Thunderbird Convertible

1957 Ford Thunderbird -- Description

For sale at the St.Louis Car Museum is an outstanding frame-off restored classic Thunderbird finished in its code correct Flame Red over Red color combination! Optioned with original 312ci V8, Ford-O-Matic, two tops, power brakes, a power seat, tinted glass, dual outside mirrors, updated radial whitewall tires, and more! A beautiful classic investment with only 5,000 miles driven since completion in 2015! Released in 1955, the Thunderbird had created a new vehicle niche: the personal luxury sports car. Equipped with a V8... engine, loaded standard features, plush interiors, and comfortable suspensions, the Thunderbird was in a class all its own! Inspired by the European sports car, the Ford Thunderbird was introduced as an exquisite all-American vehicle that delivered on style and comfort, making it the quintessential road trip car for two. The final year of the "Baby Bird" came about in 1957 and with it, the most refined attributes. Styling of late-1950's examples had reached a peak sporting larger quarter panel fins, art deco design, lots of chrome, and now with porthole hardtops for better visibility! Sales rose to a three year high of 21,380 making them the most popular by production numbers. For this reason, they still remain highly collectible as the last 2-seater luxury sports car produced by Ford and was the basis for the modern retro version produced nearly 45 years later! We are very excited to offer this 1957 Ford Thunderbird Convertible! The car is finished in factory correct VVâ€" Flame Red over XHâ€" Red interior upholstery! Under the hood lies the original D-Code 312ci 4bbl V8 engine and Ford-O-Matic automatic transmission, sending 245hp to the ground with ease! Options include color matched porthole auxiliary hardtop & storable convertible soft top, Swift Sure power brakes, power 4-way seat, an engine dress-up kit with chrome air cleaner and finned aluminum valve covers, desirable tinted glass, a fully rebuilt Signal-Seeking Town & Country pushbutton radio, handy sunburst wheel covers, model correct fender skirts, a telescoping steering wheel, modern Diamond Back Classic radial whitewall tires measuring 205/75R14, and added interior seatbelts! This example comes documented with original build sheet stamped with original gate release record dated for January 10th, 1957 when delivered brand new to Hope-Luxem Co. Inc. in Logansport, Indiana. It would find its way throughout the Midwest over the years, but found its home in Canton, MI where a full, frame-off restoration would commence to a very worthy, rust free example! With nothing left untouched, a sympathetic approach to carefully restore this Thunderbird began. This did include a complete overhaul of the entire chassis & suspension system, all new braking components, new fuel tank & lines, a complete repainting of the exterior in a base coat/clear coat fashion, fresh weather stripping & window seals installed, along with an all new wiring harnesses, fresh interior upholstery, new dash pad, convertible soft top in white (originally black), fully rebuilt engine gaskets & seals, fluids & filters, belts & hoses, new radial tires, a rebuilt transmission (clutches, bands, bearings, seals, and gaskets), new stainless steel exhaust system by Stainless Works, a rebuilt speedometer and zero-timed odometer, a rebuilt radio by Antique Audio of Plymouth, MI, and more. Today, even the original clock remains functional! Since completion in approximately 2015, it has traveled 5,179 miles proving it is no garage queen, but a very drivable showpiece! A remarkable restoration no doubt, but an equally sorted driver ready to hit the highways to attend any classic car show nearby! Please feel welcome to call with additional questions or to schedule a chance to review in person, but act quickly!