Frame Off Restored Both Tops Rebuilt 312ci Engine and Transmission

1957 Ford Thunderbird Roadster Description

1957 Ford Thunderbird Roadster

Ad men from the 1950's described the car using such terms as "A Mink Coat for Father" or "Light of Hand" (referring to the ease of handling and steering) and "6AM Thunderbird Time" featuring a pristine suburban upper middle class house, a jacket and tie husband leaving for work, passing the milkman on the way out as the family Irish Setter watches his master leave for work. Quintessential middle-class success, but they had to work for it.

The consigner states that he purchased the vehicle from an "Old Timer" who performed a full frame-off restoration, that took years to complete. During this time, he also took the time to rebuild the engine and transmission. Current consigner states since his purchase he has only logged a little over 250 miles.

Exterior
A luscious coat of Pearl White (that in the right light almost appears a faint pink,) with a red hardtop that sports a porthole window makes up the metal. Fit and finish on gaps is not perfect but well within acceptable range. Brite work and badging are all correct, and appear in good condition, with some if it appearing original. A nice hood scoop sits proudly in the center of the hood and is rimmed by chrome. Grille is in great condition, and rear of the car shows the late 1950' fascination with fins still hanging on, with perfect owl eye taillights. Hubcaps on all fours, are standard Ford turbine design, and wide white sidewalls fit for the era are there as well. A gaze into the trunk you will find very nice plaid liner, and a new spare with original jack. The removable hardtop reveals a very nice vinyl convertible top.

Interior
Comfortable and pristine vinyl covers the bench seat. This is also seen on the padded dash, as well as door panels. Take a close look at the door panels and note the horizontal ribbed aluminum trim around the handle. Maybe it's just me but it looks an awful lot like a 57 Chevy rear quarter panel trim? Loads of carpeting in red, cover the floor. A machined swirl pattern in the instrument cluster portion of the dash is fronted by an original steering wheel. Consigner states that he feels that a new headliner is needed, as well as the cable for the speedometer needs updating. An automatic floor shifter sits in front of the bench on the hump.

Drivetrain
A 312ci (The 312 was marketed as a high-performance engine, featuring large valves and ports and a closed "quench" combustion chamber) produces a cool 245hp, and a 9.7:1 compression ratio. A 4-speed Fordomatic automatic is attached and shifts smoothly and effortlessly. This pair is original to the car according to its owner.

Undercarriage
Other than a few cobwebs, the underside shows it was definitely frame off. No rust, and all clean with the frame, floorpans, and fenders free from the signs of age. 4-wheel drum brakes are seen as well as a like new exhaust system. The fuel tank also appears new but cannot be confirmed as such.

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 150 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. A 450 barn find collection is currently also on display.
This vehicle is in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.