In January 2009, the first Ford Thunderbird ever produced will join a distinguished list of autos on the auction block at the 38th Annual Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Event in Scottsdale, AZ. Like nearly every beautiful lady whose ever captured the hearts of America, the 1955 jet black Ford Thunderbird pictured above (and below) was featured in the October 1954 issue of Sports Illustrated wearing nothing more than what creator Frank Hershey gave her.

Fitted with a 292 Y-block engine, Fordomatic (automatic) transmission, power steering, power windows, and power seats, the inaugural ‘Bird comes with a complete documentation of its history as well as the official seal from Ford authenticating it as No. 1. Understandably excited about the legendary addition to the Barrett-Jackson lineup, Barrett-Jackson president Steve Davis explained, “First production vehicles have an appeal that no other car in their lineage can compete with, especially when they represent the beginning of one of the most legendary marques of the 1950s. As a result, this first production Thunderbird will be extremely valuable to collectors.”

Full gallery after the jump

Source: AutoBlog