"This graceful new '57 version of the classic Thunderbird is full
of exciting new surprises, even for veteran Thunderbird fans.
Thunderbird performance, the famous standard for fine car power,
has soared to still more brilliant heights. In fact, the sizzling
GO it delivers at a touch of your toe is something extra special.
Gentlemen agree that the Thunderbird is America's distinguished
personal car. The only question in Thunderbird owning families is
whether it's his or hers." From the 1957 sales brochure.
For consignment, a 1957 Ford Thunderbird convertible with a title
verified 57,477 actual miles. This is a 3 owner car with two tops
that really make it three different cars, a hardtop coupe, a soft
top, and of course, a free wielding drop top!
Exterior
Black as night, this '57 features single stage Raven Black paint on
both the body and the accessory hardtop. Looking for a bit of
contrast? Utilize the white canvas top for a two tone profile, or
put them all away and let the air flow! A razor straight shoulder
line terminates with a pointed fin in back capping the round tail
lights, solid red in our example. The rear bumper is noteworthy as
it protrudes rearward with oval gaps that house the exhaust pipes,
curving around to capture the license plate in the center.
Obviously, the hardtop portholes are epic and legendary and fender
skirts with gravel guard ornamentation add to the attractive
profile with forward momentum portrayed in the front fender trim.
The unmistakable face grins wide and is topped by the hood scoop
that completes the sporty persona. Imperfections include some
chips, a scratch and drip damage and paint runs on the hardtop, and
some soiling and wear on the soft top. Overall however, this
exterior is in very nice shape.
Interior
The black and white bench seat is in great shape, while the
steering wheel, which was once glossy black, has a dull spot that
tells a story and the metal horn ring is looking good. The dash,
with its black pad on top and machined aluminum backing is in very
good condition and the AM radio and vent control panel. Meanwhile,
a ribbon of metal trim through the middle of the dash connects with
the door trim and encircles the cabin in style. The short shifter
rises from the transmission hump, covered in black loop carpet
protected by white Thunderbird branded mats while the trunk is
finished with a black mat and holds a spare.
Drivetrain
Under the hood is a clean and colorful 312ci V8 pumping out 245
horsepower and fueled via a4-barrel carburetor. It's backed by a
Ford-O-Matic 3-speed automatic transmission sending power to the
Ford 9" in back with 3.70 gears.
Undercarriage
Overall clean underneath with surface rust reserved for the
exhaust, the dual system that runs through clean stock style
mufflers on their way to the rear bumper. The gas tank looks fairly
fresh too and power drum brakes are found on all four wheels.
Suspension consists of coil springs in front and leaf springs in
back. We note some oil on the rear differential and a few drops on
the front.
Drive-Ability
This well preserved 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 black 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.
You could call us "Classic Thunderbird Mall" as we've represented
36 1957 Thunderbirds over the years, and dozens of other baby
birds, most of which found new homes and happy owners. This one
will likely keep the trend alive as it's clean, low mileage, and in
a color that will never go out of style. If you're a young
collector, know that this is a classic that will still be iconic in
20 or 30 years. If you're a seasoned hobbyist, you need to own one
if you haven't already!
D7FH194717
D-312ci 245hp 4bbl V8
7-1957
F-Dearborn, MI Assy Plant
H-Thunderbird
194717-Sequential Unit Number
WARRANTY PLATE
BODY 40A-Thunderbird
COLOR Z-Coral Sand
TRIM XA-Raven Black & Colonial White Vinyl
PRODUCTION CODE 16A610144P-January 16th
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!
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