1957 Ford Thunderbird Convertible
"The Ford Thunderbird had done everything Ford intended for it to do. It captured the hearts of America. It was considered by many as it was the car to own and be seen in. As such, it brought people into Ford showrooms so they could see it first hand, and then the sales teams could convince the potential customer to buy another Ford model if the Thunderbird wasn't right for them. Though Ford was pleased to see sales of the Thunderbird rise to a highest ever 21,380 units for 1957, a newer, 4 seat 'Bird was in the works. It would respond to the one major complaint " the car only had space for one passenger. " thx over-drive-magazine.com
For consignment, a 1957 Ford Thunderbird showing 24,028, though the true miles are unknown. This stunner is an AACA Junior and Senior award winner and has even been featured in print and television. An astounding fifteen colors were available on your '57 Thunderbird and accessory hardtops might have been color keyed to the car or offered in a contrasting color like our car, usually in Colonial White. It was once part of the John Staluppi Cars of Dreams collection.
Exterior
Exact production numbers for colors are unavailable for baby birds, but in the dozens of '57 Thunderbirds that have flown through our Hallowed Halls, very few of them have been Thunderbird Bronze, a warm shade of metallic brown that is a standout color. It doesn't hurt that the rim of the wheels visible behind the hubcaps, is color matched, and bordered by 14-inch white wall tires, and these Cokers have a date code of late 2023. Side fender trim and subtle gravel guards on fender skirts add some panache to the sides while the amazing and low chrome bumper is more shapely than previous years and lacks the torpedo accents. The rear fender is nothing short of a work of art, contouring to the body line of the car and providing integrated portals for the exhaust to exit. Though different from early birds, the tail lights maintain their jet age presentation with prominent fins jutting out in a wide Y profile. Two tops come with the car; a tan canvas soft top and the Colonial White accessory porthole hardtop, both in very good condition, though some seam separation and disconnected pivot pins are found on the soft top. The only other imperfections on the car are two small areas of bubbling in the paint.
Interior
The bronze palette continues on the inside giving the car a monochromatic layout synonymous with Thunderbirds and it begins with the handsome door panels with swooping, spun metal insert that helps set the stacked colors and materials of the dashboard. The bronze vinyl bench seat with ribbed pleats is in excellent condition, sporting a small hump in the center. Even the steering wheel is bronze, accented by a chrome horn ring and column which finds its home under the arched instrument cluster backed by that spun aluminum with inset gauges all featuring a brushed nickel centerpiece. The radio is a Town and Country reproduction with AM/FM and Bluetooth capability, in line with the vent panel on that mid dash band of aluminum. The dash pad is usually the first place the sun has impact, but this one is in fantastic shape, as is the shifter on the floor, surrounded by lovely loop style carpet with tan trimming. The clean trunk wears a period plaid mat and carries a spare tire in the allotted depression.
Drivetrain
The clean and original looking bay is kept period by a reproduction battery powering the 312ci V8 rated at 280 horsepower and fueled by a 2 4-barrel carburetors. Power is routed to the Ford 9" in back with 3.10 gears via a 3-speed Ford-O-Matic transmission, while brakes are configured as front disc kit and rear drum.
Undercarriage
Super clean underneath with a big black X-frame taking center stage. Through it passes the dual exhaust with stock style muffler and resonators on its way to an epic exit through the rear bumper. Suspension is made up of coil springs in front and leaf springs in the back and our consignor states front and rear sway bar kits have been installed. We note a drop or two of oil and trans fluid underneath but it does not appear to be an active leak.
Drive-Ability
The 312 is a quick starter and we shift into Drive to fly this bird around the loop. In falconry, there's a term called "yarak" which means when a hawk is laser focused and in top condition. Well, you might want to put that on your license plate because everything about this car screams "ready to hunt" and in tip top shape. All functions afforded this personal luxury cruiser work as intended. 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.
This car will likely make the podium at every show it enters, which means everyone in the crowd gets a bronze medal, just by being in the presence of this fine example. This is a collector grade baby bird that needs nothing but a warm garage and some loving stewards. If near flawless is your goal, perch this Thunderbird in your stable and enjoy its constant, clean state of readiness.
E7FH278825
E-312ci 2x4bbl 270hp V8
7-1957
F-Dearborn, MI Assy Plant
H-Thunderbird
278825-Sequential Unit Number
WARRANTY PLATE
BODY 40-Thunderbird
COLOR QE-Thunderbird Bronze, Colonial White
TRIM XJ-Bronze
DATE 01E-May 1st
TRANS 3-Ford O MaticAXLE 1-Ford 9" 3.10
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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