1957 Ford Thunderbird E-Bird

Description

You don't see many two-seat T-birds with this great factory color combination or the high power 312 dual four-barrel E-Code V8 under the hood. But beyond rarity, the amazing condition of this 1957 Ford Thunderbird breeds its desirability.

Gunmetal Gray is the best attention-grabbing hue for a first-generation Thunderbird. These icons are usually painted in pastel colors, but this car's factory-correct Code N paint is a true rare standout. It gives a feeling of a modern color palette, especially because this takes advantage of a recent reapplication of the Gunmetal with thorough modern paint practices. The result is an award-winning finish that gives this icon an outstanding luster. And you really do need your paint to shine on a pristine T-bird because these came from the factory with plenty of intricate brightwork. It starts with the large grille with the offset badge that carries a hint about the beast under the hood. There's intricate bright trim around the windshield, rear fender skirt, and (when in place) the matching hardtop. All this chrome ends in the bold jet-inspired rear with a bumper so integral that the exhaust exits through its corners. Of course, there's no missing those original chrome wire wheel covers with the white F-O-R-D centers that match perfectly with the Coker whitewall tires.

While the exterior looks amazing, people will gravitate towards interior simply because the factory Flame Red radiates like lava from a volcano. Style and luxury were the true hallmarks of this classic, and that's why it came with rare features for its time, like the power seats and power windows. Not only do those unction perfectly, but so do the other original components like the heat/defrost and AM radio. It's all displayed in an engine-turned panel that flows across both doors and the dash. This frames many of the intricate styling touches such as logo embossed side panels and the power steering wheel. Beyond that you could see that the Thunderbird was getting serious about competing with the Corvette with its full gauge package, including the large speedometer prominently in the center. The black vinyl top looks so nice that we suspect it's new. The current owner did not want go through to removing and replacing the hardtop just to showcase the folding roof for photos (and if you're careful with your classics, you instantly understand this.) So currently you can only see the soft top in the interior photos, but a larger photo package is available to all serious inquiries. Besides, there's no better silhouette than the iconic style of the porthole windows in the included hardtop.

As amazing as this T-bird's exterior and interior look, you'd expect only the best in the engine bay, too. It has been restored and maintained to appear just as it did when this convertible left the Dearborn factory 59 years ago...it even still has the original numbers-matching motor. Everything is in place from the Thunderbird valve covers to the reproduction battery. And of course you've noticed that distinctive air cleaner by now. That's the sign of the dual four-barrel carburetors of the rare E-code 312 cubic-inch V8. This 270 hp performance upgrade gave the Thunderbird the ability to run with the Corvettes, but that's not why you buy this car. This was Ford's personal luxury vehicle. A '57 T-bird is about having the confidence to outmuscle lesser classics, but the maturity to enjoy the leisure that power steering, a three-speed automatic, and relaxed suspension provides.

If you know the difference between a car show and a concours, then you know how this one stacks up against other Thunderbirds. If you're looking for a cut above, call today.