Return to porthole authority homepage Diecast, etc...  Classic Ford Thunderbirds
1955 Thunderbird Models
A-H Brand or Manufacturer
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Distinctive characteristics for a 1955 T-bird:  No Front Fender vents;   tail fins rounded and inline with body lines; Straight  bumpers with bumperettes front and rear; dual exhaust outlets above bumper thru bumperettes.. No continental kit. Hardtop is non-porthole.  no wind wings, no sun visors; Interior
Scale Information:
Listings are in alphabetical order by brand or manufacturer. Listings cover diecasts, plastic molds, sand casts, etc...~ any 3-Dimensional 1955 Thunderbird that rolls or appears to roll whether made to be decorative, as a toy, or for the collector. Model Kits are on a separate page.
Not For Sale!
Click on underlined words to view photos.
Produced from the 1950's to present
Brand / Country Year Released Photos
Model Name / #
 Scale Description
American Molded Plastics 1974 . 1955 Thunderbird Plastic Wall Hanging; dimensional 3/4 view of 55 Thunderbird facing left.  Black plastic ready for painting your color choice.

 
 
 

AMT / USA 

 1955 1955 Thunderbird Promotional* 7" 
18cm		 Plastic; torch red w/red & white interior; topless; friction motor; box converts to red garage
1955 1955 Thunderbird Promotional* 7" 
18cm		 Plastic; raven black w/black & white interior; topless; friction fly-wheel; cream "wire-look" hubcabs;box converts to red garage
1955 1955 Thunderbird Promotional* 7" 
18cm		 Plastic; light blue w/red & white interior or light blue with blue & white interior; topless; friction fly wheel; cream "wire-look" hubcabs; box converts to red garage
1955 1955 Thunderbird Promotional* 7" 
18cm		 Plastic; white w/black & white interior;or white with red & white interior; topless; friction fly wheel; cream "wire-look" hubcabs or chrome hubcaps; box converts to red garage
1955 . 1955 Thunderbird Promotional* 7" 
18cm		 Plastic; yellow w/red & white interior; topless; friction flywheel; box converts to red garage
1955 1955 Thunderbird Promotional* 7" 
18cm		 Plastic; green w/red & white interior; topless; friction fly wheel; box converts to red garage
1955 . 1955 Thunderbird Promotional 7"
18cm		 Plastic; grey w/red & white interior; topless; box converts to red garage
1976 
or 1979?		 '55 Ford Thunderbird hardtop / convertible #4802 1/16 Model Kit; Plastic; all white pieces; non porthole top; red on box top
AMT-Matchbox late 70s '55 Ford Thunderbird 1/16 Model Kit; Plastic; red with black top on box top
ARKO / China 2006? 1955 Ford Thunderbird` 1/32 lite green; white hardtop; lite green and white interior; wire wheels; hood AND trunk open. marketed by MotorMint Museum
2006 1955 Ford Thunderbird 1/32 red; white hardtop; red & white interior; wire wheels; hood & trunk open. - marketed by MotorMint Museum
2006/2007? 1955 Ford Thunderbird 1/32 yellow; white hardtop (installing); marketed by MotorMint Museum; yellow and black interior
2015? 2008? . 1955 Ford Thunderbird 1/32 Yellow; topless, yellow and black interior
Atlas / China 2006 Ford Thunderbird 1955:
"Les Pirates Du Silence"		 1/43 Red; cream interior; Man in driver's seat;  Marketed  in France; available only to subscribers of the series of models this model came out with.  Series depicts cars in the comic book about Spirou's adventures - comic book character from the 40's/50's.  The T-bird was depicted in a 1958 comic titled Les Pirates du Silence
Avon / USA mid 1970's Thunderbird '55 5.5" 
14cm		 blue glass decanter; "Deepwoods" after shave lotion; 2 fl oz; in blue box w/ picture of Thunderbird & history; blue plastic lid; 
rare, clear glass version comes w/clear lid (blue lid in photo may have been added to this model at a later date - unknown)
1984 '55 T-Bird 1/43 pewter; hardtop 
1995 1955 Ford Thunderbird Decanter / 10-854 5.25" 
13.5cm		 lt. blue glass decanter; "Seazone" after shave lotion; 3 fl. oz.; in tan "Gift Collection" box w/ Avon logos; 40th Anniversary special - New mold.
1995 . 1955 Thunderbird Avon prototype - solid glass - no markings on bottom
1999 1955 Thunderbird Decanter 5 3/8" 
17cm		 Clear Glass after shave decanter;light clear plastic lid appears amber with aftershave in it; holds "Wild Country" After Shave lotion. Same mold as 1995 Avon blue bottle but NOT the same as the 1974/75 blue bottle.
