Thunder-Snake Multiple show winner Looks like a Thunderbird. Runs like a Super Snake The two-seater Ford Thunderbird was based on a February 1954 show car and was introduced on October 22nd of that year. The Thunderbird was launched nearly two years after Chevrolet introduced its fiberglass-bodied Corvette. For 1955,however, the Thunderbird sales outpaced those for the Corvette by an astonishing 23 to 1. 16,155 Thunderbirds versus 700 Corvettes. The Thunderbird was low-slug and of all-metal construction, powered by a 292 cubic-inch V-8 engine with roll-up windows, and a removable hardtop. The 1956 Thunderbird remained mostly unchanged, though the hard top received \'porthole\' quarter-windows, the spare became a \'Continental\' kit to gain trunk space, and a 312 cubic-inch \'Thunderbird Special\' V8 engine as optional equipment. Even with these improvements, sales dipped slightly to 15,631. The early Thunderbird\'s were rarely modified as the body style was viewed by most as being timeless and when it was attempted the results were usually not well received. This custom Thunderbird titled Thundersnake is an exception. The striking body that was built by Customs Unlimited is both elegant and bold. It has a handmade rear panel and the rear peak is extended 1. It also has a handmade lower roll pan and Frenched taillights. The door handles have been removed and the gas filler lid filled. The front and rear bumpers have been turned upside down and molded into the body. The driving lights have been Frenched as has the grille surround. The grille was also hand made. Thundersnake is powered by a 1998 4.6L Mustang Cobra motor that is coupled to a T-56 5-speed transmission. It has a 9 Ford differential and rides on an Art Morrison 2x4 tube chassis. The wheels are E.T. Classic five. \r\n\r\nThe interior features a hand built console with Dakota Digital gauges and Flaming River steering wheel and column. The seating is by Glide Engineering and there is a secret audio by Horizon Audio. It has hand-machined engine turned dash, door and console inserts. The result is a one-off custom Ford Thunderbird that retains the look and feel of the original Thunderbird but carries it forward with tasteful updates and modern power under the hood. It is truly a stunning adaption of one of Americas favorite automobiles.