Description
1957 Ford Thunderbird Convertible The 1955-57 two seat Ford Thunderbird is among the most recognized iconic American cars. It's been put in television shows, movies and print advertisements, not to mention being pictured on a U. S. postage stamp. The mass media has often mistakenly called any sporty looking car, such as the Ford Mustang, a "sports car". It's given the 1955-57 Thunderbird the same description, although Ford stressed from the get go that its new baby was a "personal car". Ford knew that the sports cars market was very limited and that calling the Thunderbird a "personal car" would give it much broader appeal. For consignment, a 1957 Ford Thunderbird convertible showing 88, 361 non-actual miles. This is a two owner car, owned by our consignor since 1963! 1957 saw Ford add some extra options including power which this one has, a 312ci for this garage kept example in arrest me red. ExteriorIconic white on red adorn this car with Flame Red paint on the body and both a white soft top and white accessory hard top included with the car. These colors are picked up by the shoes, in this case wide white walls on 14-inch red rimmed wheels and polished ribbed wheel covers. And those shiny hubcaps are matched by a modest gravel guard on the fender skirt, trim suggesting a vent on the fenders, the bold window trim, and the wrap-around chrome bumpers. The wonderful grated grille is flanked by headlights that wear a brow of red in front of a center hood scoop, a design that will still look good 100 years from now. Out back, jet age takes over with exhaust that exit through holes in the bumper and afterburner tail lights rimmed in rocket like trim. The turquoise Thunderbird emblem is perched on the front and the back and side travelers will see Thubderbird in script, so there's no mistaking this car! The soft top is dirty but intact and imperfections in the paint include some sandpaper like texture in several spots, bubbling, flaking rust on lower edges, and a sizable scratch down low. InteriorWhile the exterior is immediately recognizable and touted by the general public, it's the interior that we're continually impressed with as materials and design go from the door panels directly to the dash, wrapping the aluminum panels and padded red vinyl almost seamlessly to the front. The panels themselves look good but the door jambs would benefit from some further detailing. A red bench seat has tuck and roll patterned pleats, a bit of compression on the driver's side, but in otherwise great shape, facing a red steering wheel with horn ring over its three spokes with the top gap framing an arched instrument cluster, spun aluminum bleeding over from the doors, and round gauges arranged symmetrically. Black knobs and an ** radio flow right along with the vent control panel that overlaps the passenger side of the cozy cabin. A simple shifter rises from the floor, black knob and black rubber boot surrounding a chrome shaft, all over red loop carpet in fine condition with some wear and staining in spots. We also note a tear in the white perforated headliner of the hardtop. DrivetrainA relatively clean engine bay houses the 312ci V8, rated at 245 horsepower and fueled by a 4-barrel carburetor. It's mated to a 3-speed manual with overdrive, sending power true sports style to the Ford 9” in back with 3. 70 gears. Drum brakes are supplied to the front and rear wheels. UndercarriagePatina and surface rust abounds on the underside but structurally the car appears unharmed. We note some oil on the rear differential and under engine pans as well as a buildup of grime on the knuckles. Beyond that, just the typical appearance of usage. Dual exhaust moves through the X-frame with stock style mufflers and resonators, finally finding their way to the back, meeting the gaps intended for their entry on the bumper. Suspension consists of coil springs up front and leaf springs in the back. We note some surface rust on the bottom of each door. Drive-AbilityAs the purveyor of fine Thunderbirds, we never miss the opportunity to take one for spin on our test loop where this one does not disappoint, providing good power from the 312 and a nice, upright sitting position which allows for good visibility during controlled turns, stops, and acceleration. Every box for functionality is checked and it's time for this bird to join the flock in the mall. 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. Look up classic car in the dictionary and you may very well find a photo of a 1957 Ford Thunderbird. It is without a doubt, one of the most iconic American two seater classic cars in history. So much so that there's a long list of celebrities who have coveted their own 50's Thunderbird. According to the Vintage Thunderbird Club's website, the list includes Doris Day, Natalie Wood, Jack Lemmon, Vic Damone, Bing Crosby, Conway...
