Vehicle Description
First generation Ford Thunderbirds are all about style, and this
1957 T-Bird does it the best. The product of a two-decade frame-off
restoration, it gets everything correct, right down to the
little-seen details (just check out the undercarriage for proof!)
So if you're looking for desire on wheels, read on...
The high-quality finish on the factory-correct code-V Flame Red is
a testament to a life well lived. In fact, it took the consignor
two decades to restore this car, and his labor of love has only
traveled about 8,000 miles since. And we understand exactly why
this car would get this much respect. 1957 was arguably the best
year for the first generation with the cleanest design of the trio,
and this bright shade of red was offered for one-year only. Plus,
you have all the right features you want on this car, including the
porthole hard top, fender skirts, and the dual exhaust that still
exits through the rear bumper. And speaking of that intricate
bumper, there was clearly an investment in the chrome work, which
also includes the front grille, pointed & curved front bumper, and
those jet-like taillights. Finishing off this total package are a
great set of 14-inch wire wheels and whitewall tires, which of
course, belong on a pristine classic like this one.
This one does come with two tops, so the taut black folding roof is
there whenever you don't feel like letting the sunshine in. But
let's face it, a '57 T-bird like this was meant to be shared with
the world. That's why the interior also received plenty of
investment during restoration, and the factory-correct Colonial
White looks so terrific. In fact, you'll love showing off how the
white seamlessly flows from the dash to the door panels to the
seats. And there's also the correct stylish flow of the
machine-turned panels that run up both doors and across the dash.
This nicely frames features like heat/defrost sliders and the
well-integrated upgraded AM/FM/cassette stereo with digital tuner
(after all, you want easier access to the best tunes in a car meant
for cruising like this.) This sporty white and chrome attitude is
also nicely reflected in some of the Thunderbird's signature
pieces, like logo embossed side panels and the white/chrome
steering wheel. Beyond that you could see the Thunderbird was
getting serious about competing with the Corvette by its full gauge
package, including the factory tachometer.
Another nice performance touch is the larger D-code "Thunderbird
Special" 312 cubic-inch V8 this car received in '57. Not only did
the consignor say that this was rebuilt during the restoration
(about 8,000 miles ago), but also he says this is the original
motor. The bold red paint on the block, glossy black components,
and correct Thunderbird logo valve covers make it award-worthy
(it's already have plenty we can tell you about.) Plus, even the
details are right, like the washer fluid bag and the diaphragm
around the front of the polished pie dish air cleaner. And as you
look at the undercarriage photos, you see the difference a
high-quality frame-off restoration makes where the suspension was
restored and even the frame was power coated and painted. But more
than just a great car for the Sunday car shows, this level of
quality means it's ideal for Sunday drives, too. That's why you get
easy driving features like power steering, Ford-O-Matic three speed
auto transmission, and highway-friendly rear gears.
The sale comes complete with the owner's manual, service manual,
and a ton of build receipts that show you how this became a
cut-above classic. This is a Thunderbird of distinction that was
built for someone of distinction. If that's you, call today!