1957 Ford Thunderbird

This 1957 Ford Thunderbird has been with the seller for 14 years, during which time approximately 2,000 miles have been covered. Equipped with a 245-horsepower 312ci Ford Y-block V8 backed by a 2-speed Ford-O-Matic, the seller describes fitment of improved cooling system parts, along with the installation of an exhaust system. Finished in Flame Red with a black soft top and a Colonial White porthole hardtop over a reupholstered white interior, this first-generation Ford Thunderbird is offered on a clear North Carolina title in the seller’s name.

The seller says this 1957 Ford Thunderbird was originally finished in Colonial White, but was repainted in a shade of factory-offered Flame Red under previous ownership. The included hardtop has porthole windows and is finished in Colonial White, while the convertible soft top is black with a plastic rear window. 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 Thunderbird. Brightwork takes the form of the bumpers, window surrounds, faux fender vents, and wheel arch trim on the rear spats.

Wire wheels measure 14" in diameter and wear knock-off spinner hubcaps. Tires are BFGoodrich Silvertown whitewall radials and disc brakes are fitted up front.

The interior has been reupholstered in white and fitted with a custom center console featuring cup holders, storage, and an armrest. The instrument panel is trimmed with turned aluminum and features an aftermarket radio, and the 2-speed Ford-O-Matic transmission is shifted with a floor-mounted lever. The trunk retains its vinyl liner and vertically-mounted spare tire, which was relocated from the trunk lid for 1957.

Instrumentation takes the form of a 140-mph speedometer, a factory-installed a 5,000-rpm tachometer, and smaller gauges for fuel the level, coolant temperature, and an analog clock. The five-digit mechanical odometer reads 67k miles, but total chassis mileage is unknown.

The clamshell hood opens to reveal the 312ci Ford Y-block V8, which had output of 245 horsepower at 4,500 rpm and 332 pound-feet of torque at 3,200 when new and fueled by a Holley four-barrel carburetor. The seller notes the installation of an oversized cooling fan, a high-efficiency water pump, and replacement of the thermostat and exhaust system parts. A 2-speed Ford-O-Matic transmission transfers power to the rear end.

Photos showing the underside are available in the carousel.

The sale includes the car’s white hardtop and a storage stand. Decoding the car's chassis number reveals the following:

• D: 312ci, four-barrel, 245-horsepower V8
• 7: 1957 model year
• F: Dearborn, Michigan assembly
• H: First-Generation Ford Thunderbird