Both Tops P Steering-Brakes Highly Pampered Immaculate CA T-Bird N/R No Reserve!

1957 Ford Thunderbird Roadster Description

Presenting this stunning,

1957

Ford Thunderbird

With

No Reserve!

Featuring:

• Older Complete Drivetrain Restoration
• Body Refinished in Original Starmist Blue
• Porthole Hardtop Refinished in Colonial White
• Newer White Canvas Convertible Top
• Newer Factory Correct Seat Upholstery & Carpet
• Added Seatbelts
• Newer Coker Classic 205/75R14 Wide-Whitewall Radial Tires
• Rebuilt Town & Country AM Radio W/New Speaker
• Rebuilt Electric Clock & Tachometer
• Freshly Serviced 312 Thunderbird Special V8 Engine
• Ford-O-Matic Automatic Transmission
• Master Guide Power Steering
• Power Brakes Added
• Full Fender skirts
• CA Gold & Black License Plates (Front & Rear)
• Custom Car Cover
• Richly Documented
• Much More!

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Please allow time forover100 photos belowto load and inspect as exceptional vintage cars such as this rarely come along.

For a slideshow of 177 huge photos, click on this link:

A little bit of Heaven from 1957...

First generation T-Bird's timelessly beautiful design have attracted collectors for 60+ years but most popular has always been the '57 models with their stylish fins, sportier dash and other cool options exclusive to that year.

Those equipped with "two-tops" (folding soft top and removable porthole hardtop), power steering, power brakes, Ford-O-Matic, Town & Country AM radio, heater and full fender skirts are the most collectable among aficionados.

Here's such a superb specimen for your consideration!

This wonderful Starmist Blue (color code F) example belonged to a retired psychologist and 45-year professor in San Clemente, CA. He was an active member in the Vintage Thunderbird Clubs, taking his pride and joy to many regional shows. After the owner's passing, the big Bird came into our hands and is being offered for the first time here on eBay with No Reserve Price.

Included with the car is an extensive collection of Fifty-Eight records (in just the past 10 years) for restoration services and parts totaling exactly $14,759,38and cementing the car's status as one of the nicest Thunderbird convertibles in existence.

Proudly displaying 1956-issue, 6-digit, gold-and-black California license plates, front...

...and back, this cherished 'Bird has certainly lived a charmed life.

Cars from the Fifties and Sixties, especially the convertibles, were notoriously rust-prone.

This T-Bird is a notable exception: it has been enjoyed as a fair-weather toy and has not suffered any corrosion damage.

It's no surprise the car was kept garaged and covered.

Exterior:

Chrome Everywhere!

'57 Birds featured this re-designed front bumper and large grill.

With only a slight patina, the chrome and brightwork still sparkles and shines.

Notably among the many design cues to bring the overall body line to a lower level, a functional hood scoop clears the carburetor.

Automotive art, indeed.

The outside was beautifully refinished and looks very smooth and glossy with no dents or scrapes.

The white convertible top was replaced not long ago.

Both top and frame are inexcellent condition with no stains, rips or tears and the large plastic rear window is crystal clear.

Speaking of the tops...

The '57 Thunderbird features its original porthole hardtop.

Finished in Colonial White, it looks stunning atop the original Starmist Blue body.

Let's take even a closer look at the finish and brightwork.

Ford's trademark big, circular taillights behind razor-sharp tailfins that resemble rockets are exclusive to the '57 models.

Below the rocket rear-end, the chrome bumper houses wide exhaust outlets.

Living in the Golden State, our bird proudly wears vintage, California Gold license plates

Surveying the car's straight and smooth coachwork, we marvel at the mirror finish of the 2-stage, Starmist Blue (code #4) paintwork.

Gleaming stainless capped wheels wear excellent Coker Classic wide-white radial tires of the dimension 205/75R14 all around.

While we're down on one knee, let's take a look underneath.

Only a garaged and pampered car can boast an undercarriage that looks as good as this one.

Newer shocks, front and rear.

Glass-packs are new as well, giving the car a sportier exhaust note...

...brake hydraulics were just rebuiltand flexible brake lines recently installed.

With only minor oil leaks andminor surface rust in some areas, there's not a spot of corrosion or major collision repairs to be found anywhere.

If you keep in mind that this 'Bird already celebrated its 60thth birthday, you'll have to agree with our assessment: this undercarriage is truly as good as it gets!

