Description
The Ford Thunderbird was a child of inspiration conceived when chief of Ford styling George Walker and former GM executive Lewis Crisco strolled by Grand Palais in Paris to witness European automotive aesthetics. Soon after the Thunderbird was born to display a simple yet sophisticated body design over advanced American engineering and craftsmanship. Even before deliveries begun, it was perceived as a cultural icon to soon establish a special progeny of ‘personal luxury automobiles’. In 1957 the third and last edition of the original 2-seater Thunderbird was unveiled that featured a revised exterior, interior and a series of comfort and performance oriented engine features.
The Thunderbird offered was produced in January of 1957 equipped with a series of options including Special V-8 312 CID engine of 245 bhp and 450 Nm output, Ford-O Matic 3 speed automatic transmission, Master Guide power steering, Swift Sure power brakes and Volumatic Signal-Seek radio. While in California it was cosmetically restored to most refined and rare pearlescent white over all white leather interior. In February of this year it benefited from a series of maintenance repairs including full engine service replacing the cylinder head and exhaust manifold gaskets, and the fuel pump. The carburettors, the brakes and the alternator were overhauled. It is now offered in excellent condition throughout in most visually remarkable color combination.
Model year: 1957
Make: Ford
Model: Thunderbird
Chassis number: D7FH195711
Vehicle code number: 40 QE XJ 18A320226P
Assembly plant / dealer: Dearborn / Cleveland
Engine type: Special V-8, 312 CID, 5115 cc, Y-block, OHV, V8, 9. 7:1 compression ratio, Holley 4-barrel carburetted, 245 bhp at 4500 rpm and 450 Nm at 3200 rpm
Transmission type: Ford-O Matic Borg Warner 3-speed automatic
Exterior color: White Platinum Pearl
Hardtop color: White Platinum Pearl
Interior color, trim: White with pleated White, leather (‘All White’)
Soft top color: Black
Special options:
- Thunderbird 312 Special V-8 engine
- Ford-O-Matic Drive
- White side wall tires
- Wire Wheel Covers
- Engine Dress-Up kit
- Volumatic Signal Seek Radio
- Swift Sure power brakes
- MagicAire Heater
- Master Guide Power Steering
- Convertible Fabric Top with Glass Fibre Hardtop
Retrofits:
Classic Auto Air air conditioning
Standard equipment:
- Y-block Ford V8 motor
- 3-Speed conventional drive
- Dual Exhausts
- Variable Intensity Illuminated Control Knobs
- Automatic Courtesy Light on Instrument Panel
- In and Out Adjustable Telescopic Steering Wheel
- Electric Clock with Sweep Second Hand
- Exterior Rear View Mirror on Driver’s Door
- Cowl Side Vents
- Glass Wind Deflectors
1957 model year features:
- 14 inch wheels
- Revised exterior design (doors, rear panels, bumpers and tail lamps)
- Revised interior design (instrument panel, seats and door cards)
- ’Lifeguard Design’ driver’s door decal
- Reinforced door hinges
Documents:
- Federation Internationale Des Vehicules Anciens Identity Card
- Federation Internationale Des Vehicules Anciens Registration Certificate
