I've owned a dozen early Birds, they are fun cars, though not to be confused with a "sports car". I like the 55 too, but the 56 does have cowl vents, and anyone will tell you that transmission tunnel gets hot. The rear mounted spare does help with trunk room in the 56, otherwise one is traveling light. Don't care that much for the 57, though that seems to be the most popular.
Very much a commodity car, decide what colors and options you want, and 25-30K will get you a nice one. Higher prices are either over restored or auction fever.
I had a 55 just like the one shown, plain Jane with a standard trans, loved it and drove it a lot of miles.
Doors never fit. Problem with just a hardtop, if one on a tour and wants the top down, have friends help you carry it into motel room and check weather for rain. Make sure no rust, and if no rust, this is not a bad buy. Hope it finds a good home.