WORLD CLASS RESTORATION - POWER WINDOWS, SEAT, BRAKES, BOTH TOPS - 122 PHOTOS
Condition: | Used |
Make: | Ford |
Model: | Thunderbird |
Type: | Convertible |
Trim: | OWNED 23 YRS, FORD POLARAIRE A/C & FACTORY INVOICE |
Year: | 1957 |
Mileage: | 5,900 |
VIN: | D7FH309622 |
Color: | Red |
Engine: | 312 V8 |
Cylinders: | 8 |
Transmission: | Ford-O-Matic Drive |
Vehicle Title: | Clear |
Item location: | Miami, Florida, United States |
Extras |
Air Conditioning, Power Windows, Power Seats |
Listed by |
Private seller |
Description of 1957 Ford Thunderbird OWNED 23 YRS, FORD POLARAIRE A/C & FACTORY INVOICE |
SCROLL BELOW FOR122INCREDIBLE PHOTOS! 1957 Ford Thunderbird Roadster Only 3 Owners in 62 Years In MY Garage Last 23 Years! Try to Find a Nicer One! I am a car lover and collector, not a dealer. This car is titled inmy name. The description is mine, not that of a third party. This 1957 Ford Thunderbird Convertible, ID# D7FH309622, was manufactured at Ford's Dearborn assembly plant on June 10th, 1957and wasdelivered to Bill Austin Ford, Inc. in Miami, Florida.It was purchased new by Eastern Airlines Captain Robert H. Klein (died 1985), who owned and maintained the car in Miami for the next 7years.CaptainKlein sold the car in 1964 to another Eastern Airlines Pilot, Captain E.P. (Ed) Rordam (died 1994) ofMiami, FL.Rordam and his wife, Mae, kept the car for the next 31 years. I purchased it from Mrs. Rordam in 1995 and have enjoyed and maintained it ever since. The Rordams kept and gave to me records and documentation representing their entire 31 year ownership. In addition tokeeping records ofregular service and maintenance, Captain Rordam also kept the original 1957 Thunderbird owner's manual an original 1957 Thunderbird brochure. The Rordams had maintenance records on the car dating back to the early 1960's. While the car was rust-free and in excellent condition when I bought it in 1995, I decided to restore it to show car condition shortly after my purchase. I began an intensive world class restoration. This car has never been out of South Florida, thus it has never been subjected to bad roads, salt or snow.Nevertheless,it was disassembled,stripped and repainted in its original Flame Red and Colonial White (hardtop) factory colors. In addition, When the body and paint work were completed, I shipped the car to Dick Metts in Titusville, FL, who did all the interior and coach work. Dick was known around the country for his superior interior workmanship. He also custom fitted a brand new white convertible top to the existing top frame. Everything was done with meticulous detail to original factory specifications.The original 312 cubic Inch V8 and the original Ford-O-Matic automatic transmission were also rebuilt to factory specs.During the restoration process, I chose to add correct and original Ford Factory power windows and power seat. I also had the original Signal Seek AM Radio converted to an AM-FM radio. It's a hiddenconversion, so everything looks stock. The true test of any restoration is not what the car looks like when it is restored, BUT what it looks like 20+ years later!This car looks today almost exactly like it came out of the restoration shop.This vehicle is rust-free, having spent it's entire life garaged in Miami. To view it today, 20 plus years AFTER being restored, is a testamentto the quality of the restoration work.The shop that did the work (A-Auto Tech of Coral Gables) is still in operation today and has done several more of my cars over the years. Paint is still magnificent, far better than what the factory ever produced, with a shine so deep you feel as if you could 'dive' right into it.The pure white convertible top is like brand new and the correct interior shows almost no wear. The original factory invoice, which comes with this car, shows an MSRP of $3,048.68, which included the optional Town and Country Signal Seek Radio and Ford-O-Matic Transmission as well as the factory telescopic steering wheel. I was lucky enough to be able to obtain this original factory invoiceshortly after my purchase (please see photo). In 1957, Ford did not offer FACTORY air conditioning for the Thunderbird. As a factory option, A/C was only available for Ford's full size passenger cars. However, Ford Polar-Aire Conditioning WAS a available as a DEALER installed option, and the original owner, Robert Klein, haditinstalled by Bill Austin Fordfollowinghis purchase.I am a 30 year member and 7-term past President of the AACA (Antique Automobile Club of America - South Florida Chapter). In all my years judging classic cars, I have never seen another '57 Thunderbird with original Ford Polar-Aire Conditioning. This is truly a 'rare bird!' As you browse the122 photos of this gorgeous and rare Thunderbird, remember that it is not a trailer queen. When I attend a show, I drive to the show. I personally have driven this T-Bird a little more than 5,900 miles since its restoration. The car is riding on correct BF Goodrich bias ply white wall tires, which were purchased and installed at the time of restoration.FYI, both tops were included in the restoration and are included in the sale. The Hardtop is kept covered and garaged, but I haven't re-installed it since the car was restored. Too much of a hassle, plus there's no need. I like the looks of the car more with the convertible top up :-) Final notes: The car starts right up every time, runs well and shifts perfectly. Everything works at it should - power windows, power seat, radio, etc. Yes, even the clock works! The original AC blowsICE COLDand still runs on the original R-12 Freon. Questions? PLEASE CALL ME: BOB MAYER 305-389-7666 or message me through ebay's system CHECK MY EXCELLENT FEEDBACK AND BID WITH CONFIDENCE! PLEASE NOTE: ***IF YOU WANT TO HAVE THE CAR INSPECTED, PLEASE DO SO BEFORE THE AUCTION ENDS! *** VEHICLE INSPECTION: Arranging for an independent third-party inspection is a great way to validate a seller's claims about a vehicle's condition. TERMS OF AUCTION: SHIPPING: Please don't hesitate to ask questions. You can e-mail any questions through eBay's message system or contact me directly by phone or email Call 305-389-7666 Or message me through eBay's system 1957 THUNDERBIRD ROADSTER - BOTH TOPS PLUS A/C AND ORIGINAL FACTORY INVOICEclick to enlarge |