A rare 1955 convertible Ford Thunderbird is available for purchase on Autotrader

This year (2025) marks the 70th anniversary of this iconic model being released

The car retails at just under £60,000 and comes complete with original features like the original 4.8-litre V8 engine and removable porthole hardtop

Classic car collectors and motoring enthusiasts rejoice - a 1955 Ford Thunderbird could now be yours. Listed on Autotrader, the very first model year of the iconic American classic could be parked up in your garage just in time for the car’s 70th anniversary.

Launched in 1955 when just 16,000 were produced, the Ford Thunderbird became an instant icon by introducing a new category of motoring: the personal luxury car. With sleek design, powerful performance and sophistication in every nook and cranny, there’s a reason why the Ford Thunderbird has remained of interest to classic car lovers for seven decades.

The meticulously maintained example available on Autotrader is finished in Raven Black, features the original 4.8-litre V8 engine, automatic transmission, and charming period details such as a removable porthole hardtop, original interior trim, and classic whitewall tyres. Thanks to all the additional charms, this collector's item doesn’t keep cheap, with a price tag just shy of £60,000.

According to figures from The Classic Valuer[1], the value of 1955 Ford Thunderbirds in excellent condition currently averages around £47,000, with top-end sales fetching over £68,000, making this vehicle competitively priced in today’s buoyant classic car market.

Although this is a huge cost compared to mid-1950s prices, where the first model retailed between £1,995 ($2,695) and £2,961 ($4,000), this year’s 70th anniversary celebrations mark a significant moment for the Thunderbird legacy, offering collectors the perfect excuse to invest in one of the most desirable American classics of the 1950s. It’s not just motorheads who may want their slice of a T-Bird; movie buffs may also be interested, thanks to its appearance in pop culture over the years, from Thelma and Louise to Goldfinger, to name a few.

When a car as rare as this becomes available, it’s no surprise that so many people get excited. It’s not just classic car fanatics that can enjoy this hype, it’s also for those who appreciate the mid-1950s engineering and design, as well as film fanatics who recognise this model from the big screen. So, we’re thrilled to see that some lucky person will be able to get their hands on a Ford Thunderbird in the year of its 70th birthday.

Key spokesperson

Erin Baker

Auto Trader’s Editorial Director

CONNECT

Whether you’re a seasoned classic car investor or a newcomer with an eye for iconic design, this 1955 Ford Thunderbird represents a piece of history - and will spruce up anyone’s driveway. You can see the full listing here: https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202309111834743

Note to Editors

Media contacts: auto-trader-pr@propellernet.co.uk

Sources

[1]: https://www.theclassicvaluer.com/cars/ford/thunderbird