Ford Thunderbird 1957

39000 USD

CAR DESCRIPTION FROM SELLER
The 1957 Ford Thunderbird convertible attracts more collectors and increases in value with every passing year. Introduced in 1955, Ford marketed the T-Bird as an upscale competitor to Chevy’s Corvette and to recently imported European two-seat model American liked. Although T-Bird models produced in 1955 and 1956 were popular, Ford reworked the 1957 to capture a larger share of the two-seat market. For the 1957 model, the designers adopted an aggressive look that put the T-Bird’s body design in a class by itself. New sweeping body panels (the 1957 stretched 6.1 inches longer than the 1956) ended with enlarged,round tail lights resembling the intakes on jet engines. On these lights, Ford placed chromed round bezels that reinforced the resemblance to jet turbines. Ford accentuated the rear fenders with fins that angled up and outward as would wings on a rocket. On the sides of the removable hardtop, Ford installed rocket ship inspired portholes. Also, the front bumper was reshaped, the grill was enlarged, and the rear bumper was re-imagined. In the interior, the instrument panel was seriously updated. Round gauges were placed in a machined aluminium dash that reached door to door and looked like a cockpit from a military aircraft. Single-color interiors complimented the new streamlined exteriors. With its new taillights,fins,portholes and aerodynamic silhouette, the 1957 T-Bird became far more desirable than its predecessors. In fact, the increased sales numbers made the 1957 one of the most storied nameplates in Ford’s history. The allure of the 1957 T-Bird continues to grow because of its scarcity. Only 21,380 T-Birds were made that year, and many are already off the road. As it improved the T-Bird's design, in 1957 Ford improved the T-Bird's engineering by making it a serious performance car. The 1957 became the most powerful T-Bird when Ford equipped it with a 5.1-liter V-8 engine. This car's engine, easily identified as a D Code model because of the letter "D" at the beginning of the VIN number, was powered by the now iconic 312 cubic-inch, stout Y-Block, OHV V8 that produced 245 horsepower. This engine became iconic because its reliability. Ford keep this V8 as a high-end option well into the mid-1970s. To support the added ponies, Ford outfitted the 1957 with improved hydraulic drum brakes, revised spring rates, and chassis cross members that were stiffer than in the 1955 and 1956 models. The suspension was independent upfront with unequal A-arms and coil springs while a live axle resided at the rear with semi-elliptic leaf springs. Connecting the engine to the differential is the 1957 version of Ford's first automatic transmission which was referred to as the Ford-O-Matic. This transmission was designed by Borg-Warner and would become the platform from which many later model automatic transmissions would evolve. This 1957 T-Bird retains its original heritage—the hallmark of valuable T-Birds. Although it was not restored, its owners maintained it well. For most of its life it was garage kept. And, it was driven infrequently. When the current owner added it to his collection in 2003 and Virginia issued the Antique Vehicle license tag.s, the odometer read 73,609 miles. Today and 17 years later, the odometer reads 79,727 miles. The current owner drove it less than 360 miles a year. The car’s appearance shows it was carefully maintained. Even though it is 63 years new, the chrome bumpers are original, as are the Thunderbird hubcaps, and almost all the chrome on the body. The grill shows badges from membership in the International Classic Thunderbird Club and the car's participation in the Golden Jubilee event of the Antique Automotive Club of America. The car was entirely repaired in about 2001. Repainting saved the surface of the car. Ford painted its early T-Birds with lacquer and, after about 20 years, all T-Birds developed check marks on the paint. Repainting this T-Bird in its original color Torch Red helped preserve this T-Bird’s body. The back quarter panels are fitted with the original fender skirts that have chrome trim. The remainder of this T-Bird looks as would a well maintain original car in any private collection. The engine block is still the original red color, the round chrome cover to the carburetor shines, and the artfully finned Thunderbird valve covers are topped with Ford’s Thunderbird trademark design. The inside of the trunk was recovered with the same sporty plaid fabric found in the car when it was new. The 1957 trim lines are highlighted by newer wide whitewall tires, like those that came on the car. This convertible comes with two tops: the optional factory hardtop painted Colonial White that is decorated with the optional factory portholes. And, it has a black convertible soft top,that needs repair or possibly replacement. The interior—believed original—has very little wear and still looks amazing,including the Ford emblems, instrument trim, door handles, etc. Overall the style is sporty because of the machine-turned, aluminum dash panels. Also, it has both wing windows. One was cracked. Even so, it is an amazing 50’s interior that shows incredibly well. In the center of the dash sits the original Town and Country, push button styled AM radio. The red bench seat is draped with pleated Colonial Vinyl. And this car has power steering, power brakes, an electronic ignition, and a transmission cooler, features that were new and unusual in 1957.In the words of a Thunderbird connoisseur and expert, Dan Jedlicka, it is often impossible to match an original. Terms of SaleThe asking price of this car was reduced recently. This vehicle is being sold as is,where is with no warranty, expressed written or implied. The seller nor any other individual associated with the sale of this vehicle shall not be responsible for the correct description, authenticity, genuineness, or defects herein, and makes no warranty in connection therewith. No allowance or set aside will be made on account of any incorrectness, imperfection, defect or damage. Any descriptions or representations are for identification purposes only and are not to be construed as a warranty of any type. It is the responsibility of the buyer to have thoroughly inspected the vehicle and to have satisfied himself or herself as to the condition and value and to bid based upon that judgment solely. The seller shall and will make every reasonable effort to disclose any known defects associated with this vehicle at the buyer's request prior to the close of sale. Seller assumes no responsibility for any repairs regardless of any oral statements about the vehicle. Documentation on the Thunderbird includes the original owner’s manualBuyers are responsible for transferring and paying their own State tax, title, and license. Buyers from out of State are responsible for registering the vehicle in their home state within 15 Days of Purchase.

