6 DAYS UNTIL SCOTTSDALE: 1955 FORD THUNDERBIRD CONVERTIBLE VIN #0005

January 4, 2015
Posted by Barrett-Jackson

This 1955 Ford Thunderbird Convertible VIN #0005 Concept Car is one of more than 140 vehicles from the Ron Pratte Collection crossing the block at the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction in January.

“The rarest of ‘Birds,” this 1955 Ford Thunderbird VIN #0005 (Lot #2523) was used as the test vehicle when Sports Illustrated ran an article on October 4, 1954, titled “Testing the Thunderbird.” Produced at the Michigan factory on September 9, 1954, Ford verified the status of this car in 1966 by designating it as the most valuable T-Bird in existence.

Capturing the attention of writers, collectors and car buffs throughout its existence, this car has been featured across magazines, television, museums and special events such as the 1984 Olympics throughout its lifetime. The Ford Motor Company commissioned the car, usually in its private trailer, to various events such as their national conferences and car shows, including those at their headquarters in Dearborn, Mich.

This 1955 Ford Thunderbird VIN #0005 (Lot #2523) will cross the auction block in Scottsdale on Saturday, Jan. 17.

Ron Pratte’s prestigious collection of automobilia will kick off the 44th Annual Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction beginning Saturday, Jan. 10 at 9 a.m. and running through Tuesday, Jan. 13 at 1 p.m. Pratte’s vehicles first cross the block at 4 p.m. on Tuesday with lot numbers 2000 through 2109 and will continue with lot numbers 2500 through 2530 on Saturday, Jan. 17.