1957 Ford Thunderbird

Description

This lovely 1957 Thunderbird represents the last of the 2-seater T-Birds, and to many enthusiasts, it's the most beautiful of the bunch. Subtle tailfins, a wider, smoother grille, and slightly longer proportions propelled the T-Bird into the latter half of the 1950s in grand style.

In rare and beautiful Thunderbird Bronze Iridescent over a matching interior, it's a combination that stands out among all the red, white, and black Thunderbirds, and it's this car's original color scheme. The restoration is a few years old, but that only means that it's ideal for driving and casual shows, and you'll enjoy every minute of ownership, from detailing it in the driveway Saturday morning to a sunset drive on your favorite road. The gaps are good on this one, and it appears to be a clean example that has never had significant surgery. The paint is well-applied, with a high gloss surface that looks wonderful on the little 'Bird's striking body, and it's one of Ford's early experiments with metallic paint, so it shimmers in the light. Detailing is nicely done as well, from the excellent chrome on the front and rear bumpers to the crisp Thunderbird script on the front fenders.

Bronze is the only proper interior choice with that exterior, and it's both sporty and elegant when wrapped in T-Bird sheetmetal. The entire interior was obviously replaced during the restoration, and the new materials are excellent matches for the factory equipment. A wide bench seat offers proof of the Thunderbird's mission, and the door panels are simply gorgeous with their engine-turned inserts. Engine-turning was used on the instrument panel as well, and it's full of clean, original gauges that give you a comprehensive view of what's going on under the hood. An original Town & Country AM radio is still fitted in the dash, and yes, T-Bird enthusiasts, this one has three pedals under the dash, a rare find! The door tag calls for a Colonial White porthole hardtop, but during the restoration it was painted to match the body, giving this 'Bird a cool monochromatic look.

Although the C-code 292 was the rarely found base engine, it was up a few horsepower over the 1956 edition and thanks to creative restorers today, it's seldom seen. It does, however, wear the optional dress-up kit that includes those lovely finned valve covers and a chrome air cleaner, all of which make the engine bay feel familiar. It was finished with the rest of the car a few years ago, and it has obviously been driven and enjoyed, but that also means it's fully sorted and ready to drive. The dual exhaust system sounds appropriate dumping out through the rear bumper ends and with the 3-speed manual transmission, you'll never get tired of hearing the V8 rumble through the gears. It rolls on a set of genuine 14-inch chrome wire wheels and relatively fresh 205/75/14 whitewall radials.

If you're a Ford fan or just an automotive aficionado, no collection is complete without an early 2-seater Thunderbird. They're reliable, fun to drive, and always welcome wherever they go, and with the subtle color on this one, you'll stand out even in a big flock of 'Birds. Call today!