CAR DESCRIPTION FROM SELLER

The 1957 Ford Thunderbird convertible attracts more collectors and increases in value with every passing year. Introduced in 1955, Ford marketed the T-Bird as an upscale competitor to Chevy’s Corvette and to recently imported European two-seat model American liked. Although T-Bird models produced in 1955 and 1956 were popular, Ford reworked the 1957 to capture a larger share of the two-seat market. For the 1957 model, the designers adopted an aggressive look that put the T-Bird’s body design in a class by itself. New sweeping body panels (the 1957 stretched 6.1 inches longer than the 1956) ended with enlarged,round tail lights resembling the intakes on jet engines. On these lights, Ford placed chromed round bezels that reinforced the resemblance to jet turbines. Ford accentuated the rear fenders with fins that angled up and outward as would wings on a rocket. On the sides of the removable hardtop, Ford installed rocket ship inspired portholes. Also, the front bumper was reshaped, the grill was enlarged, and the rear bumper was re-imagined. In the interior, the instrument panel was seriously updated. Round gauges were placed in a machined aluminium dash that reached door to door and looked like a cockpit from a military aircraft. Single-color interiors complimented the new streamlined exteriors. With its new taillights,fins,portholes and aerodynamic silhouette, the 1957 T-Bird became far more desirable than its predecessors. In fact, the increased sales numbers made the 1957 one of the most storied nameplates in Ford’s history. The allure of the 1957 T-Bird continues to grow because of its scarcity. Only 21,380 T-Birds were made that year, and many are already off the road. As it improved the T-Bird's design, in 1957 Ford improved the T-Bird's engineering by making it a serious performance car. The 1957 became the most powerful T-Bird when Ford equipped it with a 5.1-liter V-8 engine. This car's engine, easily identified as a D Code model because of the letter "D" at the beginning of the VIN number, was powered by the now iconic 312 cubic-inch, stout Y-Block, OHV V8 that produced 245 horsepower. This engine became iconic because its reliability. Ford keep this V8 as a high-end option well into the mid-1970s. To support the added ponies, Ford outfitted the 1957 with improved hydraulic drum brakes, revised spring rates, and chassis cross members that were stiffer than in the 1955 and 1956 models. The suspension was independent upfront with unequal A-arms and coil springs while a live axle resided at the rear with semi-elliptic leaf springs. Connecting the engine to the differential is the 1957 version of Ford's first automatic transmission which was referred to as the Ford-O-Matic. This transmission was designed by Borg-Warner and would become the platform from which many later model automatic transmissions would evolve. This 1957 T-Bird retains its original heritage—the hallmark of valuable T-Birds. Although it was not restored, its owners maintained it well. For most of its life it was garage kept. And, it was driven infrequently. When the current owner added it to his collection in 2003 and Virginia issued the Antique Vehicle license tag.s, the odometer read 73,609 miles. Today and 17 years later, the odometer reads 79,727 miles. The current owner drove it less than 360 miles a year. The car’s appearance shows it was carefully maintained. Even though it is 63 years new, the chrome bumpers are original, as are the Thunderbird hubcaps, and almost all the chrome on the body. The grill shows badges from membership in the International Classic Thunderbird Club and the