P5FH100273 - Thunderbird Registry Number 5490
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5490
P5FH100273
1955
40A - T - C - 8K - S1410
Convertible
On January 19, 2004 Mr. Kirkman contacted the Registry and said: I bought my Thunderbird on November 9, 1954 at Skyland Motors 2261 Broadway, Denver, Colorado, when I was stationed at Lowery Air Force Base in Denver, Colorado. The cost of the car new $3,252.80, optional equipment cost $925.83 for a total of $4,178.63. Then I moved to Nellis AFB in Las Vegas, Nevada in May of 1955. I married Donna whom I had met in college. We ventured to Guaymas, Mexico in June - no refrigeration and it was hot. -------At Nellis, I would race the car down the runways trying to beat the F-80 taking off, but after 200 yards the race was over. The T-Bird did beat an Austin-Healey through a control-gate course making a good showing at a sports rally. -------
Several times when I would drive to Utah the Ford dealers would wash the car if I would leave it on the showroom floor for them. Hundreds of people got in and out of the car. I wouldn't do that now! ------- Years later I moved to Wickenburg, Arizona. At that time the Arizona Republic ran a news item about my son Brad who stuck a garden hose in the car and let the water run while I was on the phone. While living in Phoenix I helped Jack Jordon form the Arizona Classic Thunderbird Club in 1970. -------The Thunderbird was the only car we had for 6 years and I never traded it in because I never found a car that I liked better. It was driven to work daily for 20 years and now has 139,000 miles. It is now retired and used for pleasure driving. ------- I have many stories about the Thunderbird…once we almost lost it when we both got out to change drivers and the car went down the road all alone…luckily we saved it! -------I would like to add that it takes a lot of understanding to live with a man and his 'Bird for 50 years and I thank my wife Donna for that understanding. ------- This registration was originally submitted by Jimmy Blackburn, who says: This is a 1955 Thunderbird. It is Thunderbird Blue (T) with a turquoise and white interior ©. It was scheduled for production on October 8, 1954 (8K). It has a hard top and a soft top, Fordomatic, power steering, power brakes, power windows, radio, MagicAire Heater, positive action windshield wipers, engine dress-up kit, fender shields, and windshield washers. As of July, 1974 this Thunderbird was in the possession of its original owner, Wallace Kirkman of Phoenix, Arizona. ------- UPDATE January 2017, Dennis Dole reports it will be offered for sale at the 2017 Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale auction (Lot #1095). It is Thunderbird Blue with a white soft top and a turquoise/white interior. It is equipped with a Fordomatic transmission, full power options, engine dress up kit and fender skirts. (picture updated) - - - - UPDATE May 2017 it is for sale at Park Place Ltd. 1880 136th Place NE, Bellevue WA 98005
Dennis Dole
Wallace Kirkman
3/4/2003
5/3/2017
292 V-8
Intact
Original Owner
Dearborn
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