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 convertible with a title
verified 100,767 actual miles. This is the closest thing to an
original owner Thunderbird you'll likely see as our consignor has
owned and maintained the car since 1961. The engine was rebuilt at
98,700 miles and a new soft top was added in 2008.
Exterior
Bathed in Colonial White, the smooth, two stage coverage of this
car would make Moby Dick envious. We note a tasteful contrast in
the reddish paint behind the hubcaps, which is bordered by 14-inch
white wall tires, the epitome of class in the era. 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 black canvas soft top and
the Colonial White accessory porthole hardtop, both in very good
condition. Imperfections include various cracks in the paint.
Interior
Handsome door panels with swooping spun metal insert that helps set
the stacked colors and materials of the dashboard and we note the
driver's armrest is coming loose. The black vinyl bench seat with
white ribbed pleats is in excellent condition, sporting a small
hump in the center to delineate the sitting area, but not large
enough to prevent your partner from sliding over if the mood
strikes. The black steering wheel is 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 Thunderbird branded
AM/FM/Cassette unit 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 very good shape, as the shifter on
the floor shows some patina and is surrounded by decent black loop
carpet. The clean trunk wears a period plaid mat and carries a
spare tire in the allotted depression.
Drivetrain
The clean and original looking bay houses the rebuilt 312ci V8
rated at 245 horsepower and fueled by a 4-barrel carburetor. 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 with drums
front and rear.
Undercarriage
The fuel tank shines bright and was replaced in 2023 along with the
fuel sender. The exhaust looks newer as well and features a dual
system with stock style mufflers and resonators. There's some
general patina underneath and some residual oil on the pans and
flywheel cover along with some build up on the power steering
system, rear differential, and knuckles. No rust or anything out of
place. Suspension consists of coil springs up front and leaf
springs in the back.
Drive-Ability
The 312 fires up without hesitation and we fly the coop in this
Thunderbird to find a spirited Ford that tracks straight and
handles well, the 75 series tires helping calm the bumps in our
road. Peering over that long hood with a central hood scoop bulge
is worth the price of admission and every Thunderbird owner knows
it! We note the brake lights and reverse lights are not working but
all other functions available respond as they should. 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.
Long term ownership has its benefits, and this car has been well
cared for for 64 years under the stewardship of one person. It is
one of the most iconic classic cars there will ever be and this one
is a fine representation that will come to you with receipts and of
course, both tops!
D7FH393591
D-312ci 4bbl 245hp V8
7-1957
F-Dearborn, MI Assy Plant
H-Thunderbird
393591-Sequential Unit Number
WARRANTY PLATE
BODY 40-Thunderbird
COLOR E-Colonial White
TRIM XA-Raven Black & Colonial White
DATE 26W-September 26th
TRANS 3-Ford O Matic
AXLE 1-Ford 9" 3.10 Conventional
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
listening. You can also watch on YouTube!
