Description
Except for perhaps the 1959 Cadillac, there's no better representative of the flashy '50s than the 1957 Ford Thunderbird. Since pastel colors look best on cars with fins, this one got a fresh coat of Dusk Rose during the recent restoration, and the result is nothing short of jaw-dropping. The ultimate '50s icon? I'll let you decide.
The door tag says this one was originally plain old black, so during the frame-off restoration when the car was disassembled to a bare shell, the decision was made to create this spectacular Dusk Rose 'Bird. Finding one of these that were originally that color can be a challenge, but since there's no point deduction in competition for changing the color, I think it was a very smart choice that makes this one stand out in a big way. The bodywork is certainly worthy of the high-visibility hue, with exceptional gaps and tight fits throughout, and zero evidence that this was anything but a clean, southern Thunderbird. There's probably $20,000 worth of chrome on this T-Bird, too, with show-quality finishes on all the trim pieces, lovely faux-turquoise inlays on the emblems, and the taillights really pop against the paint. This 'Bird is more than just pretty, it's STUNNING.
The car also received a first-class makeover inside, where the bright white upholstery provides a soft compliment to the exterior finish. Everything you can touch is new, including the seats, door panels, carpets, and dash pad, and the result is a show-winning interior that can stand up to a judge's scrutiny. Long-time readers will know we love the gorgeous details you find inside 2-seat Thunderbirds, things like the engine-turned panels on the doors and gauge cluster, the beautiful steering wheel with horn ring, and a simplicity of design that isn't trying too hard. An under-dash A/C unit was installed and uses R134a refrigerant, so it's both effective and easy to service, but otherwise the interior is completely stock. The original AM radio is in the dash, the 3-speed manual transmission with overdrive adds a bit of sportiness to the driving experience, and it seals up with a correct porthole hardtop. Check the trunk and you'll find a correct mat and a fifth chrome wire wheel and spare tire that's never been down.
The 312 cubic inch Y-block V8 was rebuilt just 200 miles ago and runs superbly. The list of new components is pretty much everything but the block and crank, and includes pistons, valves, camshaft, and all the usual stuff like rings, bearings, and seals. In short, they weren't this good in 1957, and it spins to life quickly thanks to 12-volt electrics, which arrived in 1956. The A/C system was very neatly integrated into the engine bay and doesn't look obvious, and everything else is factory correct, from the Ford-logo hoses to the cork gasket around the air cleaner. The 3-speed manual transmission features overdrive, so this car cruises effortlessly, and the undercarriage shows the results of a frame-off restoration with exceptional details and extreme cleanliness. Gorgeous chrome wire wheels now wear wide whitewall radials, but until you're behind the wheel, nobody will ever know.
Beautiful and exceptionally restored, this is a no-compromises Thunderbird that represents the best of the breed. Call today!
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