What kind of transmission is in the 1955 Ford Thunderbird?
The 1955 Ford Thunderbird, an iconic American sports car, was equipped with a unique transmission system that set it apart from other vehicles of its era. This article delves into the details of the Thunderbird's transmission, providing a comprehensive overview of its design and functionality.
The Ford-O-Matic Transmission
The 1955 Ford Thunderbird was equipped with the Ford-O-Matic transmission, a three-speed automatic transmission developed by Ford. The Ford-O-Matic was a significant advancement in automotive technology at the time, offering a smooth and efficient power delivery system.
The Ford-O-Matic transmission was designed to provide a seamless transition between gears, allowing the driver to enjoy a more comfortable and responsive driving experience. This transmission featured a torque converter, which replaced the traditional clutch, and a set of planetary gears that facilitated the gear changes.
Advantages of the Ford-O-Matic Transmission
- Smooth and efficient power delivery
- Improved driving comfort and responsiveness
- Elimination of the need for a manual clutch
- Increased fuel efficiency compared to earlier automatic transmissions
The Ford-O-Matic transmission was a significant advancement in automotive technology, providing Thunderbird owners with a more enjoyable and efficient driving experience. This transmission played a crucial role in the Thunderbird's success and helped establish it as a beloved sports car of the 1950s.
What is the most sought after Ford Thunderbird?
1962 Thunderbird Sports Roadster: This restricted creation model is one of the most sought-after Thunderbirds by collectors. It included the powerful "M-Code" V8 motor, creating 430 pull, making it a genuine muscle vehicle of its period.
How fast is the 1955 Thunderbird?
A rare domestic two-seater for the era, it was designed to be a brisk luxury tourer and not a sports car, capable of attaining speeds of 100 to 115 mph (161 to 185 km/h) depending on the transmission ordered.
How many miles per gallon does a 1955 Ford Thunderbird get?
1955 Ford Thunderbird MPG
Based on data from 4 vehicles, 105 fuel-ups and 15,171 miles of driving, the 1955 Ford Thunderbird gets a combined Avg MPG of 15.01 with a 0.91 MPG margin of error. Below you can see a distribution of the fuel-ups with 2 outliers (1.87%) removed.
What engine did a 1955 Thunderbird have?
The engine was Ford's 292-cubic-inch OHV 292 Y-block V8, which got 18 mpg‑US (13 L/100 km; 22 mpg‑imp). The exhaust pipes exited through twin bumper guards bolted to the rear bumper. The car used existing chassis and suspension design and off-the-shelf Ford mechanical components.
What is a 1955 Thunderbird worth today?
A: The highest sale price of a 1955 Ford Thunderbird was (USD) $660,000.00 (highest sale at auction). Q: When is the most recent sales value of the 1955 Ford Thunderbird? A: The most recent sale of the 1955 Ford Thunderbird was in January of 2025 at Barrett-Jackson : Scottsdale where it sold for $22,000.00 (USD).
What transmission is in a 1955 Thunderbird?
Transmission: Three speed, “Ford-O-Matic” automatic transmission.
How much horsepower does a 1955 Ford Thunderbird have?
Bore and stroke: 3.75 x 3.30 inches. Compression ratio: 8.5:1. Horsepower: 198 @ 4400 RPM. Torque: 286 @ 2500 RPM.
What year is the most desirable Thunderbird?
The 1963 Ford Thunderbird Sports Roadster M-Code is a rare classic car and one of the most sought-after Thunderbird versions.
Why was the 1955 Ford Thunderbird so popular?
Burnett, Chief Passenger Car Engineer for Ford, is that "although the Thunderbird has the performance and attributes of most sports cars, management also felt that it should have a few more comforts to make it more appealing to a wider segment of the public." Besides having the power-operated four-way seat (which is ...
What is the difference between a 1955 and 1956 Thunderbird?
If you're looking to spot a '56 over a '55, you'll note details such as added cowl vents (meant to combat engine heat under-hood), an external spare mounted “Continental”-style on the trunk (because of complaints about low cargo space from the in-trunk spare of '55), and exhaust tips that poked through the bumper.
