For sale in our Dallas/Fort Worth showroom is a 1957 Ford Thunderbird. The Ford Thunderbird began life in February 1953 in direct response to Chevrolet's new sports car, the Corvette, which was publicly unveiled in prototype form just a month before. Under rapid development, the Thunderbird went from idea to prototype in about a year, being unveiled to the public at the Detroit Auto Show on February 20, 1954. Like the Corvette, the Thunderbird had a two-seat coupe/convertible layout. Production of the Thunderbird began later on in 1954 on September 9 with the car beginning sales as a 1955 model on October 22, 1954. Though sharing some design characteristics with other Fords of the time, such as single, circular headlamps and tail lamps and modest tailfins, the Thunderbird was sleeker and more athletic in shape, and had features like a faux hood scoop and a 140 mph speedometer hinting a higher performance nature that other Fords didn't possess. This particular Thunderbird has undergone a partial restoration, and is in fantastic driver quality condition. The list of mechanical that have been replaced is extensive: the brake master cylinder, shoes, wheel cylinder, power booster, and slave cylinder, power steering assembly and steering box, heater core and valve, heater control panel, oil pump, all belts and hoses, stabilizer bar, ends and bushings, shocks, rear axle and front wheel bearings, and full exhaust system. Additionally, the radiator was vatted and rodded, the Holley carburetor was rebuilt. The interior wasn’t forgotten on this restoration either, as the whole interior has been redone including the carpets and headliner. All in all, this adds up to a porthole window Baby Bird that really is a joy to drive. It is hard to not look good driving a Thunderbird, especially when it is a T-Bird that looks this good. Call us today about this sweet little bit of nostalgia! To view this vehicle in greater detail including HD pictures and videos, visit http://www.gatewayclassiccars.com/dallas/2008/ford/mustang-S281.html. For additional information on this 1957 Ford Thunderbird, email us at
[email protected] or call 817-310-9400.
