The first production Ford Thunderbird is to be sold at no reserve during the Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Event in Scottsdale, Ariz., Jan. 11-18, 2009. Barrett-Jackson refers to it as a "sports car." I'm an admirer of those early 'Birds but I beg to differ with that description. The Thunderbird was little more than a boulevard cruiser, albeit it a very attractive one. I drove a new Thunderbird shortly after it reached the showrooms, thinking it was a sports car because, well, it looked like a sports car: low, wide, a compact 2-seater with a V-8 up front... how could it be anything else? I had my answer after the first few corners.

Later I watched a Thunderbird competing in a road race at Ontario's Harewood Acres, driven by Lee Petty. Yes... that Lee Petty, father of the legendary Richard. Perhaps Mr. Petty wasn't familiar with the techniques of road racing vs. ovals, for the Thunderbird performed poorly; quick in the straights, wallowing through the corners. It was no match for the real sports cars on that day. As the years went by the Thunderbird grew heavier until it no longer bore any resemblance to the original. A recent attempt at a retro revival was, sadly, a marketing flop. Nevertheless, because it was first off the line, this Raven Black 1955 T-Bird should bring a handsome dollar. How much? A Russo & Steele auction in March saw a 1957 Thunderbird bring $115,500. Assuming it's in concours condition, T-Bird #1 should be worth at least $200,000. Just don't call it a sports car.