Help finding 1955...my Grandfathers.... - Ford Forums

morimoto · 06-03-2008, 16:44

Hi all, im new, so i guess this is my formal hello!

I am searching for my grandpa's 55' bird. His lovely wife at the time of his death seemed to disappear, and the 55' went also. We don't have the vin number, or any original papers, and dont know what dealership it was bought at. I was wondering if there was anyway to get the vin # through purchase records that Ford might have.

Any help???

Thanks!

blewis4272 · 02-25-2009, 10:42

Without some sort of documentation it would be very difficult. The Classic Thunderbird Club International MAY be of some help. They have a copy of nearly all original sales invoices for the 55-57 'birds, and a membership is about $32 at present. They can be reached at the web site Classic Thunderbird Club International You will need to provide any info you might have - where owner lived @ time of purcahse, where it may have been registered, etc. Good luck on your hunt.

- Bud Lewis
CTCI member 4878
Chesapeake, VA
email blewis4272@aol.com

**jwko** · 02-25-2009, 19:35

Moved to the classic tbird section.

Quote:

They have a copy of nearly all original sales invoices for the 55-57 'birds, and a membership is about $32 at present.

I'm curious, how would they have access these invoices?

**tbird100636** · 02-25-2009, 20:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by jwko

Moved to the classic tbird section.

I'm curious, how would they have access these invoices?

There have been a few plant secretarys that saved those gate release forms (Invoices) when Ford was going to throw them out. One in particular was Lois Eminger, she had many Invoices from 1958 to 1976 Fords, they are now in the possesion of Marti Auto Works, a long time Ford reproduction parts producer.

::Marti Auto Works - 1955 - 1989 Ford Parts

They list all of the options on the car, the suggested retail and dealer net prices, the paint and interior color, and much more.

**jwko** · 02-25-2009, 23:31

ah, I see now. TY for the info tbird

blewis4272 · 02-26-2009, 11:10

Right. Lois Emminger was one of the original members of CTCI and connived with Ford not only for invoices, but lobbied them hard until they relented and licensed aftermarket to make new parts to Ford specs. Many specialty companies sell them. CTCI still sells members a copy of orig invoice for a nominal fee. Good luck.