Ever since this very car flew out of the Ford production plant back in late 1954, America has had a long-running love affair with the Thunderbird.

No one can deny that the flight of the Ford Thunderbird has taken several twists, turns, and a couple of nose-dives during the past 50, or so, years while maintaining its path in the forefront of American automobile legends. However, I am excited to see what path the very first production Thunderbird will take when it is offered at the Barrett-Jackson sale come January.

Valued at more than $66k in #1 condition according to the 2009 Collector Car Price Guide, the history surrounding this unique offering is sure to drive the bidding through the roof.

If my count is correct, no fewer than eleven generations of Thunderbird have produced treasured collectors’ items in a variety of models, including the design which in 1989 earned Thunderbird its third award as Motor Trend’s "Car of the Year."

With all this great history behind it, I know that I will be glued to the TV when the first production Ford Thunderbird is sold at No Reserve at the 38th Annual Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Event out in Scottsdale, AZ., Jan. 11-18, 2009.

What other "First Production" cars would you be interested in seeing cross the auction block?

Click Here to view a brief history of the Thunderbird.

Read on to view the press release from Barrett-Jackson:

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--One of the most significant American sports cars ever built, the first production Ford Thunderbird, will be sold at No Reserve during the 38th Annual Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Event in Scottsdale, Ariz., Jan. 11-18, 2009. The Raven Black 1955 T-Bird was produced by Ford Motor Company on Sept. 9, 1954, and represents the birth of Ford’s sports car program. Hailed as “The World’s Greatest Collector Car Auctions™,” the Scottsdale auction and lavish lifestyle events will feature a diverse mix of the world’s most desirable collector vehicles. As always, SPEED will broadcast nearly 40 hours of live, high-definition coverage of all six auction days.

“We’re extremely proud to offer this incredible vehicle that I’ve followed closely over the years,” said Steve Davis, president of Barrett-Jackson. “For Thunderbird enthusiasts and general collectors alike, this is a rare chance to own the first production Ford T-Bird – an American icon. It’s been meticulously restored to original specifications and comes with plenty of documentation to tell its amazing story.”

Penned by Ford designer Frank Hershey, the Thunderbird was a hit among sports car fans across America and became an instant competitor for the Chevrolet Corvette. The first T-Bird is equipped with a 292 Y-block engine, Fordomatic (automatic) transmission, power steering, power windows and power seats. The creature comforts incorporated into the build gave the debut of the first T-Bird even more sizzle.

Ford’s new star was tested and featured in numerous articles upon its release, including “Testing the Thunderbird” in the Oct. 4, 1954 issue of “Sports Illustrated.” The first Thunderbird has also been displayed at venues across the United States, from Ford’s headquarters in Dearborn, Mich., to the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.

“After Ford authenticated this 1955 T-Bird as number one, it became a superstar in the automotive world and was paraded across the country for years,” added Davis. “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.”

The 1955 Thunderbird will be joined by approximately 1,000 collector vehicles and automobilia to be sold at the historic Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale auction. Lifestyle attractions will also return to Barrett-Jackson in January in the form of luxury vendors, galas and fashion shows. Barrett-Jackson’s trendy night-spot, “The Garage,” will be the site of exclusive gatherings throughout the event.