This Thunderbird has a 312ci V-8, rated at 245 horsepower and an automatic transmission This represented an increase in horsepower from 202 in 1956. Trunk is adorned with typical Ford plaid trunk liner, and it is in really good condition. A sweeping front windshield reminiscent of future bubble tops wraps the drivers compartment. Door panels show power window, and seat controls, as well as wind wings added to the doors. Plush red carpeting with Thunderbird carpet floor mats, looks like it has never seen the underside of a shoe. A red vinyl padded dash, has more beautiful curves than a centerfold model, and is highlighted with all correct gauges, levers, and knobs, all within a brushed machined aluminum front dash. Mid fifties design drips from the interior, with a red, red, red, electrically operated bench seat spanning from door to door. Just like the topside…meticulously cared for and painstakingly redone to the best of one's ability. A gaze underneath reveals all new mechanicals, pristine rocker arms, and floor pans. All plastic windows in the top are clear and blemish free. A cream canvas convertible top in new condition can be popped up if you get caught in a shower while motoring with the top down. Chromed wire wheels with knockoff T bird hubs are seen all around, and sport fat white sidewall striped tires. All brightwork, and chrome bumpers are in excellent condition. A matching hardtop with porthole window caps the interior passenger compartment. Micrometer tolerance straight rust free, blemish free steel panels covered in Ford Flame Red, clad the exterior of this car. A labor of love that took all but 10 years, along with the post restoration years of enjoyment leaving the kids behind and motoring with just him and his wife, they created many memories with the fruits of his labors. The consigner/builder of this car put his heart and soul into this restoration, leaving virtually no stone unturned. If you're looking for a sweet 50s-era classic that's valuable, fun to drive and has the ability to turn Main Street into an instant classic car show then this is “it” for you. The ultimate get away car from the kids with only 2 seats, as well as the option to have a hardtop traveler, or a convertible cruiser, it became the “it” car for mid 1950's suburbia. Eventually the Corvette went to racing, and the Thunderbird became the boulevard king. Once moving, however, the gear lever just slots happily into place and the gears are easy to find.The Thunderbird and the Corvette have a long and sorted history, with both initially competing for the same customer space. Engaging first requires coming to a complete stop unless the operator wants to hear a nasty crunch. That’s because the Ford uses an antiquated three-speed manual with a non-synchronized first gear. But I have to concur with you, Brian – the Corvette is more satisfying to row through the gears. In fact, they felt quite trim going around corners. The ride on both cars wasn’t nearly as soft and pillowy as I was expecting. I find the Corvette interior a little too Buck Rogers. I especially like the “engine turned” metal trim on the Thunderbird’s dashboard, along with the little V8 badge on the glove box. While the Corvette has two bucket seats separated by a console, the Thunderbird has one spacious bench – with no seatbelts. That said, the Thunderbird is easily the more comfortable car to drive. Both cars have comically large steering wheels, which give me the impression of holding a pizza pan around corners. My own first few cars were similarly fettled, but I had long since gotten used to ABS-aided disc brakes.ĬS: Ergonomics were a bit less scientific in the 1950s, I think. It’s one thing to crank up the speed and hear the roar, but getting stopping power took a big, long push on the brake pedal. That was tempered by the realization how prehistoric both cars’ drum brakes felt. I couldn’t get the grin off my face as I ran through the four-speed’s gears. But I was blown away by the Vette’s hustle. But lets consider twisting roads and see which one of these handles more like a 1950s Ferrari.īH: Oh, it’s no comparison. And as you said earlier, the Thunderbird takes many styling cues from the contemporary Ferrari sports car. Neither of these cars feel sluggish when you slam your foot down and both have that fantastic V8 soundtrack. Article contentīy contrast, our tuxedo black Thunderbird makes just 202 horsepower, it’s worth noting that a hopped-up, 260-horsepower version was also available that year. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |