First production Thunderbird up for auction (not a retrobird but the FIRST one)

[5bird7]

Re: First production Thunderbird up for auction (not a retrobird but the FIRST one)

Technique gets you into and out of an early tbird. You even learn how to bend your head correctly if you're over 5'4". Of course, with top off, no problem.

[texasbird]

Re: First production Thunderbird up for auction (not a retrobird but the FIRST one)

A couple of interesting side notes:

Page 30 of Richard Langworth's "Personal Luxury - The Thunderbird Story" says T-Bird P5FH-1000004 was found in Pennsylvania by a T-bird enthusiast named Jeff Barnes, but it is considered a pre-production model, built about 2 weeks before the one listed to be sold at Barrett-Jackson.

It also mentions another more interesting pre-production model with Fairlane Stripes made for Ford Executive, Louis Crusoe. I would love to see that one pop up in a barn somewhere.

James

[04birdman]

Re: First production Thunderbird up for auction (not a retrobird but the FIRST one)

500k or less

[Sweet T]

Re: First production Thunderbird up for auction (not a retrobird but the FIRST one)

Maybe because I'm from the Northeast....but Arizona in January sounds awfully appealing.

Is this open to the public, or do you have to supply a financial statement to attend?

[texasbird]

Re: First production Thunderbird up for auction (not a retrobird but the FIRST one)

You can enter many areas, product vendors, viewing areas, swap meet, etc. for the price of a gate charge, but have to have proof of financial backing to be signed in as a bidder. They usually seem to know in advance which item(s) a bidder plans to bid on.

[DKest3963]

Re: First production Thunderbird up for auction (not a retrobird but the FIRST one)

TBN Members

I would love to represent this group at Auction. Also Set A price and I will bid and take a share in this great vehicle. I have a daughter in Phoenix-- no problem to get to auction. If any are interested in this venture and for some kind of Ptr agreement please let me know. Either by forum or PM.

Thanks
Dennis
Austin, Tx

[MATBird]

Re: First production Thunderbird up for auction (not a retrobird but the FIRST one)

Maybe because I'm from the Northeast....but Arizona in January sounds awfully appealing.

Is this open to the public, or do you have to supply a financial statement to attend?

They screen those cars very well so usually the ones there are only the best. It would be a great stop for you.

[Bill Brown]

Re: First production Thunderbird up for auction (not a retrobird but the FIRST one)

I would not be surprised to see this t-bird go to CTCI (Classic Thunderbird Club International).

[My Raven]

Re: First production Thunderbird up for auction (not a retrobird but the FIRST one)

Dot, have you and George spoken with your financial advisor yet?

I am pleased to see it is the CORRECT color!

Right, Frits?

[Leroy]

Re: First production Thunderbird up for auction (not a retrobird but the FIRST one)

I did a little research on this car. It's Lot#1295 on the block. It is the rarest of all Thunderbirds with the production number one with a build date of Sept. 9, 1954. Ford Motor Co. has designated it as the most valueable Thunderbird in existance. The car was discovered by car collector George Watts in 1966 and he discribed it as " Like finding a needle in a haystack". It took three years to completly restore the car to its original condition. And is now used by Ford Motor Co. on consignment for car shows and special events. It's transported in its own fully enclosed trailer. It's Raven Black with a Black soft top and Black with White accent interior. 292 V-8 Auto. I think I want to up my guess to $500,000.00. Leroy

[Bill Brown]

Re: First production Thunderbird up for auction (not a retrobird but the FIRST one)

A couple of interesting side notes:
Page 30 of Richard Langworth's "Personal Luxury - The Thunderbird Story" says T-Bird P5FH-1000004 was found in Pennsylvania by a T-bird enthusiast named Jeff Barnes, but it is considered a pre-production model, built about 2 weeks before the one listed to be sold at Barrett-Jackson.
It also mentions another more interesting pre-production model with Fairlane Stripes made for Ford Executive, Louis Crusoe. I would love to see that one pop up in a barn somewhere.
James

Not sure if this is the same t-bird blue 55 I saw at Thunderbird East a couple of years back but I believe it is P5FH 100003 a pre-production bird found in a field in PA in the 70s. I yield the floor to Dot.

[5bird7]

Re: First production Thunderbird up for auction (not a retrobird but the FIRST one)

Bill, I can't verify any of the preproduction #s other than that they existed or exist. I do know of one person who has possession of one of the pre-pro data plates, so that particular car is destroyed. I think he also said 1 of those has never been found, data plate or otherwise. I don't know if 2 exist with their bodies, just heard of the one back east. In other words, not sure if the one you saw is 003 or 004. You might be able to find photos of it though. btw - I think there was an article on it in the Early Bird back in the 70s.

Dot

[Sandman]

Re: First production Thunderbird up for auction (not a retrobird but the FIRST one)

I have a Nov._Dec. edition of "Early Bird" .It is the magazine of the CTCI,"Classic Thunderbird Club International". I have scanned pg. 30,Very badly I may add, But it shows the 1st T-Bird made and owned by member George Watts. It shows it with a hardtop but I believe it is being auctioned with only the soft top. Am I right or wrong? The Bird is in the background.
Ron

[Leroy]

Re: First production Thunderbird up for auction (not a retrobird but the FIRST one)

Sandman, I got my info from the Barrette-Jackson.com site. I doesn't list the car as having a Hardtop as part of the listing or as part of the history of the car. But I wouldn't doubt that there is one for it. Leroy

[5bird7]

Re: First production Thunderbird up for auction (not a retrobird but the FIRST one)

Dot, have you and George spoken with your financial advisor yet?
I am pleased to see it is the CORRECT color!
Right, Frits?

no plans to have just a show car, Joe - they have to be drivers and we couldn't afford to drive that one!.