Bandai / Japan 1950's . 1955 Ford Thunderbird 7.75"  Tin; Red, blue, black w/ printed chassis; with or without friction motor 
1950's . 55/56 Ford Thunderbird 7.75"  Tin; Red, blue, black w/ printed chassis; has continental kit attached to trunk; with or without friction motor 
Banthrico / USA  1974 
to present
T-bird Bank #M-1276  7"
18cm		 brass or pewter-look coin bank; fender vent on passenger side; no fender vent on driver side; porthole hardtop; used for promotionals - many marked on hardtop with different logos of banks. Rear license plate says "1955" base marked Banthrico 1974 Chicago. Wire style wheels
2001 . Cars at Carlisle All Ford Show 7"
18cm		 silver look diecast; stamped with "All Ford Nationals 2001" on roof; #'d, limited edition of 100 - engraved on base; these are the same banks that Banthrico has been producing since 1974;
Beanstalk Group / China
See also Paul's Model Art
MiniChamps		 2003 55 Thunderbird 1/43 Thunderbird blue; topless; part of series from Ford's 100th Anniversary set
Blue-Box Toys / Macau 1986 . . . see 1956 list (56 with no continental kit)
Brooklin / England 1992 Tulsa '92, CTCI / 13x 1/43 Black w/ red interior; 1 of 500; special boxed set w/ yellow '56; yellow license plate; bottom marked "CTCI Tulsa '92"  "1955 Ford Thunderbird" - see Broooklin article for more info
1994 Dearborn '94, CTCI / 13x 1/43 T-bird blue w/white interior; 1994 Dearborn CTCI convention special - one of set of three (1955, 1956, 1957)
Car Chains 2001 . See TC Toys . red, pink - tbird on keychain - on blister card, lights up.  Come with metal tag.
Case / China 
clock works from Japan		 2002 . 1955 Thunderbird 1/43 Silver color with Clock inserted in place of hood.  Well detailed diecast model
2003 55 T-bird clock 1/43 gold color - like the silver color from 2002
Coca-Cola / China 2001 2001 Coke Coca Cola Holiday T Bird Carrier Truck 1/43 Plastic (new mold), Red truck with covered trailer; white 55, red interior; topless t-bird and black 57 t-bird with continental kit; coca cola logos on cars;(DL)
Coca-Cola ~ K-Line ~ YatMing / China 2001 Coca-Cola brand Freight Car 1/43 Red; white interior;  with white Coca-Cola logo on lower front quarter panel. 3 cars sitting on flatbed railcar; 
also issued a 6 car carhauler freight car with 6 red 55 T-birds
Coca-cola  2001 pre-production 1/43 Black with coke logo on lower front quarter panel; 
Danbury Mint 2004 Diorama with 1955 T-bird ? black; topless in restoration scene
2005 50th Anniversary 1955 Ford thunderbird 1/24 Golden Rod yellow, yellow hardtop; removable fender skirts, removeable spare tire, opening hood, trunk, gas cap, doors
2005 winter Project 1/24 blue 55 in need of restoration
2005 Dry Lakes Racer 1/24 red, topless, race car
2008
Classic 1955 Thunderbird 1/24 Thunderbird blue with black "softtop"; detailed; opening hood, detailed engine; opening gas cap; removeable spare tire & fender skirts; operating antenna; opening doors, steering wheel moves; front tires move; active suspension; hand-waxed; value: $140; operating instructions
Dayton Hudson Corp. / China 1998 . 040 00 9723 1/24 Red conv. Door and Hood Open -w/walls. (Swinging Superior model)
1998 Scale Model 1955 Thunderbird #040 09 0141
See Swinging Superior		 1/24 Med. turquoise conv. Door and Hood Open -w/walls. black & white interior; white tonneau cover; black engin compartment; chromed engine; white walls; mounted on stand black dash;  Without box, this will only be identified as an SS model (Swinging Superior model)
Dept. 56 / China 1999 1955 Ford Thunderbird / Snow Village 
#56.54950		 4.5"
11.5 cm		 Ceramic; Black or Yellow; hardtop; chrome detailed; comes w/ small white plastic sign "Ford 1955 Thunderbird" the "Ford" is in a blue oval
2003 (Dec.) 1955 Ford Thunderbird 1/43 Ceramic & Plastic; Red with White plastic hardtop; white wall tires; black & white interior; chrome plastic bumpers; in their "Classic Cars Series"
2009 (Dec) Rusty's Used Cars / Halloween series 808965 . Not a diecast but a  3-D Scupture in resin with a black 55 Ford sitting on top of a black 55 Thunderbird in front of "Rusty's Used Cars" shack and a revolving red VW convertible on a pole. Introduced in December 2009.
Dinky . . . 1/43 See Matchbox-Dinky
Dolgencorp, Inc. / China 2005 Wreck'em Rods  1/24 see 1956 list

