1957 Ford Thunderbird

This professionally restored 1957 Ford Thunderbird convertible was the recipient of a complete frame-off overhaul from the Amos Minter first-generation Thunderbird specialty facility in Dallas, Texas. The refurbishment included work to the body, interior, and drivetrain. Power comes from a rebuilt 312ci Y-block V8 paired with a 3-speed automatic transmission. Equipment includes a color-matched removable hardtop, a tonneau cover, a Town and Country radio, and chrome wire wheels with whitewall tires. Finished in Torch Red over a matching vinyl interior, this Thunderbird is now offered with an owner’s manual, documentation, and a clear Texas title in the seller’s name.

In 1955, the Thunderbird entered the marketplace as a two-seat personal luxury car. Revisions were made to the bumpers, tailfins, and grille for 1957. This Thunderbird from that year underwent a complete frame-off restoration under the direction of Amos and Justin Minter, who specialize in first-generation Thunderbird rebuilds. Fresh Torch Red paint was applied to the body, which features a hood scoop, front fender grates, wheel skirts, tailfins, and a backup lighting system. A color-matched removable hardtop with porthole windows is included with the sale.

Chrome 14-inch wire wheels are wrapped in whitewall tires. Steering is power-assisted. Braking comes from a dual-circuit master cylinder and power-assisted front discs and rear drums.

The two-seat interior is fitted with Torch Red vinyl bench upholstery, matched to the lap belts, door panels, dash, carpeting, and Thunderbird-branded floor mats. Options include a four-way Dial-o-Matic power seat, power windows, air conditioning, and a Town and Country push-button radio. The trunk is lined with a plaid vinyl mat and contains a spare tire.

Instrumentation is held 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 40K miles, although the seller is not sure the odometer rolled over. It was not zeroed out after the engine was rebuilt.

The rebuilt 312ci Y-block V8 was rated at 245 horsepower and draws power from an Optima battery. The engine bay is dressed in chrome accents. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a floor-shifted 3-speed automatic transmission.

Photos showing the underside are available in the carousel.

The sale includes an owner’s manual and documentation.