Vehicle Description
1957 Ford Thunderbird Convertible
"The Ford Thunderbird had done everything Ford intended for it to
do. It captured the hearts of America. It was considered by many as
it was the car to own and be seen in. As such, it brought people
into Ford showrooms so they could see it first hand, and then the
sales teams could convince the potential customer to buy another
Ford model if the Thunderbird wasn't right for them. Though Ford
was pleased to see sales of the Thunderbird rise to a highest ever
21,380 units for 1957, a newer, 4 seat 'Bird was in the works. It
would respond to the one major complaint - the car only had space
for one passenger. " thxover-drive-magazine.com
For consignment, a 1957 Ford Thunderbird showing 24,028, though the
true miles are unknown. This stunner is an AACA Junior and Senior
award winner and has even been featured in print and television. An
astounding fifteen colors were available on your '57 Thunderbird
and accessory hardtops might have been color keyed to the car or
offered in a contrasting color like our car, usually in Colonial
White. It was once part of the John Staluppi Cars of Dreams
collection.
Exterior
Exact production numbers for colors are unavailable for baby birds,
but in the dozens of '57 Thunderbirds that have flown through our
Hallowed Halls, very few of them have been Thunderbird Bronze, a
warm shade of metallic brown that is a standout color. It doesn't
hurt that the rim of the wheels visible behind the hubcaps, is
color matched, and bordered by 14-inch white wall tires, and these
Cokers have a date code of late 2023. Side fender trim and subtle
gravel guards on fender skirts add some panache to the sides while
the amazing and low chrome bumper is more shapely than previous
years and lacks the torpedo accents. The rear fender is nothing
short of a work of art, contouring to the body line of the car and
providing integrated portals for the exhaust to exit. Though
different from early birds, the tail lights maintain their jet age
presentation with prominent fins jutting out in a wide Y profile.
Two tops come with the car; a tan canvas soft top and the Colonial
White accessory porthole hardtop, both in very good condition,
though some seam separation and disconnected pivot pins are found
on the soft top. The only other imperfections on the car are two
small areas of bubbling in the paint.
Interior
The bronze palette continues on the inside giving the car a
monochromatic layout synonymous with Thunderbirds and it begins
with the handsome door panels with swooping, spun metal insert that
helps set the stacked colors and materials of the dashboard. The
bronze vinyl bench seat with ribbed pleats is in excellent
condition, sporting a small hump in the center. Even the steering
wheel is bronze, accented by a chrome horn ring and column which
finds its home under the arched instrument cluster backed by that
spun aluminum with inset gauges all featuring a brushed nickel
centerpiece. The radio is a Town and Country reproduction with
AM/FM and Bluetooth capability, in line with the vent panel on that
mid dash band of aluminum. The dash pad is usually the first place
the sun has impact, but this one is in fantastic shape, as is the
shifter on the floor, surrounded by lovely loop style carpet with
tan trimming. The clean trunk wears a period plaid mat and carries
a spare tire in the allotted depression.
Drivetrain
The clean and original looking bay is kept period by a reproduction
battery powering the 312ci V8 rated at 280 horsepower and fueled by
a 2 4-barrel carburetors. Power is routed to the Ford 9" in back
with 3.10 gears via a 3-speed Ford-O-Matic transmission, while
brakes are configured as front disc kit and rear drum.
Undercarriage
Super clean underneath with a big black X-frame taking center
stage. Through it passes the dual exhaust with stock style muffler
and resonators on its way to an epic exit through the rear bumper.
Suspension is made up of coil springs in front and leaf springs in
the back and our consignor states front and rear sway bar kits have
been installed. We note a drop or two of oil and trans fluid
underneath but it does not appear to be an active leak.
Drive-Ability
The 312 is a quick starter and we shift into Drive to fly this bird
around the loop. In falconry, there's a term called "yarak" which
means when a hawk is laser focused and in top condition. Well, you
might want to put that on your license plate because everything
about this car screams "ready to hunt" and in tip top shape. All
functions afforded this personal luxury cruiser work as intended.
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.
This car will likely make the podium at every show it enters, which
means everyone in the crowd gets a bronze medal, just by being in
the presence of this fine example. This is a collector grade baby
bird that needs nothing but a warm garage and some loving stewards.
If near flawless is your goal, perch this Thunderbird in your
stable and enjoy its constant, clean state of readiness.
E7FH278825
E-312ci 2x4bbl 270hp V8
7-1957
F-Dearborn, MI Assy Plant
H-Thunderbird
278825-Sequential Unit Number
WARRANTY PLATE
BODY 40-Thunderbird
COLOR QE-Thunderbird Bronze, Colonial White
TRIM XJ-Bronze
DATE 01E-May 1st
TRANS 3-Ford O MaticAXLE 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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