Vehicle Description
Old Thunderbirds never go out of style; they're still just as chic
and sophisticated today as they were sixty years ago. Many have
been over-restored to the point of perfection, but that means
they're no longer any fun to drive, so if you're looking for a
great driver-grade early 'Bird in an unusual color, perhaps this
Thunderbird Bronze '57 will pique your interest.
For many T-Bird fans, the '57s were the pinnacle of 2-seater
evolution, a longer, sleeker design that added small tailfins and a
wider grille to an already successful design. The code Q
Thunderbird Bronze was one of Ford's early experiments in an
iridescent metallic paint, and you'll note that it seems to change
colors as you move around and in different lighting situations. A
product of an older restoration, this car still shows quite well,
suggesting that the work was done right. Look at how straight and
smooth the sides of the car are, how crisp the tailfins look, and
the great fit of both doors-stuff like that doesn't happen by
accident. The paint is quite correct, offering a wonderful preview
of the slick metallic '60s color schemes that looks right at home
on the 'Bird's classic lines. There's not a lot of chrome on the
'57s, another factor in their timeless styling, but the pieces that
are there look fantastic thanks to quality work and excellent care
since it was finished. Even the rear bumper exhaust tips are in
great shape, showing none of the discoloration that typically
plagues these models.
This car also offers a correct code XJ Thunderbird Bronze interior,
which was definitely a rare choice. Most of the interior was
restored with the rest of the car and shows some very minor signs
of use and age, but overall, it's quite nice and the monochromatic
look works quite well, allowing the dramatic sheetmetal to do most
of the talking. The engine-turned dashboard with its full
complement of instruments remains in excellent shape with bright
trim and clear lenses on the gauges. A white plastic steering wheel
offers pleasing contrast to the otherwise monotone interior, and
seat belts were added during the restoration for safety purposes.
The original Town & Country radio is gone, replaced by a more
reliable AM/FM/cassette unit and both power windows motor up and
down without issues. It includes a trim-fitting black canvas soft
top and a Colonial White porthole hardtop, as well as a fully
outfitted trunk with full-sized spare.
Ford's 312 cubic inch "Thunderbird Special" V8 is topped by a
4-barrel Holley and runs superbly. In the two-seat 'Bird, it
delivers more than adequate performance and a sophisticated V8
soundtrack that's enough to get noticed, but for only the right
reasons. Complete with a factory dress-up kit and bright red engine
enamel, it looks as good as it runs, so you won't hesitate to tip
the hood forward to show it to onlookers. It's backed by a
Ford-O-Matic automatic transmission and a 9-inch rear.
Color-matched steel wheels with flashy hubcaps are protected by a
set of modern wide whitewall radials, so it tracks like a cruise
missile on the highway.
If you've been looking for a Thunderbird you can actually drive,
but not one that looks like everyone else's, this '57 is ready to
go. Call today!