For Sale at Auction: 1957 Ford Thunderbird in Las Vegas, Nevada

Chassis No. F7FH336976
Block Casting No. ECZ6015C

For 1957, Ford's hot-selling Thunderbird got a fresh new look. The wildly
successful boulevardier was conceived just two years prior as a relaxed, softer
alternative to the sportier Corvette. But some buyers longed for more
performance, and Ford was listening. In 1957, FoMoCo VP of Operations Robert
McNamara proposed a high-performance Thunderbird to homologate it for NASCAR
competition. To achieve this, the 312 cubic-inch V8 gained a Paxton-McCulloch
supercharger and four-barrel Holley carburetor, along with a high-pressure fuel
pump, new camshaft, revised combustion chambers, and dual-point ignition
resulting in a 300-horsepower output in road trim. A minimum of 100 cars were
required, but demand was enough to double that number. Nicknamed for its engine
code, the so-called "F-Bird" sits at the top of the food chain for 1955-1957
Thunderbird enthusiasts.

A copy of the original invoice on file verifies this 1957 F-Bird as one of the
approximately 200 factory-built examples. Invoiced to Louisville Motors of
Louisville, Kentucky, chassis number F7FH336976 was completed on 19 July 1957,
at the Dearborn plant. Options include a soft top only (hard top delete), signal
seek radio, heater/defroster, the 312 cu-in 4V supercharged engine, and what
truly sets this car apart-a three-speed manual transmission with overdrive. The
overwhelming majority of F-Birds were equipped with automatics, making this
sporting example a particularly rare find.

Previously in the care of an East Coast-based enthusiast for over 30 years, it
joined the vendor's collection in 2023 and was quickly treated to a
photo-documented bare-metal repaint and engine-out service, reseal, and detail.
Originally finished in Colonial White over Pleated Flame Red Vinyl (code XH)
trim, it was refinished in striking Gunmetal Grey, complementing the interior
and highlighting the body's dramatic fins and creases. Receipts also show the
engine was fully detailed, re-sealed, fitted with a new clutch, new
gear-reduction starter, and rebuilt ancillaries. Looking splendid following its
extensive refurbishment, this beautiful Thunderbird presents an exceptionally
rare opportunity to acquire one of the most sought-after 1950s Fords.