Vehicle Description
This striking Raven Black Thunderbird with a red interior was
produced at the Dearborn plant in February 1957 and delivered to
California, as documented on the original gate release. This is one
of only 1,499 E-code 1957 Thunderbirds with dual Holley 4-barrel
carburetors, 312/270hp V8 engine, aluminum intake manifold and an
HP camshaft. The car features a 3-speed floor-shifted manual
transmission (believed to be one of 522) with overdrive (ratio
0.70:1), power steering, power brakes and power windows, as well as
a signal-seeking AM radio, an engine dress-up kit, electric wipers
and heater plus defroster. Noted Thunderbird restorer Amos Minter
purchased the car in 2012 with a single 4-barrel but recognized the
car as an original E-code car. Minter sourced an original E-code
intake and original dual Holley 4-barrel carburetor. Minter's
Thunderbirds completed the restoration by adding a new black Haartz
soft-top complete with all new hardware, replaced the interior and
dye-matched the dash before color-sanding and buffing the Raven
Black paint to a concours shine. Minster's craftsmen also subtly
repositioned the driver's seat for more leg room, added a
smaller-diameter steering wheel with factory appearance, upgraded
the dual exhaust to stainless steel, and replaced the factory
ignition with a more reliable electronic point-less ignition, while
maintaining the factory appearance. The car also features a
matching black removable hardtop with porthole windows,
Kelsey-Hayes wire wheels and 7.50x14-inch whitewall tires. Sold in
2013 by Minter to a buyer in Boston area, the car was subsequently
acquired by the seller in 2014 and has been mechanically sorted to
provide a pleasurable driving experience. With a show-quality
restoration featuring a combination of not-often-seen options and a
most desirable color combination, this car would be a jewel in
anyone's collection.
