For Sale: 1957 Ford Thunderbird in Mesa, Arizona

Fuel-injected performance, upgraded suspension, and a custom sporty A/C interior are all very nice to have in an upgraded classic. But when they do it to an icon like the 1957 Ford Thunderbird, then you know you need to dig in to all the details on one very cool T-bird.


When it comes to giving a first-gen T-bird a performance upgrade, the '57 is the place to start. It has a cleaner front end with a sleek wraparound front bumper. And while the continental kit is an icon of earlier years, it's absence here makes for a smoother look with less aerodynamic drag. And of course, you still get the sporty details, like the hood scoop, faux fender louvers, and afterburner-style taillights. This custom adds to the classic speedy look upgrades like the custom billet grille and modern 17-inch Budnik alloys. And have you checked out the paint yet? The factory Flame Red was resprayed for a high-gloss quality application that really loves to show off the crisp body. And this custom really takes its paint name seriously with unique ghost flames painted on the hood. All of this work is part of a comprehensive restoration/restoration that took place in 2004. We have over $30,000 in build receipts documenting the investment in a custom creation. And with less than 3,000 miles on the build since completion, it retains a vivid look from all the big money spent on this one.


Whitewall tires don't come in a high performance ZR-rated size, so instead, this one keep some of that classic style by finishing off the iconic porthole hardtop in a crisp white. And when you remove this hardtop, it reveals a full custom leather interior. One look at the high back racing seats, Simpson racing harnesses, and custom roll hoops, and you know this Thunderbird was built for speed. And these all have the well-integrated look of quality. More than just performance-minded, all this leather, suede, and plush carpeting gives it a luxury feel, too. And you even have an upgraded AM/FM CD changer stereo and cold-blowing R134a air conditioning. This custom machine was truly meant to be driven, that's why you have the leather-wrapped Lecarra sports steering wheel, a Lokar shifter, and a full set of Dakota Digital gauges integrated into the factory setup.


While the Thunderbirds were famous for V8 power, these first-gen cars left production before the horsepower wars really heated up. This one rectifies that with a fuel-injected 5.0-liter motor. It looks tidy enough in the engine bay for some people to believe it was here from day one. But what you'll really love is that it's a high-performance V8 borrowed from a 1991 Mustang Cobra, and it includes the right go-fast goodies like aluminum heads and long tube headers. Plus, you'll spot the right supporting components, like a serpentine belt system, MSD ignition, and an aluminum radiator w/electric fan. This big power upgrade feeds the stout C4 three-speed automatic transmission on its way to the Ford 9-inch limited-slip rear end. The undercarriage photos reveal how fresh this build looks from every angle, and you'll also spot upgrades like the front disc brakes and four-link rear w/diagonal link.


This is a truly speedy and custom Thunderbird. So if you love iconic Ford looks, and iconic fuel-injected Ford power, this is the total package classic you need to get your hands on right now. Call today!!!