1957 Ford Thunderbird

This 1957 Ford Thunderbird convertible carries long-term family ownership and comes complete with a color-matched removable hardtop, a vintage-look Bluetooth stereo, and whitewall tires. Under the hood, power comes from a bored-out 312ci V8 that is backed by a 3-speed Ford-O-Matic automatic transmission. Finished in black, this first-generation Thunderbird is now offered with records and with a clear Michigan title in the seller’s father’s name.

First launched in 1955, the Thunderbird saw some changes for 1957 including a modified front bumper, a lengthened rear end, and larger taillamps. This example was originally manufactured in Snowshoe White per its trim tag but was resprayed black as part of a subsequent restoration. A color-matched removable hardtop is included, and brightwork comes in the form of chrome bumpers front and rear, window surrounds, and additional exterior accents which are all reported to be in good condition.

Steel wheels in 14” are adorned with full polished covers and wrapped in newer wide whitewall tires.

The interior offers a bench seat in reupholstered two-tone black and white vinyl carried through to the matching door panels and dash and contrasted by black carpeting. A vintage-look modern stereo with Bluetooth connectivity has been added, and the cabin’s overall fit and finish is reported to be excellent. The trunk is lined in a vinyl mat and contains a recessed area for a spare tire.

Instrumentation is housed within a brushed aluminum bezel and revolves around a central 120-mph speedometer which is surrounded by gauges for fuel level, coolant temperature, oil pressure, and voltage. A five-digit mechanical odometer is present, and the true mileage on the chassis is estimated to be around 100k.    

The 312ci V8 is equipped with a four-barrel carburetor and a chrome-finished air cleaner, having reportedly been rebuilt, bored out to E-code size, and driven approximately 500 miles since. The original factory rating for this powertrain was 245 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque. Recent maintenance included an oil change within the last month, and power is directed to the rear wheels via a Ford-O-Matic 3-speed automatic transmission and a rear end with a 3.10 ratio.

According to the seller, the underbody has been undercoated and photos illustrating its condition are shown in the carousel.

The sale includes records and documentation.