Vehicle Description
1957 Ford Thunderbird Convertible
"By the time the 1957 Thunderbird rolled off the assembly line,
interior styling had evolved even further. The dashboard received a
modernized layout, with ergonomic controls and a revised instrument
cluster for improved visibility. Upscale features such as power
windows, air conditioning, and a telescopic steering wheel were
offered as optional extras, catering to buyers seeking the ultimate
in comfort and convenience." Thxpotomacbird.com
For consignment, a 1957 Ford Thunderbird showing 2,734 miles which
are not actual since the speedometer was reset following a
restoration. Our consignor emphatically states that this car has
always been garaged and has never seen bad weather, reserved for a
few special drives per year. Upkeep has been documented and the car
comes with a series of service manuals and parts catalogs.
Exterior
This bird is dressed in Colonial White and presents in an elegant
hue that blends well with polished metal components and looks
especially nice with the wide white wall tires and hubcaps on
14-inch wheels. Points for elegance are awarded for the matching
removable hardtop with porthole windows, and for the fender skirts
complete with polished gravel guards. The rear bumper protrudes
past the fin topped round tail lights, and harbors oval ports for
exhaust extraction, a spectacular design cue on a car filled with
spectacular design cues. Take those faux fender vent trim pieces
that ride high and along with the scripted Thunderbird emblem, seem
to complete the profile of the car which would somehow look odd
without them. The well defined shoulder line is carved into the top
of the door which has a well rounded door edge, a more subtle
design element but once you see it, you can't unsee it. Overall,
the paint is fantastic and matched by the metalwork. Imperfections
include some bubbling and missing paint down low.
Interior
Classic red on the inside where the Thunderbird eagle is embossed
on the door panels providing a bit of an Easter egg feature, while
machined metal inserts on the door are bordered by 50's era trim
pieces, bold, metal spears that ride the edge. In true Thunderbird
fashion, the configuration of the door panels is continued onto the
dash in a flowing congruence of materials, colors, and textures
that is simply rolling art. Our red tuck and roll patterned vinyl
bench seat here is in great shape and so is the red steering wheel
that fronts the classic dash that lays out gauges under an arched
dash pad and even that contains decorative trim. A push button AM
radio is in the center along with the vent controls with levers
that resemble miniature shifters, and as we gaze at the actual
shifter, which is floor mounted, we see the similarity. Red loop
carpet keeps that energetic color flowing below and Thunderbird
rubber mats are there to protect. The headliner of the removable
top has some discoloration and a few tears.
Drivetrain
Driver quality but clean in appearance, the 312ci V8 is rated at
245 horsepower which is a robust number and fuel is delivered via a
4-barrel carburetor. The famous Ford-O-Matic 3-speed automatic
transmission is on board and sends power to the Ford 9" in back
with 3.10 gears. Drum brakes are found front and rear. Things that
have received attention in the past few years include the radiator,
thermostat, and hoses, the starter solenoid, the horns, and the
battery.
Undercarriage
Driver quality here as well with surface rust, residual oil on the
frame and rear differential, and some evidence of past invasive
rust on the inner rocker panels and these areas appear to have been
encapsulated which has slowed or stopped the progression of rust.
Dual exhaust flows over the X-frame and encounters stock style
mufflers before heading out back. Suspension consists of coil
springs in front and leaf springs in rear.
Drive-Ability
The 312 soars to life and this bird takes off, onto the test loop
where it provides good power with a good running engine, decent
tracking, nice handling, and the braking works as it should. Our
consignor notes the tires are old and recommends replacing them. We
note the clock and radio are not working but are pleased to find
all other functions are working. 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.
Classic Auto Mall is quickly becoming your go to source for
Thunderbirds of every generation and these baby birds are iconic
classics! White over red is a stunning representation of the model
and this well sorted example leans towards elegance as much as it
does sportiness. If you've recently taken up birdwatching with the
intent of bringing one home, put this one in your scope. And yes,
the early bird truly does get the worm, so don't stay perched if
this car is of interest.
D7FH394779
D-312ci 4bbl 245hp V8
7-1957
F-Dearborn, MI Assy Plant
H-Thunderbird
394779-Sequential Unit Number
WARRANTY PLATE
BODY 40-Thunderbird
COLOR XE6-Dusk Rose, Colonial White
TRIM XA-Raven Black, Colonial White
DATE 09Y-November 9th
TRANS 3-Ford O Matic
AXLE 1-Ford 9" 3.10
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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