car's participation in the Golden Jubilee event of the Antique Automotive Club of America. The car was entirely repaired in about 2001. Repainting saved the surface of the car. Ford painted its early T-Birds with lacquer and, after about 20 years, all T-Birds developed check marks on the paint. Repainting this T-Bird in its original color Torch Red helped preserve this T-Bird’s body. The back quarter panels are fitted with the original fender skirts that have chrome trim. The remainder of this T-Bird looks as would a well maintain original car in any private collection. The engine block is still the original red color, the round chrome cover to the carburetor shines, and the artfully finned Thunderbird valve covers are topped with Ford’s Thunderbird trademark design. The inside of the trunk was recovered with the same sporty plaid fabric found in the car when it was new. The 1957 trim lines are highlighted by newer wide whitewall tires, like those that came on the car. This convertible comes with two tops: the optional factory hardtop painted Colonial White that is decorated with the optional factory portholes. And, it has a black convertible soft top,that needs repair or possibly replacement. The interior—believed original—has very little wear and still looks amazing,including the Ford emblems, instrument trim, door handles, etc. Overall the style is sporty because of the machine-turned, aluminum dash panels. Also, it has both wing windows. One was cracked. Even so, it is an amazing 50’s interior that shows incredibly well. In the center of the dash sits the original Town and Country, push button styled AM radio. The red bench seat is draped with pleated Colonial Vinyl. And this car has power steering, power brakes, an electronic ignition, and a transmission cooler, features that were new and unusual in 1957.In the words of a Thunderbird connoisseur and expert, Dan Jedlicka, it is often impossible to match an original. Terms of SaleThe asking price of this car was reduced recently. This vehicle is being sold as is,where is with no warranty, expressed written or implied. The seller nor any other individual associated with the sale of this vehicle shall not be responsible for the correct description, authenticity, genuineness, or defects herein, and makes no warranty in connection therewith. No allowance or set aside will be made on account of any incorrectness, imperfection, defect or damage. Any descriptions or representations are for identification purposes only and are not to be construed as a warranty of any type. It is the responsibility of the buyer to have thoroughly inspected the vehicle and to have satisfied himself or herself as to the condition and value and to bid based upon that judgment solely. The seller shall and will make every reasonable effort to disclose any known defects associated with this vehicle at the buyer's request prior to the close of sale. Seller assumes no responsibility for any repairs regardless of any oral statements about the vehicle. Documentation on the Thunderbird includes the original owner’s manualBuyers are responsible for transferring and paying their own State tax, title, and license. Buyers from out of State are responsible for registering the vehicle in their home state within 15 Days of Purchase.

BASIC CAR INFORMATION
Price:	39000 USD
Make:	Ford
Model:	Thunderbird
Year:	1957
Mileage:	79727 MI
Engine:	Factory 312 cubic inch factory V8
Transmission:	Automatic
Warranty:	Vehicle does NOT have an existing warranty

CONTACT SELLER

Ford Thunderbird 1957

See also

1978 Toyota Land Cruiser

1964 Pontiac Catalina

1930 Dodge Custom

1963 Chevrolet Impala