Vehicle Description
Two-seat Thunderbirds like this 1957 model hold a unique spot in
enthusiasts' hearts. One, they're perhaps the ultimate expression
of 1950s style and two, they are some of the most stable automotive
investments you can make. Name another car you can buy today, enjoy
for 10 years, and sell for pretty much what you have in it, or even
turn a profit. Not many cars can make that claim, but Thunderbirds
are rock solid that way.
This striking black with white top Baby Bird is one of those great
cars that is always ready for a show or a cruise. Raven Black is a
fantastic shade on these cars we don't see too often, and you know
it'll never go out of style, so that's another point in this car's
favor. The '57s have their share of fans, and as the most modern
and distinctive of the early 'Birds, it delivers on the promises
its looks make. It was restored to a high level and driven and
enjoyed since then, but the smooth, shiny paint is holding up well
(although certainly not perfect) and looks far fresher than you'd
expect. You can credit first-rate workmanship and attention to
detail for that feat, and everything still lines up right and fits
tight. All the chrome was refinished during the restoration and it
has held up incredibly well, with no notable blemishes even around
the exhaust ports in back, and that deck lid mounted antenna is an
interesting feature that usually means the dealer installed the
radio back in the day, helping this one stand out even more. The
contrasting porthole white hardtop and ornate continental kit are
sought-after additions that work so well with a Baby Bird, and
we're glad both are featured on this beautiful car. As far as
higher-end yet driver-grade Thunderbirds go, this one is presents
very well.
Bright red and white leather upholstery with dark red carpets
emphasizes the flashy look, and with careful ownership this one
looks years younger than you'd expect. The newer bench seat is
still supportive and comfortable, the carpets are new too, as are
the gorgeous door panels that don't show so much as an indentation
from the driver's elbow on the armrest. A black steering wheel
matches the dash, offering a classy look that blends right in. The
gauges are probably original but they show well with clear lenses
and bright pointers, and all the controls are in tact. Upgrades
include the under-dash r134a A/C unit which is both effective and
even looks somewhat period-correct, a Town and Country AM/FM radio,
and a new modern alternator to power it all. A new white
convertible top stows behind the seats, just in case, and looks
great with a crystal clear rear window, and you also get a matching
porthole hardtop that's a trademark '57 T-Bird look. Out back the
trunk is incredibly spacious, and carries a full spare and jack set
that rest atop a period-correct factory mat.
The 312 cubic inch Y-block V8 looks great and runs superbly. The
list of new components is pretty extensive, including a new
aluminum radiator up front to keep things cool under the harshest
conditions. It spins to life quickly thanks to 12-volt electrics,
which arrived in 1956, and the carburetor is properly tuned, so it
settles into an even idle and pulls the car around with enthusiasm.
It wears a proper dress-up kit with a few splashes of chrome, and
it looks great against the bright Ford Red engine enamel. It's also
nice to see power steering and power brakes, which make this T-Bird
easy to drive for anyone. The undercarriage is very solid and
preserved thanks to the help of a rubberized undercoating, a newer
exhaust system, and easy cruising gears in the rear end, so this
'Bird is happy just about anywhere. Gorgeous steel wheels with
chrome hubcaps now wear 205/75/14 wide whitewall radials in place
of bias-plys, but until you're behind the wheel, nobody will ever
know.
If you've never owned a Thunderbird, you're in for a treat, and for
those of you who already know how great they are, this one is ready
to drive and enjoy without worries. Call today!
