1957 Ford Thunderbird

This 1957 Ford Thunderbird is a two-door convertible powered by a 312ci Y-block V8 paired with a 3-speed Ford-O-Matic automatic transmission. This Thunderbird was reportedly assembled on April 1 of its model year and spent the last 12 years in a private collection before being acquired by the seller. Equipment includes Kelsey-Hayes wire wheels on whitewall tires, air conditioning, a Town and Country radio, and engine-turned aluminum interior trim. Finished in Bronze with a Colonial White hardtop over a bronze vinyl interior, this first-generation Thunderbird is now offered with an original sales invoice, a radio service manual, reproduction owner’s manual and electrical manuals, and a clear Texas title in the seller’s name.

The Thunderbird personal luxury car came to market in 1955 as a two-door roadster In 1957 the tailfins were enlarged, the front bumper was redesigned, and the badging was rearranged. This Thunderbird from that year has a rust-free, unrestored body that is painted Bronze and comes with a removable Colonial White hardtop with porthole side windows. The exterior features front fender louvers, rear fender skirts, and exhausts integrated into the rear bumper. The seller has provided up-close pictures of specific blemishes, including a ding on the front fender, some marring near the hardtop mounting location, and some chips on the headlight surrounds.

Kelsey-Hayes wire wheels with knock-off spinner caps are wrapped in newer Goodyear wide-whitewall tires, including the spare tire. Steering is power-assisted. Braking is provided by power-assisted four-wheel drums.

The interior is fitted with brown carpeting and a bronze vinyl bench seat with pleated inserts and lap belts for three occupants, matched to the door panels and dash. Amenities include a Town and Country radio, a Classic Auto Air A/C system, power windows, and bright door sill trim. The trunk is lined with a plaid vinyl mat and contains an unused spare tire.

Instrumentation is set within an engine-turned aluminum bezel and includes a 140-mph speedometer, a 5K-rpm tachometer, an analog clock, and gauges for the fuel level and coolant temperature. The five-digit mechanical odometer reads 26K miles, which the seller believes to be 126K actual miles.

The 312ci Y-block V8 is equipped with a four-barrel carburetor, an electric fan, and an electric fuel pump. The battery was replaced in February 2021 and a tune-up was performed involving new spark plugs, points, condenser, coolant, and an oil change in September of 2021. Additional work was performed on the rear main seal bearing and the radiator under prior ownership. Power is fed to the rear wheels via a Ford-O-Matic automatic transmission that received service in July of 2016.

Additional photos showing the underside are available in the picture gallery to the right.

The sale includes a sales invoice, an original radio service manual, and reproduction owner’s and electrical manuals.