Vehicle Description
1957 Ford Thunderbird Convertible - 312ci V8 - 2 Speed Automatic
Transmission - Paint Matched Removable Hardtop - Flame Red Over Red
Interior Owning a Thunderbird in the late-Fifties immediately
denoted a level of sophistication for those who wanted to be
conspicuous, and was indeed one of the ultimate accessories for its
well-heeled owner, male or female. Someone driving a bright Red
Thunderbird like the one we offer here will certainly be noticed.
The first generation of the Ford Thunderbirds were produced from
1955-1957. These first gen T-birds were two-seat convertibles that
would later be replaced by a larger, more spacious Thunderbird in
1958, leading to the first-generation cars being nicknamed as Baby
Birds. Ford sold 21,380 examples of the 1957 T-Bird, making them
the most successful year of the T-Bird's early three-year run.
Rumored to have been influenced by Henry Ford II's personal 1952
Ferrari 212/225 Barchetta, the T-Bird was cleverly marketed as a
Mink Coat for Father. Owning a Thunderbird in the Fifties
immediately denoted a level of sophistication for those who wanted
to be conspicuous, and was indeed one of the ultimate accessories
for its well-heeled owner, male or female. For 1957, the Ford
Thunderbird underwent some visual changes that truly transformed it
into the luxurious boulevard cruiser. Few cars at the time could
equal it in terms of class and appeal that model year. The most
notable change to this model year was the front bumper which was
changed by removing the large chrome nacelles, and adding fog
lights to the corners. Featured here is a fine example of Ford's
two-door personal luxury vehicle. This 1957 Ford Thunderbird is
painted in its factory color aptly named Flame Red. The finish
shows a few blemishes and nicks as expected of an older repaint,
however the paint presents as well maintained, and shines with a
nice gloss. Factory chrome and stainless is all present and has
been well preserved. The port hole hard-top is present, and the
white soft top is in good condition, with the rear window showing
some of the typical light scratching on it. The Flame Red interior
has been well restored showing very light wear. A modern AM/FM
digital radio has been professionally installed in the factory
location to add some background music to the top-down cruising. The
trunk has been nicely restored and includes a period correct spare
tire. Under the hood sits the optional 312 V-8 245-hp with Holley
four-barrel carburetor backed by the Ford-O-Matic two-speed
automatic. While an older restoration, the engine bay presents as
well detailed and maintained. Correct FOMOCO components are present
including duplication of factory markings and paint marks. The
undercarriage has evidence of having been undercoated some time ago
in the cars past. The undercarriage is unrestored but presents as
well maintained with newer shocks, fuel tank, fresh dual exhaust,
new brake lines, and new emergency brake hardware. The rear spring
shackles have been flipped which is a common modification on these
baby birds to give the tail end a slight forward rake. The car
rolls on a set of steel wheels that are covered by black center
wire wheel covers that include center spinner assemblies. The
wheels are wrapped in wide white wall bias ply tires. This is truly
a sharp car that is finished in a stunning color combination. The
look of these Thunderbirds remain timeless, exuding class and
sophistication. Driving a 1957 T-Bird is an experience like no
other, as these cars ride like a dream. The V8 provides plenty of
pep for cruising the boulevard, or longer trips on the highway.
This car has lots of potential for outstanding top-down driving on
day or weekend trips. These cars are fun to show as they attract
plenty of attention on the showfield. Please call if interested or
e-mail with specific questions. Thank you for looking.
