First ever 1955 Ford Thunderbird to be sold at Barrett Jackson Scottsdale

Ford Motor Company's first-ever production Thunderbird model, a 1955 Raven Black example, will go on the auction block at the 38th Annual Barrett-Jackson Collector Car event in Scottsdale, Arizona held January 11-19, 2009.



Penned by the Blue Oval's famous Frank Hershey, the original Thunderbird is said to have started the brand's sports-car heritage. T-Birds were initially available with a 292 Y-block V-8 engine mated to a Fordomatic transmission. The first edition being sold was built on September 9, 1954, and comes standard with power steering, brakes, windows, and seats, as well as five Kelsey Hayes wire wheels, factory radio, heater, and telescopic steering wheel. To boot, the car features a Continental Kit, engine dress-up kit, backup lights, and windshield washer.

Luther's Cruisers Car Club Garage Tour-Ada, Michigan

This is a "garage tour" that was taken in 2006. What a time we had! The owner of this collection of great automobiles and collectibles will go unnamed for security purposes, but I will say this. He is well past retirement and still restoring cars. His kids said "Dad, please sell off some of this stuff so we won't have such a mess to clean up". Sure. As he showed us some large trailers full of signs he just purchased and brought home to add to his collection.



The first picture is of the owner. Many will recognise him, but I won't tell you if it is the guy on the left or right.










The previous pictures are of the inside of one of the garages. Mixed with the great and rare paraphernalia are some of his wonderful automobiles. Study hard. How many items do you recognize from your past?

The following are a few of the many garages, sheds and lean-to shacks that he has his collection in. The main area is full of cars and thousands, yes, thousands- can you say tens of thousands? individual automobile paraphernalia.








The next section are some of the cars. Must have been 30 in all stages of restoring. Most were totally done, and done well. The first picture is of a totally restored engine, just can't remember which car it will go into!












I hope you have enjoyed this tour. Stay tuned for MORE!

Cars, beautiful cars!!

Cars, beautiful cars. Hot cars. Fast cars. Shiny cars. I love to look at them. I love to photograph them. Well, it is time for me to start a blog and publish my pictures and stories about the cars I have seen and love.

I am starting with one I lost. A 1965 Thunderbird. Red with red interior. 390 engine. What a nice car this was. And, unfortunately, I must say it is no longer mine. It seems that the fire gods took it away one beautiful day. I was having some carb problems and was driving it back to the shop for more work. The carb was pumping gas into the engine and mixing it with the oil. I guess heat built up and "pop" it went into flames. By the time the fire department arrived, it was gone. Too much damage to repair. That was a very sad day.

This is a picture after the fire.

Please watch this blog for some great pictures of cars I have seen at the local (West Michigan) Show-and-Shines and car shows. I welcome any comments you might have! I look forward to meeting all of you who have an interest in cars. If your car is under construction, as is my 64 1/2 Mustang, that is ok! Send me a link to your site (if you have one) and I will take a look!