Modified 1957 Ford Thunderbird

Description

OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE

Ford described the 1955–57 Thunderbird as “the brainchild of two men” — Louis D. Crusoe and George Walker — who convinced the company to pursue the vision of a “true Ford sports car.” By 1957, the final year of the sleek first-generation model affectionately known as the “Baby Bird,” designer Franklin Q. Hershey’s eye-catching body received several updates. These included a refreshed front fascia, more prominent rear fins to enhance its visual appeal, and the relocation of the spare tire back into the trunk for a cleaner look. 

Under the hood, buyers could choose from a range of V8 engines: the standard 292 cubic-inch, or the 312 cubic-inch available in 245- and 270-horsepower versions. Transmission choices included a three-speed manual, three-speed with overdrive, and the Ford-O-Matic automatic. 

In total, Ford sold 21,380 of these 1957 Thunderbirds before introducing a larger, more luxurious model in 1958. This shift marked the end of the compact two-seat original, which enthusiasts would come to cherish as the iconic “Baby Bird.” And this T-Bird carries all its original style with a more modern Ford 302 cu-in V8, Tremec five-speed, and air suspension beneath—the best of both worlds. 

Highlights 

• Classic 1957 Thunderbird with modern updates 

• Mid-1990s Mustang 5.0-liter (302 cu-in) V8 with: 

  • Mild cam  

  • Polished Holley Sniper 2 EFI with 3.5-inch handheld display  

  • Weiand Street Warrior intake manifold  

  • Serpentine belt system  

  • Polished Alternator and A/C compressor  

  • Aluminum radiator with electric fan  

  • Billet valve covers and air cleaner  

  • Hedman headers, 2.5” dual exhaust with Flowmaster mufflers 

• Tremec five-speed manual transmission with short-throw shifter  

• Ford nine-inch rear end with 3.10:1 gear ratio 

• Chassis updates include: 

  • Flaming River rack and pinion power steering conversion  

  • Heidt’s adjustable steering valve  

  • Four-wheel power disc brakes  

  • Tubular front control arms  

  • Four-link rear suspension with pan hard bar  

  • Air suspension with 4-wheel independent control and dual-needle gauges 

• Factory porthole-window hardtop 

• The chassis number (D7FH250259) decodes as:  

  • D – 312 cubic-inch V8 with a 4-barrel carburetor 245 hp (now 302 V8)

  • 7 – Model year 1957 

  • F – Dearborn, Michigan, final assembly plant 

  • H – Thunderbird (two-door convertible) body style 

  • 250259 – Sequential production number 

Features 

• Dakota Digital gauges  

• Chrome tilt steering column  

• Classic Auto Air A/C system (controlled via the original T-Bird dash controls)  

• Custom Auto Sound “Concours Series” stereo  

• Kwik Wire wiring harness  

• New fuel tank and electric pump  

• New fuel and brake lines  

• American Shifter Company electric parking brake 

Known Imperfections 

• A/C needs to be recharged  

• Tires are dry  

• Paint chips, cracks and other flaws  

• Dash pad is curling along windshield edge  

• Small tear in passenger side seat  

• Chip and pit marks in windshield glass  

• Some rust and rust repair present 

Included 

• Factory porthole-window hardtop with rolling stand  

• Two sets of keys  

• Binder with manuals  

• Spare tire with jack and tools  

• Framed car show poster  

• Extra parts including original Town and Country radio, fender skirts, and misc. rubber and brackets 

Ownership History 

The current owner purchased the car approximately five years ago from a seller in Gilbert, Arizona. All work was done prior to current ownership, and no paperwork or documents are included. No known history prior to current ownership. 

Additional Notes 

A Broad Arrow Auctions Specialist is working as an agent on behalf of the owner of this vehicle. Broad Arrow Auctions is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hagerty. 

Contact: Frank Malefors   Phone: 602-488-7888   Email: fmalefors@hagerty.com