1957 RAVEN BLACK THUNDERBIRD ROADSTER When GI's who fought in the European Theater of World War II returned home, they brought with them fond memories of the British two-seaters that were a common sight over there. Some even managed to buy some and have them shipped home. It was clear to Detroit that there just might be a market for an American made version of the famed two-seater open car. The two most famous of these were the MG-TC (and the later TD) and the incredibly handsome Jaguar XK-120. Kaiser introduced the famed Kaiser-Darrin in the early 50's and Chevrolet would follow next with the legendary Corvette. Ford was not blind to Chevrolet's new car, but chose to develop a car along a different path. It was decided their car would be made of metal instead of fiberglass; that it would be powered by a V-8 engine unlike the Corvette's Blue Flame Six"; and that it would feature roll-down windows and an optional hardtop unlike the Corvette's snap on curtains. They further decided that it would, as much as possible, utilize the same tooling and parts interchangeability with the big Fords of that era. This Magnificent Example is finished in Stunning Raven Black, with Beautiful Black & White Interior, & Colonial White Hard Top & Black Soft Top. This Rare Estate Classic Underwent a comprehensive restoration, including Exterior, Interior, Top, Brightwork, and Mechanics. Total Investment Exceeds $50K. It comes with many amenities including: ? Fordamatic Automatic Transmission o Floor mounted Locking Button Shift Selector o Low and Drive Range ? Full Instrumentation (all functional) ? Factory Tachometer ? Telescopic Lifeguard Steering Wheel o Fully Adjustable ? Directional Signals ? Magicaire Heating and Defrost System ? AM-FM Cassette "TBird" Sound System ? Electric Clock ? Cigar Lighter (unused) ? Lifeguard Seat Belts ? Tinted Windows ? Colonial White Porthole Hardtop ? T'Bird Scripted Delux Black & White Interior ? Lifeguard Padded Sun Visors ? Backup Lamps ? Wing Windows ? "Thunderbird" Scripted Floormats ? Fully Disappearing Soft-Top o Hartz Canvas ? Chrome Side View Mirror ? Rear Fender Shields ? Rear Fender Skirts ? Wide Whitewall Coker Tires ? "Ford" Scripted Kelsey Hayes Styled Wire Wheels ? "THUNDERBIRD SPECIAL" V-8 Engine o 4 Barrel Carburetion o Dual Exhaust System o 312 Cubic Inch Displacement o 225 Horsepower o 8.4:1 Compression Ratio o 3.75 X 3.30 inch Bore & Stroke o 6 Blade Radiator Fan ? 12 Volt Electrical System ? Full - Flow Oil Filter ? Adjustable Air Rear Shocks ? 102 Inch Wheelbase ? 185 Inch Length ? 3088 lb. Weight ? 71 Inch Width ? Highly Detailed Engine Compartment and Undercarriage ? Owner's Manual This Magnificent Rare Thunderbird, finished in Raven Black, with Black & White Interior is an Absolute Pleasure to Drive. Many "Baby Bird" aficionados consider the ?57 to be the "Last, Most Beautiful, and Most Desirable" of the "Baby Birds" of the era. It is as" Straight as an Arrow" and Absolutely Excellent Throughout. It garners all the "oohs" and "aahs" any time out!!
