Frame Off Restoration/312ci V8 Ford-O-Matic /White Hardtop

1957 Ford Thunderbird Roadster

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 ultimate suburban boulevard cruiser and get away from the kids adult middle class toy. This one comes with a hardtop with porthole, and all that 1957 styling that has now had this car come into its own. Larger fins and taillights, a new front grille, and a sporty 312ci V8. A classy, well restored two seater meant for mom and dad, and could give them some excitement without all that scary horsepower.

Exterior
A chromed egg crate grille combines with a wide front bumper that has a dip down to reveal the smile of the egg crate, and sports dual mini chromed "Dagmars" which swoop upward and curve around the front quarters. A visored single round headlight flanks the scooped hood which is long and luscious. On the front quarter panels a beautiful gleaming Thunderbird badge written in your grandmother's handwriting and a series of vertical chromed ribs which emulate venting. Just below and before the doors is an actual vent that can be operated open and closed to add some airflow to the passengers. Snazzy doors with shiny chromed handles and covered keyhole locks have the beginnings of a fin just above the door handle, which continues and grows as it streaks rearward to the back quarter panel. These panels are fixed with fender skirts that utilize a chrome trimming on their lowers and frame a wide white in each side of the rear of the car. On back are the round jet engine styled taillights and thruster bezels within them, which are topped by and angled outward fin on top. Below is a large rear bumper with protruding rectangles that house the hidden exhaust. No dings or rust on this bumper even signs of the exhaust is not there it is that well preserved and shined. The body panels are all excellent, with no rust, near perfect gaps, save for the passenger's side door, and all bathed in Star-Mist Blue. A white hardtop complete with porthole window on the B pillar is attached. Noted this car does not have the convertible top installed. As per factory codes, it would have been in tan canvas. All trimmings and window surrounds are beautifully chromed nice and mirror-like. Turbine styled wheel covers with a central spun rounded spike cover wide white tires all around.

Interior
Inside a band of aluminum trim jets from the rear top of the door panel where it thins to meet a strip which will run the length of the dash in the very center. Above there is a ribbed padded light blue dash top, and below a rounded metal bullnose which is painted light blue like the exterior. A single arch is in front of the original round light blue and chromed steering wheel and column, and this area houses circular gauges. Continuing across in the mid machined aluminum strip we see a few knobs, a new vintage looking radio, and temp and fan controls. Down below is nice blue/green carpet showing a few slight aging stains, but all well preserved. A center chromed gearshift is sitting proudly on the hump. Just behind is a 2 tone bench with white tuck and roll inserts with blue bolsters, all clean and tear free vinyl. The doors utilize some textured rectangular and flying bird pattern blue vinyl, and have toggles for the power windows, and power seat controls. A shout out to the trunk which has the checkered vinyl liner and original spare tire with the factory sticker on it.

Drivetrain
A forward flip of the scooped hood, and we are met with a wonderfully restored engine bay, and rebuilt V8. This 312ci engine has a red painted block, with ribbed cast aluminum valve covers, and a shiny round plate style air cleaner cover on top. An automatic transmission is on back.

Undercarriage
Looking underneath and it is an obvious frame off restoration as all frame and black suspension parts are just pristine. No rust, and a smooth covering of black powder coating. Power drum brakes are on all 4 corners, and all underneath is just beautifully refinished with not even a hint of rust, surface or otherwise.

Drive-Ability
After a squeeze behind the oversized original wheel, she fired right up, and idled smoothly, definitely passing the silver dollar test on the air cleaner cover. Off I went, with good acceleration, sporty handling, smooth braking, and a low rpm cruise speed. With the hardtop, the exterior noise was very minimal. All functions were in working order.

If you are in the market for a classy boulevard cruiser, a mink coat for father as the ads of the day portrayed, then leave behind the kids, and go for a cruise, or just create a one car parade on your main street, with Star-Mist Blue and white sculpted rust free steel. Overall excellent condition, and it feels like you are right back in the Ford showroom, all giddy with excitement, getting ready to write the check!

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.