For sale is a professionally restored (fully documented) matching-numbers "D" code 1957 Ford Thunderbird convertible with original California black plate in Thunderbird Bronze paint with Colonial White Top. Never painted; the paint is as it left the factory 63 years ago. Odometer is showing 92,840. Miles are original and has not turned. Not a single dent on body and zero rust on body or frame. The body is perfect. The chrome looks beautiful and shiny with no rust or pitting. A Southern California original car from day one when it was sold in October 1956. It has power windows, power brakes, and power steering. It has only had two owners and has been owned by the same family since 1959. It has been passed on from one generation to the next. It was built on October 20, 1956 in Dearborn, Michigan and shipped to City Motors Ford in National City, CA (later renamed Colonial Ford in the late 1960s). It has resided inside a garage with a car cover to protect its interior/exterior and bumper chrome throughout its life, being driven only occasionally in dry Southern California weather. The dealer it was sold to is documented in the original 1956 sales invoice showing the options breakdown which I will provide the new owner. Total sales price in 1956 for this car was $3,305.70 including dealer charges.This is a “D” code car that has a 312 CID V8 245 hp engine with Ford-O-Matic automatic 3-speed transmission. The engine and transmission are “matching numbers” and are the ones that came originally with the car and have never been swapped out. This t-bird is immediately ready for long distance trips and drives. It was just driven from the San Diego area to Los Angeles two weeks ago, 140 miles, without any problems. It is without the porthole option in the hardtop and has the T-bird insignia in its place, which matches the insignia on the steering wheel.In 2012 it underwent a documented $11k+ professional restoration by Hilltop Classics in Escondido, CA. There is a huge amount of work that was done inside and out, with a parts and labor list that is several pages long. The fuel system from the tank to the carburetor was rebuilt. The cooling system was rebuilt. The seats were re-upholstered including new foam, and completed to factory original specs and colors. The interior dash padding was replaced during restore to factory original spec and color. Too many things to list, but I have the paperwork showing what was done. There are two documented functional improvement modifications done to it during this restoration; front drum brakes were converted to disc brakes and the neutral safety switch was modified to allow for it to start in park, instead of neutral. Lap belts were also been added for safety. During the restoration a new exhaust was installed along with muffler and new rear tail pipes, a new fuel tank, new fuel pump, new radiator, and a large amount of other work done. All of this work is documented and split into parts/labor costs.Due to the condition of the paint and body, a frame-off restoration was not needed and work was left to mechanical and interior work. The chrome bumpers look wonderful and are very shiny with no rust or pitting anywhere. The interior code on the firewall plate matches both the interior (white) and the exterior bronze color. All the original equipment works with the exception of the original Town & Country radio and the clock. In addition to the sales invoice and the restoration documentation and receipts, I will also include the original owner’s handbook/manual. Also included is the original key set with the Thunderbird logo engraved on each key. Includes original tonneau cover with original pocket which the cover folds into. This cover goes over the entire interior of the car to protect it in case of poor weather. Also included is a custom car cover which fits tightly over the body. Also included is a hardback full color book on the history of the Thunderbird.No solicitations please - I don't need assistance selling. |