1957 Ford Thunderbird Convertible
"By the time the 1957 Thunderbird rolled off the assembly line, interior styling had evolved even further. The dashboard received a modernized layout, with ergonomic controls and a revised instrument cluster for improved visibility. Upscale features such as power windows, air conditioning, and a telescopic steering wheel were offered as optional extras, catering to buyers seeking the ultimate in comfort and convenience." Thx potomacbird.com
For consignment, a 1957 Ford Thunderbird showing 2,734 miles which are not actual since the speedometer was reset following a restoration. Our consignor emphatically states that this car has always been garaged and has never seen bad weather, reserved for a few special drives per year. Upkeep has been documented and the car comes with a series of service manuals and parts catalogs.
Exterior
This bird is dressed in Colonial White and presents in an elegant hue that blends well with polished metal components and looks especially nice with the wide white wall tires and hubcaps on 14-inch wheels. Points for elegance are awarded for the matching removable hardtop with porthole windows, and for the fender skirts complete with polished gravel guards. The rear bumper protrudes past the fin topped round tail lights, and harbors oval ports for exhaust extraction, a spectacular design cue on a car filled with spectacular design cues. Take those faux fender vent trim pieces that ride high and along with the scripted Thunderbird emblem, seem to complete the profile of the car which would somehow look odd without them. The well defined shoulder line is carved into the top of the door which has a well rounded door edge, a more subtle design element but once you see it, you can't unsee it. Overall, the paint is fantastic and matched by the metalwork. Imperfections include some bubbling and missing paint down low.
Interior
Classic red on the inside where the Thunderbird eagle is embossed on the door panels providing a bit of an Easter egg feature, while machined metal inserts on the door are bordered by 50's era trim pieces, bold, metal spears that ride the edge. In true Thunderbird fashion, the configuration of the door panels is continued onto the dash in a flowing congruence of materials, colors, and textures that is simply rolling art. Our red tuck and roll patterned vinyl bench seat here is in great shape and so is the red steering wheel that fronts the classic dash that lays out gauges under an arched dash pad and even that contains decorative trim. A push button AM radio is in the center along with the vent controls with levers that resemble miniature shifters, and as we gaze at the actual shifter, which is floor mounted, we see the similarity. Red loop carpet keeps that energetic color flowing below and Thunderbird rubber mats are there to protect. The headliner of the removable top has some discoloration and a few tears.
Drivetrain
Driver quality but clean in appearance, the 312ci V8 is rated at 245 horsepower which is a robust number and fuel is delivered via a 4-barrel carburetor. The famous Ford-O-Matic 3-speed automatic transmission is on board and sends power to the Ford 9" in back with 3.10 gears. Drum brakes are found front and rear. Things that have received attention in the past few years include the radiator, thermostat, and hoses, the starter solenoid, the horns, and the battery.
Undercarriage
Driver quality here as well with surface rust, residual oil on the frame and rear differential, and some evidence of past invasive rust on the inner rocker panels and these areas appear to have been encapsulated which has slowed or stopped the progression of rust. Dual exhaust flows over the X-frame and encounters stock style mufflers before heading out back. Suspension consists of coil springs in front and leaf springs in rear.
Drive-Ability
The 312 soars to life and this bird takes off, onto the test loop where it provides good power with a good running engine, decent tracking, nice handling, and the braking works as it should. Our consignor notes the tires are old and recommends replacing them. We note the clock and radio are not working but are pleased to find all other functions are working. 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.
Classic Auto Mall is quickly becoming your go to source for Thunderbirds of every generation and these baby birds are iconic classics! White over red is a stunning representation of the model and this well sorted example leans towards elegance as much as it does sportiness. If you've recently taken up birdwatching with the intent of bringing one home, put this one in your scope. And yes, the early bird truly does get the worm, so don't stay perched if this car is of interest.
D7FH394779
D-312ci 4bbl 245hp V8
7-1957
F-Dearborn, MI Assy Plant
H-Thunderbird
394779-Sequential Unit Number
WARRANTY PLATE
BODY 40-Thunderbird
COLOR XE6-Dusk Rose, Colonial White
TRIM XA-Raven Black, Colonial White
DATE 09Y-November 9th
TRANS 3-Ford O Matic
AXLE 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.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy listening. You can also watch on YouTube!
