Vehicle Description
1957 Ford Thunderbird Roadster
Ad men from the 1950's described the car using such terms as "A
Mink Coat for Father" or "Light of Hand" (referring to the ease of
handling and steering) and "6AM Thunderbird Time" featuring a
pristine suburban upper middle class house, a jacket and tie
husband leaving for work, passing the milkman on the way out as the
family Irish Setter watches his master leave for work.
Quintessential middle-class success, but they had to work for
it.
The consigner states that he purchased the vehicle from an "Old
Timer" who performed a full frame-off restoration, that took years
to complete. During this time, he also took the time to rebuild the
engine and transmission. Current consigner states since his
purchase he has only logged a little over 250 miles.
Exterior
A luscious coat of Pearl White (that in the right light almost
appears a faint pink,) with a red hardtop that sports a porthole
window makes up the metal. Fit and finish on gaps is not perfect
but well within acceptable range. Brite work and badging are all
correct, and appear in good condition, with some if it appearing
original. A nice hood scoop sits proudly in the center of the hood
and is rimmed by chrome. Grille is in great condition, and rear of
the car shows the late 1950' fascination with fins still hanging
on, with perfect owl eye taillights. Hubcaps on all fours, are
standard Ford turbine design, and wide white sidewalls fit for the
era are there as well. A gaze into the trunk you will find very
nice plaid liner, and a new spare with original jack. The removable
hardtop reveals a very nice vinyl convertible top.
Interior
Comfortable and pristine vinyl covers the bench seat. This is also
seen on the padded dash, as well as door panels. Take a close look
at the door panels and note the horizontal ribbed aluminum trim
around the handle. Maybe it's just me but it looks an awful lot
like a 57 Chevy rear quarter panel trim? Loads of carpeting in red,
cover the floor. A machined swirl pattern in the instrument cluster
portion of the dash is fronted by an original steering wheel.
Consigner states that he feels that a new headliner is needed, as
well as the cable for the speedometer needs updating. An automatic
floor shifter sits in front of the bench on the hump.
Drivetrain
A 312ci (The 312 was marketed as a high-performance engine,
featuring large valves and ports and a closed "quench" combustion
chamber) produces a cool 245hp, and a 9.7:1 compression ratio. A
4-speed Fordomatic automatic is attached and shifts smoothly and
effortlessly. This pair is original to the car according to its
owner.
Undercarriage
Other than a few cobwebs, the underside shows it was definitely
frame off. No rust, and all clean with the frame, floorpans, and
fenders free from the signs of age. 4-wheel drum brakes are seen as
well as a like new exhaust system. The fuel tank also appears new
but cannot be confirmed as such.
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.