Remove the port-hole hardtop and the Big Bird's transformed into a wide-open roadster!

We'll inspect the interior next, shall we?

A major design feature of the '57 Bird is its futuristic looking cockpit.

With added seatbelts, the front seat upholstery is all new in vintage correct, 2-tone Dresden and Starmist blue pleated-vinyl.

The seat is large enough to transport three adults in utter comfort and style.

Factory correct floormats...

...protect the blue carpeting that wasalsojust replaced with correct material and looks superb.

Reminiscent of a spaceship's cockpit, the T-Bird's padded dash is clad with engine-turned, aluminum inserts that wrap around driver and passenger.

Close-up shows factory-installed steering wheel is free from cracks and in amazingly well-preserved condition.

And yes, the horn works!

You can't help but admire the gleaming, curved stainless trim and the finely detailed gauges nestled in their individual chrome nacelles. The fantastic dash styling was definitely influenced by jet airplanes and moon rockets!

The full array of instrumentation includes a rebuilt tachometer, electric clock andTown & Country AM radio.

Yessiree, everything works perfectly....

...including the heater and fan!

(Note the lower portion of the dash pad has some minor chips and delamination in the photo above)

Further optioned with Master Guide power steering, power brakes and Ford-O-Matic transmission, this '57 Thunderbird is among the most coveted by T-Bird enthusiasts.

The brand new convertible top is fully retractable and tucks neatly behind the seat.

(Note some glue stains and very minor surface rust appear on the original blue floorboard andsome of the weather seals aroundthe both topshave dried, crackedor arein need of replacement)

The top frame is in great condition and was recently fitted with a brand new, white canvastop.

The top retracts up and down perfectly and fits tight, protecting you from the elements with no flapping at high speeds.

Inside the porthole hardtop is the original headliner in immaculate condition.

From the immaculate new carpet and seat upholstery to the sparkling chrome rear-view mirror, this stunning interior features all original or factory correct parts and materials.

How about a peek inside the trunk?

Spacious trunk features a new, factory correct floor mat with the original jack and yes, that's the original spare rim, still featuring an ancient, bias ply tire.

Beneath the mat, never repainted, some minor surface rust and a few glue stains on the original trunk floor but be assured, you'll find zero corrosion in this critical area as well.

Also shown here, a treasure-trove of spare parts and an original 1957 Thunderbird Shop Manual.

Okay, let's have a close look under the hood.

Engine and mechanical:

Toothbrush-clean engine bay houses Ford's fine 312 cu.in. "Y" block power plant, ensuring smooth progress and fantastic reliability.

Radiator, fan, hoses, brakes, shocks, tires, battery, carburetor, fluids,you name it: all the important items have been serviced or replaced within the last 1500 miles.

Brand new, factory correct battery, cables and terminals.

The factory Vee-Eight with new Holley 4-Barrel Carburetor developed 245 stout horses when new. This one runs like a clock.

Always pampering his pride and joy, the owner was not afraid to spend some serious cash to keep the car in prime condition.

The engine always starts, revs freely with no smoke or unusual noises, sounds crisp and runs smoothly with good oil pressure.

With upgraded radiator and 6-blade aluminum fan, engine temperature remains stable - even on hot summer days in rush hour traffic.

Surprisingly perhaps, the wiring looks fantastic and there are only minor oil leaks.

Yes, any T-Bird can be a very tough and reliable automobile with a bit of preventative maintenance!

Drivability

What an uplifting experience it is to enter the realm of such a jet-like escapee from the Fabulous Fifties!

Slide into an interior that fits like your favorite baseball glove.

Turn the key, and the big Vee-Eight instantly comes to life, rumbling happily through GlassPacks with a smooth-as-silk idle.

Push the gas pedal down a little: it's like you're riding on a cloud. Push a bit harder, and the big V-8's torque will become apparent as the Thunderbird gets down on its haunches while surging forward with utter determination.

Thunderbird starts, idles, runs, drives, handles and stops as you'd expect if from a well-kept example of the breed.

Considering it's 60-year old technology, the car's very easy to guide with power steering, power brakes, radial tiresand--of course—a removable or fold-down top.

All delightful, all-American conveniences.

This car drives magnificently. It doesn't overheat, doesn't sputter. It feels so solid, you could take it on a cross-country trip at a moment's notice.

