1955 Ford T Bird Built in the 50's by Indy 500 winner Jim Rathmann

Description

·1955 convertible T Bird

·Originally built in the 1950’s by Indianapolis 500 winner Jim Rathmann

·Brass Plaque on Fire Wall: Installation by Jim Rathmann, Inc. 2460 NW 36th St, Miami FL

·66,224 original Miles

·Restored in 2017

·VIN# P5FH107085

·Trophies winner at Hartford CT Autorama 1959 and Rods & Customs World’s Fair

·1956 El Dorado Cadillac engine bored and stroked to 442 Cu In. Block # 4X32981

·2 Four barrels

·11-1 Compression

·Chet Herbert roller cam

·Hand formed hood scoop

·3-speed manual overdrive transmission

·Power Windows / Power Brakes

·4 way power seats

·Telescoping steering wheel

·3.91 limited slip differential

·Traction Masters and heavy duty shocks

·Soft and Hard Top

·Zephyr gears

·AM Radio, Clock and Tachometer

·12 volt system

This beautiful 1950’s Hot Rod convertible Thunderbird was equipped with just about every option Ford offered at the time. Early on in its life, it was sent to Jim Rathmann Inc. in Miami, Florida to be further enhanced. Mr. Rathmann, a very accomplished Indy Car (1960 Indy 500 winner), NASCAR and Formula One driver, had a Hot Rod shop that specialized in installing “hopped Up” Cadillac engines in Ford chassis. The modifations to the car include a 1956 El Dorado Cadillac engine bored and stroked to 442 cu.in., 11 to 1 compression, dual four barrels, and a Chet Herbert roller cam. Connected to a 3-speed manual transmission with overdrive. and a 3.91 limited slip differential. Also equipped with racing brakes, traction masters, heavy duty shocks and Zephyr gears. The hood scoop was hand stretched to look like the original and accommodate the tall dual carburetors. The body was then treated to a 50’s style lacquer paint job.

Shortly after the car was completed, it was sold to a hot-rodder in upstate NY where it was used to cruise and race the streets of Albany/ Schenectady. (same area as Shirley Muldowney). The car also appeared in the 1959 Hartford Autorama and the Rod & Custom World’s Fair car shows.

Due to illness of the owner, the car was placed in a garage where it sat for approximately 30 years until its current owner purchased it in 2005. With a little TLC, the car was brought back to life and cruised the streets of Albany again and continued to win trophies at car shows. After 60 yrs the car was showing its age. In 2017 it was meticulously dismantled and rebuilt/ restored, including a modern base coat/clear coat finish. It has been driven moderately to and from car shows since.

Please Note this car is for sale locally and may sell before auction closes.