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 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
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