These first-year T-Birds are always in demand, but if you're a true connoisseur, you'll want to make sure your example that launched the legend is a true cut-above classic. That's what this 1955 Ford Thunderbird offers. Immaculately restored in its correct Raven Black, this numbers-matching big block car impresses with every little detail. There's nothing more beautiful than Ford's personal convertible in black and chrome. Code A Raven Black lacquer paint covers every square inch of the body to great... effect. It's part of a painstaking restoration that brought this car back to the February day it left the Dearborn factory. We're not the only ones to recognize this convertible for its excellence. It's a multiple award-winner, including the Silver Award from the Classic Thunderbird Club International (CTCI). Fit and finish are extremely good, with doors that close with confidence. It's the kind of panel fit that when the black folding roof is stashed behind the seat, the car has that clean, unbroken line front to rear that's made these an icon. It's truly a grand touring sporty appearance with the hood scoop in front and the optional fender skirts in the rear. All the chrome and bright trim is in place, which looks fantastic against the black. This is especially true for the mirror-like wraparound chrome front bumper, and in the rear the twin tailpipes poking through the rear bumper guards was truly a designer's touch. Correct bright factory hubcaps set with reproduction Firestone whitewalls complete this 1950s time machine. If you liked the outside appearance, you'll love the interior. The exterior black is joined by white for a striking two-tone combination that will have people complementing you about how clean the interior looks. While it came from the factory this way, many will swear it's a custom creation. Style and luxury were the true hallmarks of this classic, and that's why it came with rare features for its time like the power seat and power windows. The heat/defrost sliders and upgraded AM/FM radio are all displayed in a machine-turned panel that flows across both doors, and the dash. This frames the power steering wheel, and above it is the nifty speedometer that's lit from behind by a Plexiglas panel viewed through the windshield. Just to the left is the large tachometer, so while this is a luxury cruiser, you do get a few reminders of the large V8 under the hood. This car carries its original block with the same clean and authentic style as the rest of the car. The "Thunderbird Special" 292 cubic-inch V8 looks authentic right down to iconic Thunderbird logo valve covers and hood-fed chrome teapot air filter. But take a closer look, because you'll start to see that the entire engine bay has been given its correct factory stampings, which is what really impresses the judges and T-Bird fans alike. As the correct motor for the car, it is the higher compression 8.5:1 that came with the automatic transmission and the correct Holley four-barrel carburetor. It's a powerhouse of a V8, but it doesn't lose its luxury-minded attitude as it sweetly purrs through its dual exhaust system. The aforementioned Ford-O-Matic three-speed automatic transmission stays comfortable as it clicks through the gears without a fuss. You can see from the undercarriage shots that the restoration extends to the places most people don't see, so the ride is truly as luxurious as Ford intended for their personal convertible. Complete with the original owner's manual and other documentation, this is a true enthusiast's classic. People love a '55 because it's the car that launched an icon, but for those who are about representing the best Ford had to offer, only a car this correct will do. Call today!!!