Vehicle Description
1957 Ford Thunderbird Convertible
"This graceful new '57 version of the classic Thunderbird is full
of exciting new surprises, even for veteran Thunderbird fans.
Thunderbird performance, the famous standard for fine car power,
has soared to still more brilliant heights. In fact, the sizzling
GO it delivers at a touch of your toe is something extra special.
Gentlemen agree that the Thunderbird is America's distinguished
personal car. The only question in Thunderbird owning families is
whether it's his or hers." From the 1957 sales brochure.
For consignment, a 1957 Ford Thunderbird convertible. A one family
car since 1960, purchased by our consignor's grandmother in
Delaware and then living the good life in San Diego, returning to
the east coast in 1997 where it remained in loving care as a family
fun ride. This ride is gracing our Hallowed Halls with a title
verified134,092 actual miles.
Exterior
Single stage Raven Black covers this sleek automobile, its low
shoulder line stretching from the headlight brow back to the
pronounced rear fin that begins with a curve in the body on the
door. The flat gridded grille and bold front bumpers are enhanced
by the rising hood scoop and faux side vents with adjacent
Thunderbird script. Imagining the car without these small stylistic
additions makes it a much different car and the artful eye of Ford
designers knew what they were doing! In back, the round headlights
become simpler in '57 but the cat's ear-like fins remain. The
bumper has embedded exhaust ports, blowing backwards for 1957
instead of sideways as in 1956. This car wears 15-inch wheels and
70 series tires and has a slight tail up rake to its stance. The
white canvas top has some patina but appears to be fully intact.
The paint and some metalwork is driver quality with imperfections
noted that include cracking in the paint, various scratches and
scuffs, bubbling, numerous touched up scratches, dings in the
grille trim, missing paint on a fender in several sizable
sections.
Interior
This car has been well loved and driven and so the patina extends
to the inside beginning with the door panels that are pure 50's
style, intact, but could use a good detailing. The black and white
bench seat is in good shape, somewhat compressed, and would also
benefit from a deep cleaning. The steering wheel was once glossy
black and is now dulled in places and the metal of the horn ring
has seen better days. Same with the dash and gauge cluster which is
complete and original and just shows a bit of age. The dash pad was
replaced at some point and looks good as it hovers above the AM
radio and vent control panel. Meanwhile, a ribbon of metal trim
through the middle of the dash connects with the door trim and
encircles the cabin in style! The short shifter shows some wear and
sits on the top of the transmission hump, covered in black loop
carpet. There's some surface rust in the trunk and a loose fitting
plaid mat, along with a spare and the battery that's been
relocated.
Drivetrain
Driver quality conditions prevail in the engine bay where age shows
on the 312ci V8 rated at 245 horsepower and topped by a 4-barrel
carburetor. A Ford-O-Matic 3-speed automatic transmission is
underfoot and sends power to the Ford 9" rear with 3.10 gears.
Power brakes are supplied with discs on all 4 corners.
Undercarriage
A driver with surface rust, oil on the pan, rear differential, and
blown onto other components of the underside. Grease build up on
the knuckles and on the rear diff. Dual exhaust that has surface
rust and travels through stock style mufflers before finding their
way to the back. Some flaking rust on the inside of the rocker
panels. While on the lift and with the door open, we note some
surface rust on the bottom of the passenger door. Suspension
consists of coil springs in front and leaf springs in the back.
Drive-Ability
This bird still flies! A testament to good old Ford engineering,
the 312 fires up and launches the Thunderbird onto the test loop
and with some creaking knees, turns corners with good handling,
tracks well, and the power brakes do their job. Even with over
100,000 miles, all functions, with the exception of the
speedometer, work. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these
functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot
guarantee these functions will be working at the time of your
purchase.Here's a classic car you can drive!
Of course, it's got great bones for a restoration project, but
that's up to you, the next owner of this '57 T-bird! These early
birds are some of the most iconic classic cars in American history
and while it was the end of the two seat Thunderbird, (until 2002),
it was a car that would influence Ford and Lincolns for years to
come, which is why on the pyramid of classic cars, it's near the
top.
D7FH229357
D-312ci 4bbl 245hp V8
7-1957
F-Dearborn, MI Assy Plant
H-Thunderbird
229357-Sequential Unit Number
WARRANTY PLATE
BODY 40-Thunderbird
COLOR A-Raven Black
TRIM XA-Black & White Vinyl
PRODUCTION CODE 25B260179P-February 25th
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and
collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate
controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8
acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic
and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the
I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit
www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us
anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.
There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee
is not included in the advertised price.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and
we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host
Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends
in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and
automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune
in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy
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