 

Durham Classics Automotive Miniatures / Canada
(offsite link)

 2000 Schlitz contest car DC 33 1/43 White; topless; red & white interior; CTCI Convention special - also shown in pic is coming yellow 55 from Durham; code 2; limited to 125
2000 '55 Thunderbird DC-33A 1/43  GoldenRod yellow w/black & yellow interior ; [note: the 2002 Thunderbird will have similar color interior combos except the white will be black] limited to 150 according to Durham website.
2001 . DC-33B 1/43 Raven Black w/ black & white; limited to 150; some may have red & white seats
2001 . DC-33D 1/43 Torch Red w/red & white interior; limited to 150; some may have black & white seats
2001 . DC-33E 1/43  Thunderbird Blue w/aqua & white interior; limited to 150 
2002 1954 Prototype 
DC-36		 1/43 White / Pink, fairlane stripe; 2002 CTCI New Jersey Convention special; limited to 100
2002 1954 Prototype
DC-36A		 1/43 black / Yellow, fairlane stripe; 2002 CTCI New Jersey Convention special; limited to 100
2002 1955  DC33 code 3 1/43 White with red & white interior; a Custom, limited edition (25) commemorating David Angel's participation in The 2001  Inca Trail 15,000 mile Road Rally in South America; 
2003 1954  thunderbird prototype
 DC-36B		 1/43  Fairlane Stripe; white/turquoise; limited to 100
2003 1954  thunderbird prototype
 DC-36D		 1/43  Fairlane Stripe; midnight blue limited to 100
2003 . 1954 thunderbird prototype DC-36C 1/43   Fairlane Stripe; white/orange; limited to 100
2004 Golden Anniversary Thunderbird
DC-33E		 1/43 Gold colored with red seats and dash and gold colored seat inserts; topless; gold hub caps, grill & bumbers; limited to 100 - CTCI Miami special edition to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the launch of the 55 thunderbird in 1954 - commisioned by David Angel - (Durham photo)
2004 Golden Anniversary Thunderbird
DC-33F		 1/43 White with red seats and dash and gold colored seat inserts; topless; gold hub caps, grill & bumpers. limited to 100 - CTCI Miami special edition  to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the launch of the 55 thunderbird in 1954 - commisioned by David Angel - (Durham photo)
2004 Golden Anniversary Thunderbird
DC-33G		 1/43 Black with red seats and dash and gold colored seat inserts; topless; gold hub caps, grill & bumpers. limited to 100 --   to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the launch of the 55 thunderbird in 1954 - commisioned by David Angel  - CTCI Miami special edition (this is not aa repaint)
2007 . DC36E was 38A 1/43 Metallic Blue with blue seats/red inserts;  limited to 50
2007 54 Fairlane Stripe Thunderbird prototype DC36F was 38B 1/43 Dark green with black seats with cream inserts;  limited to 50
2007 . DC36G was 38C 1/43 Metallic blue & cream; with blue seats/cream inserts; limited to 50
2007 . DC36H was 38D 1/43 black & orange; orange seats/black inserts; limited to 50
2009 . DC36JMiracle Baby Model, 2nd in series; 1954 Fairlane Stripe Thunderbird 1/43 pink upper/white lower; pink wheels with white wall tires; pink seats with gold color inserts. pink doors and dash;  limited to 12
2010 . 1954 Fairlane Stripe Thunderbird prototype
DC34K, 34L, 34M, 34N		 1/43 FOUR models: Red & grey with red & grey interior; Yellow & silver with yellow & silver interior; Black Cherry Metallic with a Red and White interior; Lilac and Black with a Lilac and Black interior; limited to 60 of each.
2012 1954 Fairlane Stripe Thunderbird prototype DC-36P 1/43 white metal diecast; Baby Blue and Silver individually numbered limited to 12 pieces. 
Brand/Country YearReleased Photos
Model Name / #
 Scale Description
Energy Promotions / China 2001 1955 T-Bird Fabric - Soft Sculpture, black with white top. embroidered details; exclusive to www.energypromotions.com

