History 55 tbird

I have looked at the photos of this car several times love the louvered hood and upholstery . been thinking of getting my hood done. but just noticed the chrome hoop behind he drivers seat it is so cool

 

Nice little bird, so when did you buy it? I've owned several and still have a 55. I would love to see the history of it, as for all my years I've never seen one like yours. Except for a 56.

 

Are you the original owner? I've never see a 100% original 1955 Thunderbird that came from the factory with the exhaust pipes exiting under the bumper. I will go back and check the list of factory options for 1955.

 

Somebody had better do some research regarding those under-the-bumper exhaust pipes. I checked several reliable sources; not one said that exhaust pipes exited under the bumper of a 55 or that those exiting the rear bumper guards were NOT standard equipment or listed as a factory option.

 

I am not the original owner but somewhere I do have a picture of '55 Birds on a car hauler delivering them to a dealer with no rear bumper guards.

 

My money is on a PHIL SCHAFFER creation, the most underrated artist of the 60's in the Portland Car arena .

Somebody ask Bob Schoonhoven In Rancho Cuca****a, Ca.

 

I agree with 55blacktie, all "55 T-Birds exhaust exited thru the rear bumper guards.
It is possible that the '55 T-Bird shown by warhorseracing has a '55 or '56 front bumper
installed, or the rear bumper guards were removed with the rear panels replaced or filled in.
Ernie

 

The 56 Tbird does not have exhaust tips exiting the rear panel or bumper, due to the continental kit being in the way. 57 exhaust tips exit the corners of the bumper. Yes, as tbirddragracer said, the bumper guards could have been removed, panel holes patched, or the 55 panel replaced with a 56 panel.

Post the picture.

 

Its history takes it across the country, i wouldnt bet on it being built in oregon

 

Tbird was built in 59/60 as a drag race car. Raced for three years then stored. Brought back in the 80's when the lights were added and made street legal. Had about 9 owners from Ohio, to PA to Florida, to Kansas to my friend. But don't know much from 1960-1990 like where it was or who did the work.

 

Off to a new home