THUNDERBIRD "E" CODE: The Ford Thunderbird, dubbed a “personal
car” rather than a sports car upon its introduction in 1954, was a
sophisticated reply to Chevrolet’s Corvette. The “T-Bird,” as it
was nicknamed, was low slung and of all-metal construction, and it
boasted a V-8 engine over Chevrolet’s anemic Blue Flame
straight-six in the Corvette. Success was instantaneous, and a
total of 16,155 examples were sold in its first year, as opposed to
700 Corvettes.
As sales of the Thunderbird increased, the 1957 model year brought
about a redesign, resulting in what most enthusiasts consider to be
the most beautiful two-seater version of the car. The new car was
6.1 inches longer, which allowed for the accommodation of a spare
wheel at the trunk; the front bumper was smoothed out and dropped
in the center; and the canted fins flowed back to big, round
taillights at the rear. Fourteen-inch wheels helped to lower the
car, giving it a slightly better stance. Regardless of sales
topping 21,380 units for the year, the last two-seater Thunderbird
was built in 1957, until 2003 that is.
The “E-Code” option, regarded by many as the most desirable option
available in the Thunderbird, features the 312-cubic inch V-8,
which is topped with a pair of Holley four-barrel carburetors and
was graced with a larger bore, longer stroke, higher compression
ratio, and an automatic choke. This engine offered more horsepower
than any other small block V-8, beating Chevrolet’s fuel-injected
283 by only two horsepower. As one of four engine options available
for 1957, very few were equipped as such, making the aptly
nicknamed “E-Bird” rare and the car of choice for those who were
looking for the comfort that the Thunderbird provided but with some
extra punch.
This very rare stunning T Bird benefitted from a full frame off rotisserie restoration with its fit and finish better than when it came from the factory. Everything has been restored to perfection with all proper fittings. It retains its original engine with two 4 BBL carburetors. It is equipped with a T-Bird Borg Warner T-85 3 speed manual transmission. Less than 4% of these T-Birds came equipped with manual transmission. This one is a power accessory delete for maximum performance.
It is a totally matching numbers car in Raven Black with matching black and white interior. It comes with a fully restored black hardtop and proper porthole windows. Its Kelsey Hayes wire wheels make it one of the sportiest T-Birds we have ever offered and one of the most desirable available.