 
 

Enesco / China

 1995
40th Anniversary T-Bird /128821 or 146836 1/43 Plastic; Red or black; Santa waving top hat & sack of presents in seat. part of continuing series of Christmas ornaments. Models of Month 12/99
1995 40th Anniversary T-Bird 1/43 Plastic; red w/white interior; no top 
Revolves on black music box 
that plays" Fun, Fun, Fun."
1996 Classic Collection Holiday Ornament 1/43 Plastic; black w/black & white interior; blue wrapped present in driver's seat; Christmas 1996 ornament - 40th anniversary  Model of Month 12/99 
1995/96 The Classic Collection 1/43 Plastic; Red w/white interior; loose on black platform w/ billboard ad, clock & medallion; Collector car/Clock / Desk Set
1997 Holiday Ornament - '55 thunderbird
#330345		 1/43 pale mint green with white interior, topless; ornament; 40th anniversary on base.
1997 Holiday Ornament - '55 thunderbird
#330345		 1/43 white with black & white interior; topless; ornament' 40th anniversary on base
F & F Molds / USA 1954 1955 t-bird model 3" 
7 1/2cm		 plastic; red, dark green, tan, dk. brown, yellow,  coral, light blue; '55 Ford FAIRLANE STRIPE on fenders & along the sides; No hashmarks; no chassis, white wheels on steel axles snap onto body; conv.; steering wheel attached to seat; Cereal box premium; hard to find since the real car did not come out with the fairlane stripes & model was redesigned.  F&F model collectors call this version a 1954 T-bird; in my opinion "Fairlane" t-bird would be more accurate since the model is a '55 t-bird M.of M. 10/2000. 
1955 1955 t-bird model 3" 
7 1/2cm		 plastic; red, green, tan, yellow, light blue, white; same body as above model but no Fairlane stripes - has hash marks instead; no chassis - white wheels on steel axles snap onto body; conv.;steering wheel attached to seat; Cereal box premium, M.of M. 09/00
Franklin Mint 1992/1998 . Drive-In AND Texaco  Mechanical Banks  . go to 1956  list
2010 Franklin Mint photo Capitol Records Celebrity 1955 Thunderbird 1/24 Black; black & white interior; topless; sit's on display stand with Celebrity Billboard behind it. limited to 1000. retails at $195 NEW MODEL Now in hand.  bummer - it has windwings, sunvisors, 56 steering wheel, and 56 seats,12 volt battery, no radio antenna but there is a radio showing on the dash panel. Not very authentic to 1955, and not as detailed as one would expect for the price..Read my blog for more.  In real size it would be called a 20 footer, ie, don't get too close!.
Gasser Models 2012 T-Bird Gasser 1/18  Resin cast in 5 colors, black white, yellow, red, green; Features: Raised front end, front bumper removed, injector stacks, fenderwell headers, mag wheels, piecrust slicks, ladder bars, hardtop with porthole windows.
.
Gearbox  1997 . Pedal Car 4" go to 1956 list
.
Genuine Ford Parts

