For Sale: 1957 Ford Thunderbird in Lithia Springs, Georgia

Go ahead and get excited, because your eyes aren't deceiving you. This is a real-deal, documented E-code 1957 Thunderbird in an awesome color combination. That means dual quads atop the 312 cubic inch V8, and with that in mind, the restoration was carried out to an extremely high standard. In a sea of early Thunderbirds, THIS is the one to own.

It shouldn't surprise you that this car was restored to compete on the show field, and we've never seen a 2-seat 'Bird as highly detailed as this one. They stuck to the original specifications with this one, giving it a coat of rather rare code N Gunmetal Gray paint, as it was new, although the quality and shine are probably better than new (and it's so fresh it hasn't even been cut or buffed, so it can look even better!). For many, the '57 Thunderbird is a favorite, with its more pronounced fins that were a part of the 1950s automotive landscape. It's extensively and expensively restored and the 174 miles showing on the odometer are since the restoration was finished, so it's still very fresh. The chrome was treated to show-grade refinishing, and every single component on the car was buffed and shined before it was reinstalled; all of it glitters no matter where you look. This is a very impressive car.

The interior is restored to the same standards using correct Flame Red vinyl that does a pretty good impersonation of leather. The wide bench looks more like two close-coupled buckets and makes the sporty T-Bird strictly a 2-seater. Everything inside has been refinished to show standards, including the gorgeous door panels, exceptional steering wheel, and precisely detailed gauges. It's all quite correct, from the neatly clustered instruments to the floor shifter for the Ford-O-Matic 3-speed automatic transmission. For show purposes, there are no "updates" or modifications to any of the interior systems, and even the original Town & Country AM radio remains in its engine-turned panel in the dash. The only deviation from stock are seat belts, but nobody will complain about that. And yes, don't worry, this one comes with two tops, a color-matched light gray hardtop with porthole and a beautifully fitted black canvas convertible top with a crystal clear rear window. In back, the trunk got larger for '57, and this one is fitted with a full mat set and a jack assembly; it's just a spare tire away from the show field.

As nice as it is, this Thunderbird's status is almost entirely due to the E-code engine under the hood, complete with dual quads. With 270 horsepower, it was a neat experiment in creating a Corvette-eater that could still cruise the streets of Beverly Hills. Topped by the distinctive air cleaner, the 312 cubic inch V8 was fully rebuilt to stock specs and detailed with a factory dress-up kit. Almost every detail is correct, from the hardware securing the valve covers to the reproduction battery, and it runs as it should with a healthy bark from the dual exhaust. You can see bright red engine paint on the oil pan from below, and take a few minutes to enjoy the fully detailed chassis that's ready for the most demanding judges. Both power steering and power brakes make this E-Bird easy to handle and for style, nothing compares to a set of chrome wire wheels wearing 205/75/14 wide whitewall radials.

There are only a few Thunderbirds that are more desirable than this, and they all have superchargers and giant price tags. If you've been looking for the one of these to complete your collection, this might be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Call now!