Good Steel/Retro Interior/312ci V8 3-Speed Auto/Excellent Driver

1957 Ford Thunderbird

The first-generation of Ford's Thunderbird were produced for the 1955 through 1957 model years, and the two-seater convertible was the first two-seat car from Ford since 1938. Thunderbird was created as competition to Chevrolet's Corvette model, which was created in response to the rising popularity of European sports cars in the U.S. In the end they went their separate ways each gaining fame in their own ways.

For consignment this is the ultimate suburban boulevard cruiser and get away from the kids adult middle class toy. This one comes with a hardtop with porthole, and a convertible soft top, and all that 1957 styling that has now had this car come into its own. Larger fins and taillights, a new front grille, a sporty original powertrain, and 10 year old resprayed paint, which shows some wear, but still retains its shine. A classy two-seater meant for mom and dad and could give them some excitement without all that scary horsepower.

Exterior
Bathed in Colonial White, exterior panels are straight and minding their gaps. Nicely preserved grille and chrome on front and back. In front a single headlight is covered with a metal visor from the front quarter. On the rear, fins emanate from the rear quarters and reach their height just above the rounded jet age taillights, leaning outward at a 45-degree angle. The rear bumper houses the exhaust on the tips and there is no tarnish or show any carbon buildup from the exhaust. A black convertible top with a mostly clear rear window is attached to the car. This top is in good condition with no rips or tears. The hardtop with a porthole window, is like new however it's a few shades darker than the Colonial White. It will come along with the car giving you 3 options. Open top motoring, convertible top up if it rains, and a hardtop for that cold weather cruise. 14-inch turbine style wheel covers are wrapped in wide whites all around and look really classy especially with the rear fender skirts.

Interior
Wide door panels are noted with rectangular embossed pattern, white vinyl on the bottoms and a black padded curved armrest. Just above is a machined aluminum panel with swirl pattern, which is sandwiched with another padded black vinyl door sill. Handles are all functional and clean and the lower white panel is scuffed and dirty. The metal machined part meets up with a curve in the dash and continues through the dash to the other door. A single upward curve is noted in front of the original steering wheel, and more machined swirl pattern aluminum is there under the upward curve, housing the instruments, which are fairly clean. A town and county radio is noted, original to the car, and all the controls for the airflow are here as well. A bench seat with clean white tuck and roll inserts, and black, smooth bolsters stretches from door to door. This bench has a manual control for the front and back. Black carpet floods the floors and is in good condition.

Drivetrain
What's the word...Thunderbird which is emblazoned on the original valve covers with raised horizontal ribs, and turquoise Thunderbird badge. A red block and supple hoses run the fuel and coolant to a correct 312ci V8 which pumps out 243 horses. On top is a single 4-barrel carburetor, and air cleaner cover that is chromed. A Ford-O-Matic 3-speed automatic is attached to the rear of this original mill, and way back for the rear axle is a 3.10 gear set.

Undercarriage
Looking good underneath with straight rust-free steel X frame, black suspension and steering parts, and clean floor pans which are also rust free. Independent coil spring suspension for the front and leaf springs for the rear suspension are duly noted. Power drum brakes are on all 4 corners, and dual cherry bomb exhaust are seen which is all clean and rust free as well.

Drive-Ability
She fired right up, and we were off to the test track after shoehorning myself in. In the late 1950's people were definitely smaller than they are now, but with the manual seat adjustment I got in. The test track yielded a smooth cruising ride, good cornering, snappy acceleration and smooth automatic shifting. The tachometer will need rebuilt as currently it was inoperable. All else worked swimmingly though.

All in all, a good condition car with a few faults on the paint from 10 years ago but really nice, off color hardtop and a convertible are 2 nice options to have. The interior is well done on the seats, and the doors could use a bit of TLC, but certainly not offensive. The engine bay and engine are cleanly restored and numbers matching. Plenty of bling 1957 style to go around on this beauty.

VIN DECODE
D7FH125452
D-312ci V8 4bbl 245hp
7-1957
F-Dearborn, MI Assy Plant
H-Thunderbird
125452-Sequential Unit Number

WARRANTY TAG
BODY 40-Thunderbird
COLOR EE-Colonial White
TRIM XA-Black & White Vinyl
PROD CODE 19K-October 19th Build

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.