see also M&D Distributers

 2016 1955 Thunderbird 1/43 NEW MODEL 2016: come in Torch Red with red & white interior OR Tbird Blue with tbird blue& white interior OR Goldenrod Yellow with black & yellow inteior; yellow License plate: "Texas 55 DL6390"; delicate antenna; good graphics; printed grill; special lidded display box; Limited to 500 each color; 
Hallmark Cards Inc 2005 1955 Thunderbird 1.43 Red; topless; red/white interior;  in set of 2 Christmas ornaments: Thunderbird 50th Anniversary with 1955 red T-bird in black box with clasp
Hamilton Collection / China 2016 . 1955 Thunderbird 1/18  Resin cast, auto sculpture; pink, topless; Marilyn Monroe graphics.
"Perfect in Pink'' Marilyn Monroe edtion (off site link)
Heritage Pewter / USA '90's . .  HO size Pewter model on wine cork; front fender vents
High Speed 2001 or 2002 55 Thunderbird 1/43 Univest Bank promotional; white '55, Thunderbird blue 02 printed on box.
made by High Speed
2002 1955 Thunderbird 1/43 White; Melrose Hotel of New York has a white '55, 1/43 out as part of a promotion that is now over. Melrose Hotel logo; Thunderbird blue 2002 model printed on box.
2002? 1955 Thunderbird 1/43 white with black interior; topless; promotional for a bank: Univest
2006 1955 Thunderbird 1/43 Red with red and white interior; or Aqua with aqua and blue interior; or Silver with silver and red interior; topless; packaging in Japanese
Hubley / USA 60's #486 1/20 Diecast metal body in red, white or yellow; grey or black plastic hardtop & interior; rbr tires; 

 
 
Lists:  1955 A-H 1955 I-M 1955 N-Z ?? 1956 A-F 1956G-J 1956K-N 1956 O-Z + ?? 1957 A-H 1957 I-R 1957 S-Z ?? Model Kits Hot Wheels
released in:  1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
2011
 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
Articles:
 AVON Battle Bird,
Brooklin
 Corgi
Hot Wheels
Matchbox
Micro Models
  Racing Champions
Links:
*  Some cars are rather generic for 1955 & 1956 ie. have characteristics of both years.  If you don't see your model listed in the '56 list it may be in the '55 list.  Manufacturer of many of those models is also hard to determine so distributor's name is listed which is why some models look the same but have different "manufacturers"

  If you don't see your classic t-bird model listed at all, Please send me e-mail with a description including the manufacturer/ country of origin / year made if known / size / general & specific description including color of body and interior and type of top, hub style, etc.  I also accept photos.

Thank You! for visiting my pages.
updated 11/21/10
© 1999-2018 Graphics by Dot Lang
not affiliated with Ford Motor Company
Ford Thunderbird - registered trademark of Ford Motor Company