Vehicle Description
1957 Ford Thunderbird Roadster
The Thunderbird and the Corvette have a long and sorted history,
with both initially competing for the same customer space.
Eventually the Corvette went to racing, and the Thunderbird became
the boulevard king. The ultimate getaway car from the kids with
only 2 seats, as well as the option to have a hardtop traveler, or
a convertible cruiser, it became the "it" car for mid-1950s
suburbia.
If you're looking for a sweet 50s-era classic that's valuable, fun
to drive and has the ability to turn Main Street into an instant
classic car show then this is "it" for you. While we've had our
fair share of "baby birds" through our Hallowed Halls, this is the
first of itsilk to ever grace out ever changing inventory....the
illustrious E-bird. Fully restored and showing a mere 67,267
titleverified actual miles, this is the best Thunderbird one could
get without stepping it up to a supercharged version. 312ci of dual
4-barrel V8 power under the hood, a color change to Raven Black, a
snappy 2 tone interior and a copy of the Ford Motor Company gate
release form accompany this car along with a list of itemized
repairs and maintenance performed by County Corvette in 2022.
During this restoration, the owner of this car clearly put his
heart and soul into this restoration, leaving virtually no stones
unturned. A labor of love along with the post restoration years of
enjoyment and display have kept this final year baby bird looking
nearly like new.
Exterior
When you pen a thin bodied, long hood with a scoop, and canted tail
fin 2 seater car, throw on some jet age styling for the taillights,
then add on fender skirts, a wrap around windshield, and some
chromed trimmings, you have this car. Mirror like chrome bumpers,
an egg crate grille, and for the rear in bumper exhaust ports, this
car screams steel sex. Well minded gaps on the straight rust free,
mostly blemish free steel panels covered in Ford Raven Black clad
the exterior of this car with only a few minor scratches, chips and
and scrapes. Although the gate release form shows an optional
hardtop came with this car new, it is not included now, so this is
a soft top/open air cruiser, which isn't a bad thing at all.
14-inch wheel turbine style wheel covers with Ford logoing are seen
all around and sport fat white sidewall striped tires in 7.50 form
from American Classic. A tan canvas convertible top is in new
condition with the exception of one small tear and can be popped up
if you get caught in a shower while motoring with the top down. The
plastic rear window in the top is clear and blemish free.
Interior
Swing the door and be met with white and black panels that do not
know what a straight line is as to their design. White vinyl mixes
with machined swirl pattern aluminum inserts for the door handles
and window cranks. Take a moment to study the white vinyl as there
areThunderbird emblems sprinkled in amongst rectangle embossings.
If that wasn't enough to peak your fancy then turn your attention
to the seat, it's a gorgeous black and white vinyl bench with tuck
and roll inserts and smooth bolsters that curves neatly into the
body styling and allows for the top to hide behind it. For the
dash, a big curved overhanging cowl in padded black vinyl is seen
for the topper, and more machined aluminum and a litany of round
gauges and chrome bezel black knobs and pulls. The factory Town &
Country AM radio is neatly installed in its factory home and as we
gaze across this big padded curved top dash, we can note temp, fan
controls, and a nearly hidden glove box, but the deeply inset
keyhole gives it away. A metal lower dash also in painted black and
some black kick side panels are complemented by black carpeting
with black rubber mats, and hovering above is the original steering
wheel, clean as a whistle. You will be left
awestruck...Bee-uitfuhl!
Drivetrain
The standard 1957 Thunderbird engine was a 292 cubic inch V-8,
rated at 212 horsepower and supplied only with the 3-speed manual
transmission. This carhowever has the optional E code 312ci dual
4-barrel V8 producing 270hp. We see factory spec power steering on
board and under the large silver air cleaner are a pair of correct
Holley "teapot" carburetors. Bolted to the back is a Ford-O-Matic
3-speed automatic transmission that in turn sends power rearward to
a Ford 9-inch axle with 3.10 gears. We note finned Thunderbird
rocker covers and a wonderful red painted block all presenting well
and ready to wow the crowd.
Undercarriage
Up on the lift plenty of nice black paint on the floor pans,
rockers and wheel wells. A strong stable X frame which is also rust
free holds up the car with ease. 4-wheel power drum brakes are seen
on all corners and dual exhaust with stock style mufflers and
resonators evacuates engine gasses quicker than a passenger
elevator in a high rise during a fire! Independent coil sprung
front suspension and leaf springs for the back are there for the
ride.
Drive-Ability
Just a well done with passion car, and it drove as such. On the
test track it fired right up,handled nicely, cruised smoothly, and
had nice peppy acceleration. Stopping is no problem with the power
drum brakes, but a few frowns crept up during my drive. The
temperature gauge was not functioning and the radio did not turn on
and pick up anything on the AM band.
If you want to be the star of that Main Street impromptu car show
then take a longer look at this well restored Thunderbird. Backing
a hot 312 cubic inch V8 with a 3-speed automatic transmission, this
is definitely your kind of classic! A lovingly restored, displayed
and then sparingly driven car with a copy of the gate release form
and some recent maintenance and repair receipts. Guaranteed to turn
your face into a smile when you are behind the wheel of this
endearing automobile classic.
E7FH230364
E-312ci 2-4bbl 270hp V8
7-1957
F-Dearborn, MI Assy Plant
H-Thunderbird
230364-Sequential Unit Number
WARRANTY PLATE
BODY 40-Thunderbird Roadster
COLOR EE-Colonial White
TRIM XA-Raven Black & Colonial White
PRODUCTION CODE 26B219P-February 26th
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 850 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display. This vehicle is located in our
showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just
1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The
website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888)
227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come
see the vehicle in person.
