Vehicle Description
Somehow the collector car world never gets tired of the 2-seater
Ford Thunderbird. They bring smiles to the faces of everyone who
sees them, they're wonderful to drive, and are the stars of every
car show they attend. So why not take this pretty 1957 Baby Bird
home and find out what all the fuss is about? With a very rare
color combination, both tops, and a wonderful list of options, this
is the one you want to own if you plan on leaving an indelible
impression everywhere you go.
Restored back to spec and to a high level, this rare code J Willow
Green (an early production color, but rare nonetheless) 'Bird looks
like 1957 on wheels. Perfect pastel color, plenty of chrome, just a
bit of tailfin to make things interesting, and a handsome Colonial
White porthole-window hardtop that provides nice contrast. The look
is unmistakable, making it one of the most beloved cars of all
time, and there's virtually nobody who doesn't love the Baby Bird.
Some folks would consider a Thunderbird an investment, but because
this one isn't a perfect trailer-queen, it can easily be suited to
driving and having fun, which is what the T-Bird lifestyle is all
about. But when you see it, you won't be thinking about resale
value, it'll be love at first sight. It's quite straight, of
course, and the workmanship is very good, with crisp details and
sharp body lines. The fender skirts fit flush, the forward-tilting
hood is smooth, and the quarters show zero ripples or waves. Modern
paint gives the Willow Green a depth it's never had before, and
someone spent a fairly sizeable pile of cash getting all that
chrome restored and it has paid off in a big way.
The original-spec interior is another rare color combination, code
XM Medium Green/Light Green, and the look is both unusual and very
attractive. The interior was correctly done, with proper finishes
and materials ranging from the pleats on the seats to the
engine-turned dashboard panels. Note that this car is loaded with
options including an AM/FM/Cassette stereo and an aftermarket R134a
A/C system under the dash that could almost pass for
period-correct. The classic engine-turned instrument panel is full
of what appear to be original, unrestored gauges that are in decent
condition but stand out only because everything else is so nice.
There's a black convertible top that will need to be installed to
stow behind the seats, and there's also a contrasting Colonial
White porthole hardtop that gives the green 'Bird a fantastic
two-tone look when it's on. The trunk is nicely finished with a
carpeted mat and full-sized spare, which was moved back inside for
1957.
In 1957, the Thunderbird was running 312 cubic inches in the
Y-block V8 and making a cool 245 horsepower with a 4-barrel
carburetor. That chrome air cleaner inhales through the functional
hood scoop, an early version of ram air, and matching finned valve
covers are some of the most attractive pieces ever installed on an
American car. The bright red engine has seen some time on the road,
but isn't that how you prefer your cars, full sorted and ready to
enjoy? The modern A/C compressor is a neat fit and works hard to
stay out of sight, as does the big aluminum radiator up front that
keeps this Y-block nice and cool, but otherwise it's quite stock
looking under the hood. Power steering and power 4-wheel disc
brakes are always welcome additions to the equipment roster and the
transmission is a 2-speed Ford-O-Matic automatic. The wheels are
beautiful Kelsey-Hayes style chrome wires (not just hubcaps) and
wear a set of 215/70/14 Firehawk white-letter radials.
The Thunderbird is one of those rare cars that can be purchased,
enjoyed, and later sold for about the same or even appreciated
money. How many other cars can you enjoy practically for free? Call
today!