Highlights
- Gorgeous ‘57 T Bird in white with two-tone interior
- Highly detailed and factory correct
- Desirable 312CI 5.1L Y-Block V8 factory model
- Lots of history, including original build sheet from Ford Dearborn
- Removable porthole hardtop plus integral mohair soft top
- Original US title included
- Comes with a spares package & American canvas car cover
The Appeal
When it comes to this gorgeous ‘57 T-Bird, it’s hard not to get carried away. Because, well, just look at it…
Finished in ice white with a matching ‘port hole’ hard top and two-tone interior, this highly detailed and beautifully presented early Bird is a reminder that in the 1950s, Europe didn’t have the market for stylish two-seaters all to itself. There is a good reason why the original Thunderbird is widely regarded as one of America’s most beautiful cars. And here it is.
This car arrived in the UK from the USA in 2017 and has had just two keepers since. The vendor acquired it last year. It is in extremely good condition. Looking very closely, you'll see the odd extremely minor imperfections, but this is a nearly 70-year-old car.
We love the detailing, like the whitewalls and the embossed T-Bird decals on the door cards, seats, and even the floor mats.
We love the detailing, like the whitewalls and the embossed T-Bird decals on the door cards, seats, and even the floor mats.
The vendor tells us that the car has been regularly serviced and the original build sheet and a VIN check confirm that it is a genuine factory 312CI Y-Block 5.1L V8. Described as factory standard except for a recent stainless steel exhaust, this is a truly fabulous example of a proper motoring legend, we’re sure you'd have to go a long way to find better.
The vendor says:
“It's a cool 1950's big block Ford and is great for wafting around in the summer.
Unusual for an American car in being a 2 seater.”
History and Paperwork
- Factory built and first registered in USA in 1957
- VIN number D7FH310715 confirms car as a factory 312CI V8
- Imported from the US in 2017
- First UK registered 1st August 2017
- Two UK keepers
- Current keeper since July 2024
- Original build sheet from Ford Dearborn
- Original US title included
- Import and registration paperwork present
- Regularly serviced and maintained beautifully
- Workshop manual and parts book included
- American canvas car cover supplied with the vehicle
- Some spares provided including original rocker boxes
The Condition
- White paintwork in very good order as shown with only minor points to note
- Bodywork presents cleanly with flush panels and well-kept panelwork
- Vendor reports that the underside is sound
- Chromework is bright and well kept with only slight tarnish to note but not unsightly
- Removable porthole hardtop in matching colour
- Folding integral mohair soft top
- Sits on steel wheels with Thunderbird hub caps and white banded tyres
- Tyres, steels and hub caps all in very good order as shown
- Gorgeous two-tone white and black interior in great condition with original features
- Door cards and seats feature T-Bird embossed logos
- Dashboard features engine-turned effect trim shown
- Switchgear and trim in very good condition as shown
- Hard top headlining is in good condition as can be checked in the photos
- Black carpets with Thunderbird-logo’d over mats as shown
- Three-spoke black-rimmed factory steering wheel
- All gauges work apart from the clock, we are told
- Tinted glass fitted
- Modern tape/radio installed with original radio also in place
- Lap belts installed
The photographs of this lovely early T-Bird really do all the talking. The white paintwork definitely suits William P Boyer’s European-infused design. The paintwork and chrome accents are all in very good condition here with only the very lightest sign of age. The same applies to the desirable ‘port hole’ hard top.
Inside is where the magic dials up a notch. The black and white interior is wonderfully detailed, including an an array of embossed T-Bird decals, an original radio and an dashboard trimmed with engine-turned-effect trim.
The Mechanics
- 5.1-litre (312 cu ins) V8 engine
- Three-speed automatic transmission
- Standard engine specification
- Recent stainless exhaust system fitted
- Reported to start easily and run well
- New battery installed
- Regularly serviced, we are told
This car was factory fitted with the larger 312CI 5.1L version of Ford’s Y-block V8, mated to a ‘Fordomatic’ 3spd automatic gearbox. The vendor tells us that the car runs and drives very well and has been regularly serviced. Recent work includes a new battery and a stainless exhaust system to dial up the aural drama. We understand that exhaust is the only variation from factory standard.
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