Vehicle Description
1957 Ford Thunderbird Roadster
The 1957 Thunderbird was marketed as a personal car, putting more
emphasis on the cars comfort and convenience packages than
performance. Although it out performed the Corvette right off the
line, the conveniences were heavily marketed. A new 12-volt
electrical system would be used to power all the conveniences and
proved to be the new standard for the future. Smaller fins, new
grille, sleeker body and a hood scoop added to the appeal of what
some consider the nicest year for the iconic Thunderbird, said to
be named from the Thunderbird Country Club in Rancho Mirage,
California.
This consignment comes to us as a self-described driver quality
car. Not a museum piece but fit enough to be driven on a regular
basis for the past 10 years by the current consigner. With a
hardtop, and a soft top any weather will do for a drive, and some
1957 fun.
Exterior
Colonial White may be arguably the best color for this classic
bird. It presents in good condition. A chromed hood scoop sits in a
long front bonnet, and is fronted by nice bumpers, and brite work
in funky midcentury modern script. Chrome vents adorn the front
quarter panels, as well as an actual operational vent, that brings
fresh air into the car. As we move rearward, small fins take form
beginning behind the doors, and make their way back to the "owl
eye" tail lamps. For this year Ford had the exhaust outlets go
through the rear bumper. New radial tires wrap original wheels with
era correct hubcaps. Fender skirts are available, but not currently
on this car as consigner states it gives it a more aggressive look.
The convertible softtop is an aftermarket replacement (probably
from the 1970' or early 80's) and the rear window is relatively
clear. To note the top is white.
Interior
A very nice set of white horizontal tufted seats, with black
bolsters are shoehorned into the cabin. Door panels show white
vinyl in rectangular design and swooping black vinyl armrests
topped with machined aluminum to match the swoop of the armrest.
This same aluminum trim band makes its way across the dash and is
surrounded by black metal top and bottom. A round bump in front of
the original steering wheel houses the instrument panel and is
fronted by the steering wheel original to this car. Black carpeting
floods the floor and sports a white T-Bird logo. The hardtop shows
a nice headliner in white. Aftermarket air conditioning resides
below the dash (currently does not work), and an aftermarket
Kenwood stereo completes it.
Drivetrain
The Y-block engine is likely not original (displacement is unknown)
and the car is equipped with a two-barrel carburetor. An automatic
transmission is attached. The car has manual steering and manual
brakes.
Undercarriage
A look underneath reveals nicely done frame and floor pans. No
visible rust is seen, and all looks straight and true. Good pipes
and mufflers for the dual exhaust and bumper in back shows no ill
effects of the exhaust going through it. Overall very nice
underneath.
Consigner states that he has noticed the engine smoking a bit after
startup. After driving for a bit, it goes away, but he recommends
it get addressed. Overall a very clean, nicely done 57 Bird.
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 150 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. A 450 barn find
collection is currently also on display.
This vehicle is in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania,
conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76
Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and
our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for
more information or to come see the vehicle in person.