1957 Ford Thunderbird

Description

Somehow the collector car world never gets tired of the 2-seater Ford Thunderbird. They bring smiles to the faces of everyone who sees them, they're wonderful to drive, and are the stars of every car show they attend. So why not take this pretty 1957 'Bird home and find out what all the fuss is about?

An older restoration, this Thunderbird has a classic look of comfort, as if the car and its owner were travelling partners for many years. The bright Colonial White may remind you of Suzanne Sommers in "American Graffiti" (although hers was a '56) and paired with the black and white interior, it's a look that has always been in fashion and always will be. Bodywork is nicely done, good enough to show with pride at the local cruise night, but not so over-restored that you pack it in when the sun goes behind a cloud. I'm especially impressed by how well the fender skirts fit, which is often a problem area on these cars, and with the fuel filler door moving to the quarter panel, the deck lid fits well and doesn't leak into the trunk. Clearly a good amount of cash was tied up in the chrome work, including the front grille and the unique rear bumper with exhaust openings under the jet-like taillights. If there's a more pure statement of 1950s style, I don't know what it might be.

Inside, the clean black and white upholstery is both sporty and elegant, almost like a tuxedo, and exactly the way Ford designers intended for their personal luxury roadster. Correct vinyl covers the power bench seat using the original ribbed pattern, and matching black carpets have been piped in black vinyl for a tailored look. The dash offers an engine-turned face that was the standard high-performance look in decades past, wrapping into the door panels that are simply gorgeous. Accessories include power seat, aftermarket A/C that's fully functional, and an original Town and Country AM radio in the center of the dash. The A/C uses an under-dash unit for a period-correct look, and the gauges appear to be in good original condition with only a bit of fading on the needles. Interestingly, you could order a soft top OR a hardtop with your base Thunderbird, but getting both was optional, so this one carries only a "porthole" hardtop in matching Colonial White. The trunk is finished with a correct mat, and with 1957's larger trunk, there's room for a full-sized spare, which you should be able to track down without a lot of trouble.

In 1957, the Thunderbird was running 312 cubic inches in the Y-block V8 and making a cool 245 horsepower with a 4-barrel carburetor. That chrome air cleaner inhales through the functional hood scoop, an early version of ram air, and matching chrome valve covers are some of the most attractive pieces ever installed on an American car. The bright red engine has seen some time on the road, but isn't that how you prefer your cars, full sorted and ready to enjoy? The modern A/C compressor is a neat fit and works hard to stay out of sight, but otherwise it's quite stock under the hood. Power steering and power brakes are always welcome additions to the equipment roster and the transmission is a 3-speed Ford-O-Matic automatic. The wheels are beautiful reproduction Kelsey-Hayes chrome wires (not just hubcaps) and wear a set of newer 205/70/14 whitewall radials.

The Thunderbird is one of those rare cars that can be purchased, enjoyed, and later sold for about the same money. How many other cars can you enjoy practically for free? Call today!