1957 Ford Thunderbird Roadster
The Thunderbird and the Corvette have a long and sorted history, with both initially competing for the same customer space. Eventually the Corvette went to racing, and the Thunderbird became the boulevard king. The ultimate getaway car from the kids with only 2 seats, as well as the option to have a hardtop traveler, or a convertible cruiser, it became the "it" car for mid-1950s suburbia.
If you're looking for a sweet 50s-era classic that's valuable, fun to drive and has the ability to turn Main Street into an instant classic car show then this is "it" for you. While we've had our fair share of "baby birds" through our Hallowed Halls, this is the first of its ilk to ever grace out ever changing inventory....the illustrious E-bird. Fully restored and showing a mere 67,267 title verified actual miles, this is the best Thunderbird one could get without stepping it up to a supercharged version. 312ci of dual 4-barrel V8 power under the hood, a color change to Raven Black, a snappy 2 tone interior and a copy of the Ford Motor Company gate release form accompany this car along with a list of itemized repairs and maintenance performed by County Corvette in 2022. During this restoration, the owner of this car clearly put his heart and soul into this restoration, leaving virtually no stones unturned. A labor of love along with the post restoration years of enjoyment and display have kept this final year baby bird looking nearly like new.
Exterior
When you pen a thin bodied, long hood with a scoop, and canted tail fin 2 seater car, throw on some jet age styling for the taillights, then add on fender skirts, a wrap around windshield, and some chromed trimmings, you have this car. Mirror like chrome bumpers, an egg crate grille, and for the rear in bumper exhaust ports, this car screams steel sex. Well minded gaps on the straight rust free, mostly blemish free steel panels covered in Ford Raven Black clad the exterior of this car with only a few minor scratches, chips and and scrapes. Although the gate release form shows an optional hardtop came with this car new, it is not included now, so this is a soft top/open air cruiser, which isn't a bad thing at all. 14-inch wheel turbine style wheel covers with Ford logoing are seen all around and sport fat white sidewall striped tires in 7.50 form from American Classic. A tan canvas convertible top is in new condition with the exception of one small tear and can be popped up if you get caught in a shower while motoring with the top down. The plastic rear window in the top is clear and blemish free.
Interior
Swing the door and be met with white and black panels that do not know what a straight line is as to their design. White vinyl mixes with machined swirl pattern aluminum inserts for the door handles and window cranks. Take a moment to study the white vinyl as there are Thunderbird emblems sprinkled in amongst rectangle embossings. If that wasn't enough to peak your fancy then turn your attention to the seat, it's a gorgeous black and white vinyl bench with tuck and roll inserts and smooth bolsters that curves neatly into the body styling and allows for the top to hide behind it. For the dash, a big curved overhanging cowl in padded black vinyl is seen for the topper, and more machined aluminum and a litany of round gauges and chrome bezel black knobs and pulls. The factory Town & Country AM radio is neatly installed in its factory home and as we gaze across this big padded curved top dash, we can note temp, fan controls, and a nearly hidden glove box, but the deeply inset keyhole gives it away. A metal lower dash also in painted black and some black kick side panels are complemented by black carpeting with black rubber mats, and hovering above is the original steering wheel, clean as a whistle. You will be left awestruck...Bee-uitfuhl!
Drivetrain
The standard 1957 Thunderbird engine was a 292 cubic inch V-8, rated at 212 horsepower and supplied only with the 3-speed manual transmission. This car however has the optional E code 312ci dual 4-barrel V8 producing 270hp. We see factory spec power steering on board and under the large silver air cleaner are a pair of correct Holley "teapot" carburetors. Bolted to the back is a Ford-O-Matic 3-speed automatic transmission that in turn sends power rearward to a Ford 9-inch axle with 3.10 gears. We note finned Thunderbird rocker covers and a wonderful red painted block all presenting well and ready to wow the crowd.
Undercarriage
Up on the lift plenty of nice black paint on the floor pans, rockers and wheel wells. A strong stable X frame which is also rust free holds up the car with ease. 4-wheel power drum brakes are seen on all corners and dual exhaust with stock style mufflers and resonators evacuates engine gasses quicker than a passenger elevator in a high rise during a fire! Independent coil sprung front suspension and leaf springs for the back are there for the ride.
Drive-Ability
Just a well done with passion car, and it drove as such. On the test track it fired right up, handled nicely, cruised smoothly, and had nice peppy acceleration. Stopping is no problem with the power drum brakes, but a few frowns crept up during my drive. The temperature gauge was not functioning and the radio did not turn on and pick up anything on the AM band.
If you want to be the star of that Main Street impromptu car show then take a longer look at this well restored Thunderbird. Backing a hot 312 cubic inch V8 with a 3-speed automatic transmission, this is definitely your kind of classic! A lovingly restored, displayed and then sparingly driven car with a copy of the gate release form and some recent maintenance and repair receipts. Guaranteed to turn your face into a smile when you are behind the wheel of this endearing automobile classic.
E7FH230364
E-312ci 2-4bbl 270hp V8
7-1957
F-Dearborn, MI Assy Plant
H-Thunderbird
230364-Sequential Unit Number
WARRANTY PLATE
BODY 40-Thunderbird Roadster
COLOR EE-Colonial White
TRIM XA-Raven Black & Colonial White
PRODUCTION CODE 26B219P-February 26th
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 850 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display. This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.
