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.
Vehicle Details
1957 Ford Thunderbird
Listing ID:CC-2008969
Price:Auction Vehicle
Location:Las Vegas, Nevada
Year:1957
Make:Ford
Model:Thunderbird
Odometer:1395
Stock Number:LV25Lot_152
VIN:F7FH336976
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