Vehicle Description
This 1957 Ford Thunderbird E-Code Convertible is a rare,
performance oriented Baby Bird that is an absolute blast to drive!
As the early 1950s began to transition into the mid-50s, America's
automakers began to realize that a key product category was missing
from their product lineups. See for years, upscale European
manufacturers such as Mercedes, Porsche, and Jaguar seemed to have
cornered the market with regards on sporty 2-seater convertibles
that were both small and sporty yet luxurious and powerful. The
first major American automaker to enter the market was Chevrolet
when the GM marque released its Corvette roadster in 1953. In an
effort to not only match Chevrolet's Corvette but also surpass it,
Ford introduced the Thunderbird on October 25, 1954. The new Ford
Thunderbird was deemed the flagship model in Ford's fleet, and the
Thunderbird was more luxurious than the Corvette. The Thunderbird
had thoughtful amenities such as roll up windows and a smoother
riding suspension, especially compared to the stiff ride in a
Corvette. The T-Bird also offered numerous creature comfort options
such as power steering and power brakes, along with power seats and
power windows. In its debut, the Thunderbird was also considered a
bit sportier with a V8 engine as standard equipment as well as
having a performance oriented manual transmission with an optional
automatic. In its debut year, the Thunderbird outsold the Corvette,
and the T-Bird was deemed a major success for the Ford Motor
Company. Towards the end of 1956, the designers at Ford determined
that the Thunderbird was due for a stylistic refresh so the 1957
Thunderbird underwent its first major redesign, a design that would
ultimately last for only a single year. While the 1957 T-Bird
retained its familiar look when looking at it from the front,
likely the most pronounced change occurred to the rear quarter
panels. The new rear quarters were sleeker than before and sported
a slanted fin on each side, giving the 1957 Thunderbird its
futuristic and ultimately iconic design. The longer quarters also
provided for a longer trunk that was roomy enough for a spare tire,
plus some groceries and perhaps a set of golf clubs. The interiors
were also updated including a redesigned, wraparound padded dash
complete with a more performance-oriented instrument cluster. The
other major improvement in the 1957 Thunderbird was the
availability of more performance-oriented engine options including
a "dual quad" (dual 4 barrel) carburetor setup, known today
colloquially as an "E-Code." Of course Ford afficiandos know that
these special Thunderbirds are called "E-Codes" because all of the
dual quad cars' VIN numbers started with an "E" to signify that
they came with a pair of 4 barrel carburetors. In total, Ford
produced only 1,499 E-Code Thunderbirds in 1957 which makes this
particular example quite a rare piece of automotive history. Under
the hood on this '57 E-Code T-Bird is a 312 Cubic Inch V8 engine
fed by a pair of 4 barrel carburetors that together were said to
have created 270 horsepower when new. The dual-quad 312 V8 is
backed by a 3 speed manual with overdrive that makes this iconic
Thunderbird an absolute blast to drive. Exhaust exits this E-Code's
power plant via dual through-bumper exhaust ports that generate a
terrific throaty sound out the rear. Riding on a set of wide
whitewall bias-ply tires, each accented with a turbine-style full
wheel cover, this '57 Thunderbird has an outstanding presence
whether parked at the local car show or cruising down the road.
Squeezing in and out of a tight parking space is simplified with
the addition of a driver's side chrome mirror. This 1957 T-Bird
comes with an accessory port hole hardtop that has been correctly
finished in colonial white. The exterior of this '57 Thunderbird
has been correctly refinished in Raven Black paint that completes
the exterior look of this convertible. The interior of this 1957
Ford Thunderbird E-Code has a nice stock look! The bench seat is
correctly upholstered in black and white pleated vinyl. The black
carpeting, matching door panels, engine turned dash, and painted
steering wheel are all in wonderful condition as well.
Instrumentation includes a 140 MPH speedometer, 5,000 RPM
tachometer, temperature gauge, oil pressure gauge, and fuel gauge.
The dash is finished off with a push-button AM radio and locking
glovebox. Whether you're buying your very first classic car or
you've always wanted to add a rare Baby Bird to your existing
collection, this 1957 Ford Thunderbird E-Code Convertible would
make an excellent choice. Give Ellingson's a call today at
763-428-7337!
*312 Cu. In. V8
*Dual 4 Barrel Carburetors
*3 Speed Manual w/ Overdrive
*270 Horsepower
*Dual Exhaust
*1 of 1,499 E-Code T-Birds Produced
*Correct Raven Black Exterior
*Correct Colonial White Hardtop
*Correct Raven/Colonial Vinyl Bench Seat
*Wide Whitewall Tires w/ Turbine Wheelcovers
*Stock Instrumentation
*Odometer Reads: 94,527 Miles
