1957 Ford Thunderbird Convertible

Description

With soldiers returning home from the Second World War desiring a sporty European style of automobile, both Ford and General Motors quickly started plans to design and manufacture one. While General Motors was first to introduce the Corvette, Ford would soon follow, introducing the Thunderbird in 1955. Ford referred to it as ‘the brainchild of two men’, Louis D. Crusoe and George Walker who first sold the Blue Oval on the idea of a ‘true Ford sports car.’ The final year of the sleek ‘Baby Bird’ generation, 1957 models were offered with a redesigned front fascia, along with more pronounced rear fins to accentuate the curb appeal of this classic sports car. This attractive styling was paired with a selection of V8 power plants, both of which helped the Thunderbird vastly outsell the Corvette in the 1950s before the model name would live on through eleven generations.

Highlights

• An older restoration done to a very high standard, including attention from marque specialists Minter’s Thunderbirds of Dallas, Texas prior to acquisition by the current owner

• The final, most popular year of ‘Baby Bird’ generation, powered by a 312 cu-in V8 complete with engine dress up kit

• Beautiful exterior styling finished in a Colonial White paint job complimented by wire wheels with optional rear fender skirts

• Striking Flame Red interior with Dial-O-Matic four-way power seats and dashboard clock

• Well documented maintenance records from current ownership detailing thorough servicing including fresh engine oil, and coolant within the last 300 miles

• Retains original Ford sales order showing original delivery to southern California

• Well preserved since restoration and carefully exercised under current ownership, this Thunderbird is offered with the five-digit odometer currently showing 5,221 miles at the time of cataloging

Features

• Ford-O-Matic automatic transmission

• Four-way power bench seat

• Ford Master Glide power steering

• Ford Swift Sure power brakes

• Optional heater with defroster

• Power windows with manual front vent windows

• Air conditioning unit installed by Minters, fully functional and cold with Sanden compressor

• Optional Ford reverse light

• Equipped with trans-neutral starting switch

• Burtex trunk liner

• High efficiency aluminum radiator with parade fan

• Upgraded AM/FM radio

• Battery cut-off switch

• Upgraded lower fan shroud with smaller water pump pulley

• American Classic radial white wall tires

Known Flaws

• Small corner of the driver side dashboard vinyl was noted as loose

• Minor paint imperfection on lower passenger side quarter panel, it is believed to have been caused from gasoline spillage which should be noted is only a small visual imperfection and not a structural issue within the body.

• Small hairline crack noted on the paint on the hood of the vehicle by the hood scoop

Included

• Removable porthole hardtop

• Red interior tonneau cover

• Brand new replacement black soft top

• Original Town and Country radio

• Matching wire spare wheel with jack and lug wrench

• Ford Thunderbird shop manual

Previous Ownership History

Originally delivered new to Marino Motors in Southern California, this Thunderbird was acquired by the current owner in 2007 from a collector in Arizona after the vehicle was previously sold by Minter’s Thunderbirds in the early 2000s.

Additional Notes

A Broad Arrow Group Car Specialist is working as an agent on behalf of the owner for this vehicle.

Contact: Harrison Platz Phone: 610-304-4525 email: harrison.platz@broadarrowgroup.com