Vehicle Description
West Coast Classics are proud to present an absolutely no expense
spared frame off restored and very rare amp; collectible 1957
F-Code Thunderbird. 1 of only some 212 ever built in '57 only with
the addition of the McCulloch/Paxton supercharger which allowed the
blown Bird to enter NASCAR competition amp; which gave Ford over
300HP and enough power to blow away the F.I. Corvette. An expensive
option when new adding over $439 when combined with the
Ford-O-Matic trans such as this example. Frame off nut and bolt
restoration with no miles, appraised last year at $325K, original
'Colonial White' factory color with original 'Raven Black/White'
interior trim and chrome wire wheels. Few finer anywhere!Factory
ordered with the hard top and soft top and loaded with factory
specifications and desirable options including:Ford-o-matic
automatic transmission ($150),Soft Top (Black) (52.50)312 4V
Supercharged Engine (340)750x14 WW Tires (23.50)Signal Seeking
Radio ($79.60)Magic air heater and defroster ($58.50)Full wheel
covers ($13)Engine dress kitRear fender skirtsDual hornsDual
exhausts,Removable Fiberglass HardtopSafety beltsThe F-Code engine
could be ordered with either a manual or a Ford-O-Matic
transmission. 14 Fairlane Skyliners are believed to have been
produced in 1957 with the F-Code engine. Ford's supercharger
program was a stopgap measure to respond to Chevrolet's refined
small-block V-8 on the nation's racetracks, which in 1957 had grown
to 283-cid and 283-hp with fuel injection. Ford had dominated the
V-8 market since 1932, so when Chevrolet started to win races in
1955 and 1956 with their new V8, initially a 265, Ford instituted a
game plan to regain superiority. To be considered for the track
they had to be homologated with 50 built for production, and it is
reported that Ford responded by building 211 supercharged units
that would end up in Thunderbirds, two-door sedans and in a few
rare cases, the Skyliner.This particular example was originally
purchased in 1957 at 'Bender Ford' of Syracuse, New York and was
recently acquired by us from a renown and prominent New Jersey
collector who had commissioned the car to a multi-year, no expense
spared comprehensive restoration, at a prominent PA restoration
shop known for restoring on average 1 to 20 Corvettes per year for
NCRS judging. When true authenticity is the goal, few can match
this shop's ability to provide a more correct finish in lacquer of
single stage paints and their paint work has attained 'Zero point
deductions' at NCRS chapter, regional and national events and their
replication of the way the factory intended for all marques they
restore is known to be one of the best in the industry, hands down.
Come see the difference in person This car is one of the few, one
of only 211 factory F-Code Thunderbirds built at Dearborn in 1957.
Its original 'Colonial White' (Color code E) repaint is without
equal and it's original 'Raven Black amp; White' (Trim code XA)
vinyl interior is flawless. The car is equipped with a bench seat,
automatic interior courtesy lighting, rayon loop carpeting,
half-circle steering wheel horn ring, winged 'Thunderbird' front
end emblem, stainless steel window surround moldings, dual horns,
dual exhaust, Black canvas soft top, and a removable fiberglass
hardtop!The car has a thick file of records documenting the
comprehensive frame off restoration from when the body and all
parts were removed from the chassis in preparation for hydro
blasting through to completion. It is a fully comprehensive nuts
and bolts restoration. The car's original hub caps are available
and will be included with the car. The car will also be sold with
it's original window sticker, not a copy. This car obviously drives
absolutely magnificently as one would expect from a just finished
frame off restoration - must be driven to be truly appreciated -
does not miss a beat and purrs like a kitten - drives straight as
an arrow with no strange road wobbles, shakes or rattles - a truly
remarkable daily driver that will give any modern day car a run for
it's money! This is a rare opportunity to own a beautifully and
professionally restored original 'Colonial White' Dearborn, MI
built (as is true of all Thunderbirds!) and simply stunning example
of a rare factory F-Code 1957 Thunderbird, 1 of only 211 built,
perfect for the T-Bird enthusiast or collector to add to their
collection and a very striking turn-key ready example of quite
simply the most prestigious T-Bird that one can ever hope to own
for any classic American car collector!