1957 Ford Thunderbird Convertible
"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. A one family car since 1960, purchased by our consignor's grandmother in Delaware and then living the good life in San Diego, returning to the east coast in 1997 where it remained in loving care as a family fun ride. This ride is gracing our Hallowed Halls with a title verified 134,092 actual miles.
Exterior
Single stage Raven Black covers this sleek automobile, its low shoulder line stretching from the headlight brow back to the pronounced rear fin that begins with a curve in the body on the door. The flat gridded grille and bold front bumpers are enhanced by the rising hood scoop and faux side vents with adjacent Thunderbird script. Imagining the car without these small stylistic additions makes it a much different car and the artful eye of Ford designers knew what they were doing! In back, the round headlights become simpler in '57 but the cat's ear-like fins remain. The bumper has embedded exhaust ports, blowing backwards for 1957 instead of sideways as in 1956. This car wears 15-inch wheels and 70 series tires and has a slight tail up rake to its stance. The white canvas top has some patina but appears to be fully intact. The paint and some metalwork is driver quality with imperfections noted that include cracking in the paint, various scratches and scuffs, bubbling, numerous touched up scratches, dings in the grille trim, missing paint on a fender in several sizable sections.
Interior
This car has been well loved and driven and so the patina extends to the inside beginning with the door panels that are pure 50's style, intact, but could use a good detailing. The black and white bench seat is in good shape, somewhat compressed, and would also benefit from a deep cleaning. The steering wheel was once glossy black and is now dulled in places and the metal of the horn ring has seen better days. Same with the dash and gauge cluster which is complete and original and just shows a bit of age. The dash pad was replaced at some point and looks good as it hovers above 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 shows some wear and sits on the top of the transmission hump, covered in black loop carpet. There's some surface rust in the trunk and a loose fitting plaid mat, along with a spare and the battery that's been relocated.
Drivetrain
Driver quality conditions prevail in the engine bay where age shows on the 312ci V8 rated at 245 horsepower and topped by a 4-barrel carburetor. A Ford-O-Matic 3-speed automatic transmission is underfoot and sends power to the Ford 9" rear with 3.10 gears. Power brakes are supplied with discs on all 4 corners.
Undercarriage
A driver with surface rust, oil on the pan, rear differential, and blown onto other components of the underside. Grease build up on the knuckles and on the rear diff. Dual exhaust that has surface rust and travels through stock style mufflers before finding their way to the back. Some flaking rust on the inside of the rocker panels. While on the lift and with the door open, we note some surface rust on the bottom of the passenger door. Suspension consists of coil springs in front and leaf springs in the back.
Drive-Ability
This bird still flies! A testament to good old Ford engineering, the 312 fires up and launches the Thunderbird onto the test loop and with some creaking knees, turns corners with good handling, tracks well, and the power brakes do their job. Even with over 100,000 miles, all functions, with the exception of the speedometer, work. 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. Here's a classic car you can drive!
Of course, it's got great bones for a restoration project, but that's up to you, the next owner of this '57 T-bird! These early birds are some of the most iconic classic cars in American history and while it was the end of the two seat Thunderbird, (until 2002), it was a car that would influence Ford and Lincolns for years to come, which is why on the pyramid of classic cars, it's near the top.
D7FH229357
D-312ci 4bbl 245hp V8
7-1957
F-Dearborn, MI Assy Plant
H-Thunderbird
229357-Sequential Unit Number
WARRANTY PLATE
BODY 40-Thunderbird
COLOR A-Raven Black
TRIM XA-Black & White Vinyl
PRODUCTION CODE 25B260179P-February 25th
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.
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