To buy and fully restore an authentic '57 T-Bird could easily cost over $100,000.00.

Whyendure thetime and expense when you couldbe driving andenjoyingthisfine example today?

From lights and switches to the heater fan and wipers, this car is "fully sorted," everything works great, even the radio and electric clock.

Despite its age, the car is ready to be driven anywhere, even across the Country, if that's where you live.

Back in the day, the '57 Thunderbird Sports Roadster was a sensation.

Its spaceship theme beautifully executed throughout, it looked like it had just escaped from a science fiction magazine.

Today's bubble cars have lost the style and passion that came from the 50's era.

Give us a '57 Bird any day!

A bona fide collectible, the 1957 Ford Thunderbird is also a great-driving automobile that will reward you with many smiles per mile.

Here's an honest, 'Bird sporting a very desirable color combination, featuring both tops and can be used right away, just the way it sits.
From any viewpoint, this '57 Bird represents a lot of classic car fun and value for the money!

Provenance is of paramount importance in the classic car hobby, and this car delivers in spades.

It's now ready to find a new home in the driveway of an appreciative caretaker. We think the 1955-7 open-air Thunderbirds are among the most stylish, useable classics on the market today.

Right in time for the season, here's this super fine, Starmist Blue '57.

With no reserve, it could be your ride in less than one week!

Presently, we have a clear, California Title. CA license and registration fees have been pre-paid through August,2018.

Local sales tax and a $15 DMV transfer fee only applies to residents in CA.

About The Seller

Cars2K is a CA licensed and bonded, eBay seller.

Check out the feedback from other eBay members who have purchased from us in the past.

We pride ourselves on our lengthy (though accurate) descriptions and detailed photos.

Pre-purchase inspections are welcome and encouraged throughout the 7-day auction period only.

If you wish to fly in and drive home, we can provide transportation from John Wayne International (SNA) Airport.

LAX is less than 40 miles away.

We can also recommend accommodations within a short distance.

We are happy work with cross-country or oversees shippers.

About This Auction

Because this classic car is over 60-years old, it is being sold in AS-IS CONDITION and comes with absolutelyNO WARRANTIES EITHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED.

If you have ZERO or negative feedback, please message us on eBay to request our authority to bid on this T-Bird PRIOR TO BIDDING.

Please note that all sales are binding and final.

Please carefully read the terms & conditions of the sale before bidding.

Winning this auction does not entitle you to come inspect the car and decide if you want to buy it, but obligates you to complete the purchase!

A $2,000 NON-Refundable deposit via PayPal is due within 24 hours of the auction close... NO EXCEPTIONS.

Certainly, one of the finest Fords in the nation is offered here with No Reserve.

What a great opportunity to purchase a prime example among the World's most acclaimed vintage Roadsters, the immortal '57 Thunderbird which is sure to remain an outstanding investment for the winning bidder and a joy to own for many years to come.

Thank you, good luck and HAPPY BIDDING!

On Jun-25-18 at 16:27:39 PDT, seller added the following information:

Why was this auction ended prematurely and relisted?

An eBay member messaged us stating this was an E-Code Thunderbird.

According to the ID plate, which was only used from the factory on late 1957 T-Birds, the "E" stamp suggests this to be an "E" Code car which does apply toallearlier plates. Upon further research, we determined this is an original factory "single carburetor" version and was never altered. To avoid any confusion, we simply ended the auction and relisted in it's original form.

This is the exact same listing as previously presented.

We apologize for any the confusion we may have caused and thank you for your patience!

On Jun-27-18 at 09:39:22 PDT, seller added the following information:

Here is a breakdown of this Thunderbird's data plate:

D = Engine Code (312 Engine 4-Valve Single Carburetor, Ford O-Matic Transmission, 245 Horsepower)

7 = Model Year Code (1957)

F = Assembly Plant Code (Dearborn)

H = Body Style Code (Thunderbird)

296878 = Consecutive Unit Number Code

40 = Body Type Code

FF = Body Trim Scheme Code (Starmist Blue W/Starmist Blue Hardtop)

XK = Interior Trim Code (Pleated Colonial Vinyl)

24 = Production Date Code - Day (24th)

E = Production Date Code - Month (May) NOT the Engine Code!

3 = Transmission Type Code (Ford-O-Matic)

1 = Rear Axle Ratio Code (3.10 to 1)