1957 Ford Thunderbird Convertible

This 1957 Ford Thunderbird is a final year, first-generation example that has been with the seller for 24 years. Power is provided by a 292ci Ford Y-Block V8 bored out to 318ci and mated to a 3-Speed Ford-O-Matic transmission, and approximately 7,000 miles have been covered since the engine was rebuilt. The car is equipped with power steering and power brakes, and upgrades include a Holley four-barrel carburetor, an aluminum radiator, an electronic ignition system, and auxiliary gauges. Finished in Dusk Rose with both a Colonial White porthole hardtop and a tan convertible soft top over a Colonial White interior, this Thunderbird is offered on a clear Minnesota title in the seller's name.

The 1957 model year of the Ford Thunderbird saw a slight restyling from 1956 including enlarged fins and removal of the spare tire from the exterior of the trunk. This example is finished in a shade of factory-offered Dusk Rose and wears chrome bumpers, window surrounds, and wheel arch trim on the rear. Photos with both the Colonial White porthole hardtop mounted and the tan convertible Stayfast soft top in place are included in the carousel. Thunderbird scripts are present in their factory locations on the front fenders, and the hood scoop was standard for all three years of the first-generation cars. The seller notes that the windshield has been replaced.

Wheels are shrouded by factory finned covers with the rears partially hidden by fender skirts, and tires are a set of whitewall radials. Handling is managed by power steering and power brakes.

The interior is trimmed in Colonial White upholstery and the color scheme is continued on the dash and door panels. The instrument panel wears turned aluminum trim and is home to a retrofitted radio. The 3-speed Ford-O-Matic transmission is operated by a floor-mounted shifter and the windows by crank. The trunk is lined with plaid material and contains a vertically-mounted spare tire and associated jack equipment and tools.

The factory three-spoke steering wheel frames the gauge cluster which includes a 140-mph speedometer, an original equipment 5,000-rpm tachometer, fuel level, and a rebuilt clock. Other gauges inform the driver of the engine temperature and the fuel level, while there is also a clock and warning lights for the oil pressure and the electrical system. A three-gauge pod displaying temperature, voltage, and oil pressure is mounted beneath the instrument panel on a color-matched bracket.

The 292ci Ford Y-block V8 has been bored .0060 over, bringing total displacement to approximately 318ci, and it is fueled by a replacement Holley four-barrel carburetor. Equipment including the air cleaner assembly, valve covers, and the engine's red paint finish follow factory specifications. The drivetrain consists of a 3-speed Ford-O-Matic and upgrades include an aluminum radiator and an electronic ignition. Per the seller, approximately 7,000 miles have been covered since the engine was rebuilt and there is a small transmission fluid leak that requires infrequent topping off.