Danbury Mint 1:24 1955 Ford Thunderbird Dry Lakes Racer

Following up to their 1955 Corvette Dry Lakes Racer, DM’s 1955 T-Bird makes a grand entrance as their second land speed record contender. Based from the Goldenrod Yellow 50th Anniversary ’55 Thunderbird, this Dry Lakes Racer has all of the best attributes of a custom, street machine and streamline straight-line flyer. This record attempt is being made in the A/GMS class.

In person, the model is nothing short of spectacular. The deep red paint, almost merlot in color, is breathtaking in its velvet smooth application and high gloss finish. It is suspiciously reminiscent of Rangoon Red. Remember the color made famous by the awesome 427 Cobra S/C? In fact the car has several subtle reminders of the Cobra. The dual white center stripes, hood scoop, seats, roll bar, unmistakable wheels and nerf bars all hint at the 427 Cobra. But if any doubts linger, even after you spot the photo-etched emblems on the side fenders beneath the metal-foiled louvers, open the hood. There, race fans, beats the heart of the once and future king; the venerable 427 Cobra V8. Before we get back to that let’s take an overall look at this great little model.

Graceful through all of these years, the ’55 Thunderbird was always blessed with a timeless and classic body. The two-seater simply flowed from its arched headlight shrouds to the sedate and understated fins. Devoid of all eccentricities, save for the aforementioned louvers and 427 emblems, the body sides are clean and elegant in their simplicity. No outside mirrors or even door handles will slow this rocket sled down. There’s no need for any bling-bling, not even chrome bumpers. But the purposeful Halibrand wheels lend a touch of sparkle in the chromed rim section of its wheels and the lowered stance of the car is just plain righteous. Talk about streamlined, unlike the ’55 Vette Dry Lakes iteration that makes due with an open chassis, the serious grunt of this car dictated aerodynamic underpanning. Three large panels achieve the assignment with only one cut-out for the engine’s oil pan and the transmission. DM didn’t miss a trick; they secured the panels with photo-etched Dzus clips and even had the courtesy to finish them with the same dual center striping as topside.

Facing the front of the car, you will see a beautifully fashioned photo-etched grille. Hold it at the right distance and angle and you can see the twin electric cooling fans; these 427’s ran hot. Bringing back any memories? The Cobras flaunted their twin fans too. A photo-etched Thunderbird emblem, wings stretched and ready to take off, is nicely perched on the front leading edge of the bodywork. It matches one on the trunk lid. Peering under the hood, you will have no doubt believing the records are going to fall when this bird takes to the salt. But it is also a thing of beauty. DM fabricated tiny metal wire looms, braided radiator hoses with simulated anodized fittings, rubber belts and an electronic ignition box. Metal wire, perfectly scaled, simulates brake lines and throttle linkage connecting the twin 4-barrels. Photo-etched radiator braces and simulated shocks, with genuine springs, finish the flawless dry lakes engine bay look.

The interior is not exactly plush and cushy but it isn’t exactly Spartan either. It is purpose driven and ready to rock. The seats are dead ringers for what you saw in the 427 Cobras. The belts are fabric with magnificent photo-etched buckles. Between the seats is a chromed nitrous bottle just waiting to unload its happy juice to the big motor. Note that the feeding tube doesn’t just disappear into the floor. It goes all the way to its intended target and feeds the thirsty quads. The gauges and tach are killer and check out the photo-etched race wheel center. It enhances the drilled and lightened foot pedals. Oh yeah, the doors open on internal hinges and close like a bank vault, tight and secure. To the right of the driver’s shoulder is a, “D” ring. It runs back to the trunk and engages the twin chutes. You will also find a cabled battery box, fuel cell with proper strapping, fuel lines and a high capacity fuel pump. The gas filler lid opens and the dual exhaust tubes are relocated to the center of the car. A speedster-like windscreen, cut down and frameless, provides just the right amount of wind break and heightens the overall look of this lake top schooner. A lot of thought and research went into the crafting of this model and it shows everywhere you look. If you like precision at its best, look no further than this car. I hope DM comes up with more of these little cuties, I love ‘em. DM, you earned a 9.8 on my Thrillometer.

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