1957 Ford Thunderbird

Description

The Thunderbird was introduced in 1955 as Ford’s response to the Chevrolet Corvette, though the Thunderbird was not marketed as a pure sports car, but as a “personal car of distinction.” The Thunderbird blended performance with comfort and style, featuring a sleek two-seat design, removable fiberglass hardtop, and a powerful V8 engine. In 1957, the T-Bird received larger tail fins and a longer rear section, which increased trunk storage space along with increased horsepower and an updated instrument cluster that was also shared with full-sized Ford models. Elegant styling, combined with strong performance, made the first-generation Thunderbird an instant success, selling over 16,000 units in its first year, and over 53,000 by the end of production in 1957 — far surpassing Corvette sales.

This final-year “Baby Bird” was acquired by the seller out of Las Vegas and relocated to their home in New Hampshire in June 2021. The car had previously spent time with Ronald Jackson, who was a part of the band The Buckaroos, featured on the hit TV show "Hee Haw!" The car has been refinished in Sun Gold Yellow with a white removable hardtop over white vinyl upholstery and is powered by a 312ci V8 paired with a Ford-O-Matic three-speed automatic transmission. The car has been fitted with a Continental spare tire kit, an Edelbrock electric fuel pump, Holley LED headlights, and a retro-style radio that is linked to a Kenwood amplifier and speakers.

This 1957 Ford Thunderbird is now offered with two sets of keys, a copy of Ronald Jackson’s book, historical photographs, and a clean New Hampshire title in the seller’s name.

Highlights

• 312ci V8 with 4‑barrel carburetor

• Ford-O-Matic three-speed automatic transmission

• Yellow with white removable hardtop

• White vinyl upholstery and black carpeting

• Coker Classic whitewall tires (including spare)

• Rear fender skirts

• Engine-turned interior trim

• Retro-style radio

• Kenwood audio equipment

Factory Equipment

• The chassis number (D7FH306494) decodes as:

  • D – 312ci V8 with 4‑barrel carburetor (245 hp)

  • 7 – 1957 model year

  • F – Dearborn, Michigan, assembly plant

  • H – Thunderbird two-seat convertible body

  • 306494 – Sequential production number

• The trim tag decodes as:

  • Body: 40 – Thunderbird Convertible

  • Color: HH – Gunmetal Gray body and hardtop (now yellow with white hardtop)

  • Trim: XK – Pleated Colonial vinyl

  • Date: 06F – June 6th build date

  • Transmission: 3 – Ford-O-Matic three-speed automatic transmission

  • Axle: 1 – Differential with 3.10:1 gearing

Modifications

• Repainted Sun Gold Yellow with white hardtop

• Continental kit

• Ceramic-coated exhaust manifolds

• Retro-style radio

• Kenwood amplifier and speakers

• Edelbrock electric fuel pump

• Holley LED headlights

Servicing

Per the seller, the engine was rebuilt while under the care of the previous owner, and service performed under current ownership reportedly included an alignment, fluid services, installation of ceramic-coated exhaust manifolds and an oversized radiator, and replacement of the following:

• Tires (including the spare)

• Rear springs

• Front wheel bearings

• Wheel cylinders

• Front and rear brake components

• Electric fuel pump

• Battery

• Heater core

• Fan and generator belts

• Power steering control linkage

Known Imperfections

• Up-close images showing exterior imperfections are provided in the gallery

• The seat is in a permanent position

• The analog clock is inoperative

• Vacuum windshield wipers are inoperative

Ownership History

This 1957 Ford Thunderbird was manufactured in Michigan and spent time in Las Vegas before being relocated to New Hampshire when it was acquired by the seller in June 2021.

Included Items

• Two sets of keys

• Ronald Jackson book

• Photographs from Ronald Jackson’s ownership

Additional Information

From the seller: “This is Baby-T's story: I acquired the car from Las Vegas; this car was previously owned by Ronald Jackson. During the 1970’s, Ron Jackson was the lead banjo/guitarist of the band The Buckaroos, featured on the hit TV show 'Hee Haw!' Included with the sale is a copy of Ronald Jackson's published book along with photographs documenting portions of the car's history during its time under the Vegas lights. According to Jackson’s book, his Thunderbird transported several famous notable entertainers.