Vehicle Description
1957 Ford Thunderbird Convertible
The 1955-57 two seat Ford Thunderbird is among the most recognized
iconic American cars. It's been put in television shows, movies and
print advertisements, not to mention being pictured on a U.S.
postage stamp. The mass media has often mistakenly called any
sporty looking car, such as the Ford Mustang, a "sports car". It's
given the 1955-57 Thunderbird the same description, although Ford
stressed from the get go that its new baby was a "personal car".
Ford knew that the sports cars market was very limited and that
calling the Thunderbird a "personal car" would give it much broader
appeal.
For consignment, a 1957 Ford Thunderbird convertible showing 88,361
non-actual miles. This is a two owner car, owned by our consignor
since 1963! 1957 saw Ford add some extra options including power
which this one has, a 312ci for this garage kept example in arrest
me red.
Exterior
Iconic white on red adorn this car with Flame Red paint on the body
and both a white soft top and white accessory hard top included
with the car. These colors are picked up by the shoes, in this case
wide white walls on 14-inch red rimmed wheels and polished ribbed
wheel covers. And those shiny hubcaps are matched by a modest
gravel guard on the fender skirt, trim suggesting a vent on the
fenders, the bold window trim, and the wrap-around chrome bumpers.
The wonderful grated grille is flanked by headlights that wear a
brow of red in front of a center hood scoop, a design that will
still look good 100 years from now. Out back, jet age takes over
with exhaust that exit through holes in the bumper and afterburner
tail lights rimmed in rocket like trim. The turquoise Thunderbird
emblem is perched on the front and the back and side travelers will
see Thubderbird in script, so there's no mistaking this car! The
soft top is dirty but intact and imperfections in the paint include
some sandpaper like texture in several spots, bubbling, flaking
rust on lower edges, and a sizable scratch down low.
Interior
While the exterior is immediately recognizable and touted by the
general public, it's the interior that we're continually impressed
with as materials and design go from the door panels directly to
the dash, wrapping the aluminum panels and padded red vinyl almost
seamlessly to the front. The panels themselves look good but the
door jambs would benefit from some further detailing. A red bench
seat has tuck and roll patterned pleats, a bit of compression on
the driver's side, but in otherwise great shape, facing a red
steering wheel with horn ring over its three spokes with the top
gap framing an arched instrument cluster, spun aluminum bleeding
over from the doors, and round gauges arranged symmetrically. Black
knobs and an AM radio flow right along with the vent control panel
that overlaps the passenger side of the cozy cabin. A simple
shifter rises from the floor, black knob and black rubber boot
surrounding a chrome shaft, all over red loop carpet in fine
condition with some wear and staining in spots. We also note a tear
in the white perforated headliner of the hardtop.
Drivetrain
A relatively clean engine bay houses the 312ci V8, rated at 245
horsepower and fueled by a 4-barrel carburetor. It's mated to a
3-speed manual with overdrive, sending power true sports style to
the Ford 9" in back with 3.70 gears. Drum brakes are supplied to
the front and rear wheels.
Undercarriage
Patina and surface rust abounds on the underside but structurally
the car appears unharmed. We note some oil on the rear differential
and under engine pans as well as a buildup of grime on the
knuckles. Beyond that, just the typical appearance of usage. Dual
exhaust moves through the X-frame with stock style mufflers and
resonators, finally finding their way to the back, meeting the gaps
intended for their entry on the bumper. Suspension consists of coil
springs up front and leaf springs in the back. We note some surface
rust on the bottom of each door.
Drive-Ability
As the purveyor of fine Thunderbirds, we never miss the opportunity
to take one for spin on our test loop where this one does not
disappoint, providing good power from the 312 and a nice, upright
sitting position which allows for good visibility during controlled
turns, stops, and acceleration. Every box for functionality is
checked and it's time for this bird to join the flock in the mall.
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.
Look up classic car in the dictionary and you may very well find a
photo of a 1957 Ford Thunderbird. It is without a doubt, one of the
most iconic American two seater classic cars in history. So much so
that there's a long list of celebrities who have coveted their own
50's Thunderbird. According to the Vintage Thunderbird Club's
website, the list includes Doris Day, Natalie Wood, Jack Lemmon,
Vic Damone, Bing Crosby, Conway Twitty, and Marilyn Monroe to name
just a few. Are you ready to join this elite group?
D7FH208710
D-312ci 245hp 4bbl V8
7-1957
F-Dearborn, MI Assy Plant
H-Thunderbird
208710-Sequential Unit Number
WARRANTY PLATE
BODY 40-Thunderbird
COLOR V-Flame Red
TRIM XH-Flame Red
PRODUCTION CODE 1B2301090P-February 1st
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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