The Best of an Era: 1957 Thunderbird--Price reduction just made it Better
This Thunderbird is perhaps the nicest we have seen: restored as a show car by the renowned restorer of “Baby Birds”—Jewels Body Shop.--in Brillion Wisconsin in the mid-1990s and babied (forgive the pun) by the owners ever since they acquired it in 1999. This is a car that would have been equally at home on the show fields or in a museum, but instead it has been meticulously maintained and regularly enjoyed by an avid collector of fine automobiles.
The 1957 Thunderbird—the 3rd and final year of the 2-passenger cars—is considered by many to be the crown jewel of the series.
A Beautiful Restoration
As noted, this T-bird was the subject of a professional restoration in the ‘90s and the car looks and runs much like it did when it left the Ford showroom back in 1957:
The car is refinished in Ford’s Thunderbird Bronze, complimented by a contrasting tan top, and the quality of the paint rivals show car standards. An excellent paint job tends to show a car’s every flaw, but there are few if any flaws to see on this Thunderbird.
The underside of this Thunderbird reflects the quality of the restoration and appears free of rust and corrosion but has the patina of a car that has been driven and enjoyed.
The Colonial White interior is in like new condition from the padded dash to the back of the seat—and everything in between. Matching floor mats complete the interior.
The Tan convertible top is in excellent condition and the rear window is clear and free of any discoloration.
The car is powered by the Thunderbird 312 cid V-8 that was introduced as an option in 1956 and made the standard engine for the 1957 model year. The car starts right up and runs the way you would expect. When you open the hood to the engine bay on this Thunderbird it, it looks much the same as it did on the showroom floor in 1957: bright and clean.
This T-bird is equipped with Ford’s automatic transmission: the Ford-O-Matic. The transmission shifts properly, allowing the driver to enjoy the day’s outing, particularly when confronted with the increasing amount of traffic in most urban/suburban areas.
All of the safety equipment works properly (lights, signals, horn, wipers), as do the gauges, warning lights, tachometer and speedometer. Seat belts have been installed for additional safety.
The luxury equipment includes:
There are records covering some of the 23 years of the current owners’ stewardship.
Provided with the car are:
Back to the ‘50s in Style
Ford Motor Company called the Thunderbird a “personal vehicle”, and made the car into a luxurious way to go to the country club, out to Saturday night dinner or even to the grocery store. There is perhaps no other car that is more representative of the ‘50s and the start of the automobile revolution than the Thunderbird. During the three years of these “baby birds”, there is none more memorable than the elegant and refined ’57 T-bird.
Whether on the show fields, on tour or re-dedicated to its original purpose: an absolutely wonderful personal driving experience, this Ford is for you!
For more information call 540-370-4474
