenger side and the trunk has a small rust hole. Rust is also visible in the photos of the driver’s side rocker panel and there’s some door alignment and sag issues that will need to be addressed. The interior looks good and has new carpet and floor mats. The T-Bird’s 292 is paired with the optional Ford-O-Matic automatic transmission and shows 81,052 on the odometer.
Like its ’55 brother, the 1956 T-Bird has both a hardtop and the desirable optional soft top. The seller says the frame is in good shape, but the white soft top is worn and has holes. The Fiesta Red paint is driver-quality and is presentable, but isn’t perfect. It’s lifting in spots in the trunk area and a long scratch and dent is visible on the passenger side in front of the door. There’s some rust under the rocker on the driver’s side, but the trunk pans are said to be good. And like the ’55, there are some door alignment sag that will need to be addressed. The white removable fiberglass top with its iconic portholes makes for a nice contrast against the red paint and compliments the red and white vinyl interior. The other thing you’ll notice are the chrome headlight rims which I’m not a fan of.
The red and white vinyl interior looks complete but is dirty and faded, especially the carpet. This ’56 has the optional 312-cubic-inch V8 under the hood and a video shows it starting and running. It’s paired to a manual transmission and shows 81,105 on the odometer. It has power brakes, a new brake booster, but has just started leaking coolant from the seal between the water pump and the engine.
The auction is being handled through Burns Auctions & Appraisals, LLC, and additional photos and videos of both ‘Birds can be viewed here. As I’m writing this, the highest bid for the ’55 has reached $12,500 and the ’56 has reached $13,000. The auction is scheduled to end on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, so if you’re interested in making an offer on either or both of these ‘Birds, don’t delay. I’m hoping both of these classic Baby Birds will find good new homes and that they’ll be given the TLC they deserve. I’m sure both of these old ‘Birds are anxious to get back on the road and driven again.
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Comments
Estate sale.
I see this constantly and it is a stark reminder that we never really own these great collector cars…but are merely renting them…on time.
While I am far from an expert on early ‘Birds, those prices do not seem out of line to me. (Frankly, I’ve always been a little surprised that these things don’t sell for more.)
I have always liked the early birds, the closest I came to one was my best friend in high school (1961) had a yellow 55. Even back then I don’t think it was as nice as either one of these. When these start going south it’s a very fast flight! The two appear to be in very similar condition, not great but better than average. With bids hovering around 15 K, either one could be a good buy. Of course this would depend on what your plans for it might be. I wouldn’t trust myself with either one. I would probably get buried in a restoration, trying to make them too nice!
I’d say they’re worth a lot more than they’re going for someone looks to get quite a deal here Wish I had the money I’d buy them both, some of the Best cars ever made.
Good looking cars. Do love the blue color. Either one would be a good buy but would do a close rust look see before committing money toward them.
Blue one sold for $17k and the red one sold for $15.5k. My fiance’s uncle would love one, but he has to ok it with the wife who keeps a tight grip on the change purse. Unfortunately, he is starting to have health problems and his dream may never be realized. Live today, or regret it (not buying one) tomorrow?