"The Thunderbird ('T-Bird') was manufactured by Ford in the United States over eleven model generations from 1955 through to 2005. The second to fourth generation Thunderbird convertibles were similar in design to the Lincoln convertible of the time and borrowed from earlier Ford hardtop/convertible designs. The overall appearance was a sleek look with no trace of a convertible top at all. The Ford Thunderbird began life in February 1953 in direct response to Chevrolet's new sports car, the Corvette, which was publicly unveiled in prototype form just a month before. Under rapid development, the Thunderbird went from drawing board to prototype in about a year, being unveiled to the public at the Detroit Auto Show on 20th February 1954. Similar to the Corvette, the Thunderbird had a two-seat coupé/convertible layout and shared some design characteristics with other Fords of the time, such as single, circular headlamps and tail lamps together with modest tailfins. Production of the Thunderbird began later in 1954 with the car beginning sales as a 1955 model on 22nd October 1954. 
This Thunderbird has recently been imported from the U.S. although we are advised by the vendor the registration application is currently being processed by the DVLA and should be completed prior to the auction. The car is described by the vendor as being a very sound solid example with excellent mechanics and a smooth and quiet engine. The green paintwork appears to be original and could do with refreshing although the car is perfectly useable as it is. The matching interior again appears to be original and is in good condition, particularly in view of the fact this car is 62 years old. Supplied with a ‘Porthole’ hardtop, this Thunderbird has a continental kit offering greater boot space. This is an opportunity to own a very desirable early Ford Thunderbird at a realistic price, taking into account the original yet useable condition.
 "