For Sale: 1957 Ford Thunderbird in Morgantown, Pennsylvania

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 firsthand, 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." thx over-drive-magazine.com

For consignment, a 1957 Ford Thunderbird showing 38,297 miles, but the true miles are unknown. Purchased by our consignor in 2003, the car underwent long term restoration with paint, interior, engine, and other components being addressed right up through 2021. A new battery was even installed in 2023.

Exterior
There were ten initial exterior colors in 1957 and about 30 combinations when you take into account the color of the fiberglass hardtops. The car was returned to its original Thunderbird Bronze with a Colonial White top in 2008 and along with the bronze interior, likely represents a low percentage of Thunderbirds in this spec. This warm shade of metallic brown is augmented by the 14-inch chrome wire wheels and Coker white wall tires. 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 lean outward in a Y profile. The paint and metal trim are spectacular on the car and the only imperfections we note are a scuff on a lower edge and some bubbling on the base of the rear quarter panel. A newer tan canvas top is stowed behind the seats.

Interior
Bronze and white continues on the inside where the artfully designed door panels include a tile stitched white background, swooping bronze armrest, and ribbed aluminum insert that normally sets the layered design that wraps around the dash, but in this case we have a stunning white dash pad, that spun aluminum mid panel, and a white lower. The steering wheel is white too and frames the instrument panel under the arching dash top. Further right in the mid panel we find the AM/FM radio and vent control panel with some patina noted on the lower dash pad. In 2012, our consignors opted to redo the seats with white tuck and roll inserts and bronze borders, creating an attractive and dramatic bench seat that picks up on the car's general palette. New bronze loop carpet was added at the same time and presents nicely as it surrounds the elegant shifter on the floor. The consignor also took the extra step to include this same carpet in the trunk which is cleanly finished.

Drivetrain
Clean conditions prevail under the hood where we find the 312ci V8 with a single 4-barrel carburetor and rated at 245 horsepower. The heads were rebuilt in 2009 and the motor is mated to a Ford-O-Matic 3-speed automatic transmission that routes power to the Ford 9" rear with 3.10 gears. Power drum brakes are found on all four wheels,

Undercarriage
The robust X-frame takes center stage underneath where dual exhaust flows through red glasspack style mufflers on their way to the bumper embedded exit. There are few drops of oil on the transmission pan and some residual dampness on the rear differential, but the remainder of the underside is clean and dry. Suspension here is made up of coil springs in the front and leaf springs in the rear.

Drive-Ability
This well sorted classic starts right up and its 245 horses move it through the test loop with all the power you'll need at car shows and spirited driving. She tracks straight, handles well, and blind spot visibility is a small sacrifice for the epic coolness of the accessory hardtop with portholes. All functional items available to the driver operate as they should and we glide this beautiful bird back to 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.

We've only seen a handful of bronze Thunderbirds at the mall, and we can tell you it's a desirable color that usually doesn't sit long enough to collect dust. That said, if you're in the market for a baby bird, this one should absolutely be on your radar, not just because of the color, but because of the careful and caring stewardship it has been subject to since 2003, and likely well beyond that.

D7FH140556

D-312ci 4bbl 245hp V8
7-1957
F-Dearborn, MI Assy Plant
H-Thunderbird
140556-Sequential Unit Number

WARRANTY PLATE

BODY 40-Thunderbird
COLOR QE-Thunderbird Bronze & Colonial White
TRIM XJ-Pleated Bronze Vinyl
DATE 12L410071P-September 26th

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!