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This is a story of three collectors of Classic Thunderbirds' and the unusual circumstances surrounding their '55, '56, and '57 T-Birds.

All three Thunderbirds are Ford Blue. For their years, they represent the three model years of the classic two seaters from '55 to '57; and all three owners are members of the same Smoky Mountain Classic Thunderbird Club in the Knoxville, Tennesee area.

Only 53,166 T-Birds were produced during this period with the Blue series being one of the popular colors for each year.

The 1955 Owned by Perry Anthony was delivered to Long Beach, California in November of '54 making it a very early production Bird. It remained in the ownership of a city councilman until the present owner purchased it in the 70s. Typical of California cars, it has absolutely no rust although it was involved in a minor freeway accident at one point.

It was driven sparingly until the late 70s on summer days in Omaha, Nebraska before being shipped to Naples, Florida for almost 30 years of dead storage. The '55 is a Plain Jane with very few options and no power assists. It does have both hard and soft tops with its original automatic transmission and 292 V8 Engine.

Professionally restored by Ken Dishong, it was returned to its original factory condition. The '55 has been AACA's 75th Anniversary Time line car and nominated for AACA National Award Recognition as a senior winner. It scored 98 of 100 points at Hilton Head Concours in 2010 and earned CTCI's Senior Award.

The distinctive Peacock Blue 1956 is owned by Bob Witt and like the other two Thunderbirds has an intriguing history. Originally delivered to Maryville, Tennessee this November '55 production Bird was also an early one. There were 15,631 produced in 1956.

Its second owner unfortunately had the parked Bird slip out of gear, roll down a hill, (which is easy to do in Tennessee), and hit a tree. Towed to a body shop for repair it was never finished as the shop owner died and the engine and transmission came up missing.

Forty one years later Bob purchased the car and restored it to original condition where it is a shining example of a fantastic '56 Thunderbird. Earning its AACA Senior status in 2010 and awarded CTCI's Senior designation the same year. Also twice nominated for the AACA National Award. It is a fully optioned Thunderbird with correct 312 engine and automatic transmission.

The Azure Blue 1957 is owned by Bill Long and was delivered to the San Francisco, California district in late '57. Being produced in October '57 and very late in the model year. At total of 21,380 were produced in '57 making it the largest and last production year for the classic two seater T-Bird.

While the '57's history while in California for 43 yers is not well known, in the late 80s it was purchased by the renowned Thunderbird restorere Ken Ruedger in Michigan and restored to original factory condition. Due to space constraints it remained a 'trailor queen' until purchased by Bill in 2000 as his retirement gift.

Earning its CTCI Senior status in '91, this beautiful '57 remains in near perfect condition nearly 20 years later, despite being driven regularly by Bill. It is a fully optioned '57 with factory 312 and automatic transmission.

Driven to Dayton, Ohio in 2010 and judged according to exacting CTCI standards, the '57 was once again awarded its Senior Status. A major accomplishment for a 20 year old restoration.

All three of these 'Blue' Ford Thunderbirds are proudly driven and displayed by their owners who have become dubbed locally as the 'Blues Brothers'. All three owners have owned several Classic Thunderbirds over the years and are devotees of the classic design and performance of fords 'Personal Luxary Car'.

1.   Twas the 3rd week in August,

      Of the fall "1911", 

      On Thursday, the 24th,
      At 10 after 7.

2.   With good-byes and kisses,
      And wishes for the best,
      That we five started out,
      For the land of the West.

3.   Mr. Durr was our chauffeur,

      Mr. Richards, our guide;

      And Martha our boss, sir!

      With Mark and I by her side.

4.   Twas in the morning and raining,

      No signs of clear weather,

      But we all started out

      Feeling as tough as sole leather.

5.   Our baggage was held

      In the back by some straps;

      We had grub by the peck,

      Which we ate in our laps.

6.   We tried to be jolly                                       7.   And the tales and details,
      In spite of the rain,                                             In these followin glines,
      But the nearer Jonesboro,                                  Are still very precious,
      We tried thus in vain.                                         Believe me in our minds.  

Read the rest of the journey here...    

On April 3, 1998, My daughter and son-in-law bought this 1966 Mustang Convertible from the original owner after six weeks of trying to catch the owner home. Although the car was not For Sale, they took a chance and asked, because the car had been sitting in a carport semi-exposed to the elements for about 5 years. It had not been moved or started since she took position of the car through a divorce settlement. They made a reasonable offer to both parties and trailed the car home the following weekend. We (I was head of the resurrection) had the car cleaned, serviced, and running by Sunday afternoon. They played with the car (new toy, you know) until they lost interest and I purchased the car from them on December 14, 2001 for what they had in it, only because I told them that when I went to the big car show in the sky, the car would be theirs anyway. Take note folks, that's how you get things cheap from your kids.

In 2005, I wanted to go on the Southeastern Divisional Tour, but I didn't think the car presented itself well enough to be in the tour with the nice cars that I had seen at other AACA events, so I started stripping the old girl down and had the body work and paint job done by a friend that owns a local body shop in Tampa, Florida. While they had the car, I started buying new chrome pieces, new tires, interior, painting some of the parts that I could do at home without getting into trouble with the home owners association, you know how that is. One month before the tour, I brought the car home and started the re-assembly process, finishing about a week before the tour. The tour was one of the most fun things that I have done with AACA. I drive the car as often as I can, usually on weekends, and she is a real cruiser. She is powered by the always reliable 200 cu.in 6 cylinder engine and automatic transmission. The nine year old restoration still looks good and we hope to tour future AACA tours to come.