Somehow the collector car world never gets tired of the 2-seater Ford Thunderbird. They bring smiles to the faces of everyone who sees them, hey're wonderful to drive, nd are the stars of every car show they attend. So why not take this pretty 1957 'Bird home and find out what all the fuss is about?The bright Colonial White may remind you of Suzanne Sommers in "American Graffiti" and paired with the red and white interior, t's a look that has always been in fashion and always will be. Bodywork is nicely done, ood enough to show with pride at the local cruise night, ut not so over-restored that you pack it in when the sun goes behind a cloud. I'm especially impressed by how well the fender skirts fit, hich is often a problem area on these cars, nd with the fuel filler door moving to the quarter panel, he deck lid fits well and doesn't leak into the trunk. Clearly a good amount of cash was tied up in the chrome work, ncluding the front grille and the unique rear bumper with exhaust openings under the jet-like taillights. If there's a more pure statement of 1950s style, don't know what it might be.Inside, he bright red upholstery is both sporty and elegant, xactly the way Ford designers intended for their personal luxury roadster. Recent seat covers dress up the bench seat using the original ribbed pattern, nd darker red carpets have been piped in matching red vinyl. The dash offers an engine-turned face that was the standard high-performance look in decades past, rapping into the door panels that are simply gorgeous. Accessories include power windows, power seat, nd a Town and Country AM radio that still works like it should. The gauges appear to be in good original condition and seat belts were added for safety at some point along the way. Interestingly enough, hen you bought a Thunderbird new in 1957, ou could get either a hardtop or a soft top at no extra charge, ut both tops was optional. As a result, his one has the lift-off hardtop, hich gives it a practical, ll-weather utility but there is no soft top behind the seat. And since the spare tire moved back inside for 1957, he trunk is finished with matching dark red carpets, full-sized spare tire, nd jack assembly.In 1957, he Thunderbird was running 312 cubic inches in the Y-block V8 and making a cool 245 horsepower with a 4-barrel carburetor. That chrome air cleaner inhales through the functional hood scoop, n early version of ram air, nd the finned valve covers that were part of the dress-up package are still some of the best-looking ever made. It's pretty original under the hood, o don't expect perfection, ut an engine doesn't have to be pretty to be a joy to drive, nd this one runs quite well. You'll note both power steering and power brakes are included, o it's easy to drive, nd there's plenty of evidence of careful maintenance throughout the years, ven if it's a bit dirty. The transmission is a 3-speed Ford-O-Matic automatic linked to highway-friendly gears in the rear axle. Original steel wheels wear factory hubcaps and a set of newer 205/70/14 whitewall radials.The Thunderbird is one of those rare cars that can be purchased, njoyed, nd later sold for about the same money. How many other cars can you enjoy practically for free? Call today!
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