Near Perfect Interior/Straight Rust Free Exterior/Both Tops/Restored 312ci V8

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.

A pristine restoration example in white with a hardtop and a porthole window within it. Much attention to detail has been paid during this restoration, and it creates an excellent example of a Ford classic. Plus, you have your choice of convertible up or down, and hardtop for cooler weather driving.

Exterior
Step in for a closer look to find all the details firmly in place and ready for show. At the front, a stainless egg-crate grille rides between clean headlights, a delicate header emblem and a sculpted bumper that bends around peaked fenders. Between those fenders, a classy hood scoop leads the eye to a wraparound windshield that's reflected by an optional chrome mirror, cleared by satin-finished wipers, and framed by thick chrome trim. When the weather stops being agreeable, a white cloth convertible top comes to the rescue while complimenting the body color for a striking look. There is also a matching white hardtop with this one, allowing you to enjoy this classic bird year round. Below, sculpted door handles complement chrome fender louvers, and well minded gaps throughout. Small Ford emblems and glowing "Thunderbird" scripts that sit to the front of fender vents show off very well. The '57 had arguably the most memorable rear view of all the Thunderbirds with finned quarters with jet age "thruster" taillights below, while exhaust routes through rectangular bumper cutouts. Below the trunk lock, a final Thunderbird emblem completes the exterior panels. On all 4 corners are turbine styled wheel covers with central bullet cap, all wrapped by wide whites. It just does not get any better for this bird.

Interior
Dramatic styling was king in the 1950s and it certainly didn't stop on the outside. Between the doors of this Ford, a pleated flame red vinyl interior offers seating for two with plenty of period-correct charm. Nicely aged door sill plates clamp the corners of clean red carpet. In the center, a chrome shifter extends through the floor, free of any type of console. Seating is provided by a pleated flame red bench seat which shows no wear. At either side, matching door panels are dressed with attractive spin pattern aluminum pieces as well bright window cranks and door pulls. The dash in its padded glory, comes at you with its bulbous shape, and is covered in crack free vinyl. The factory gauges monitor fuel, revs, speed, temperature, and time from within a spin patterned aluminum bezel that looks great amidst the red paint and wraps to the corners and meets up with the doors. Chrome pull knobs control accessories like lights and wipers while the Town and Country radio provides all the entertainment needed. In front of the driver, a bright red steering wheel extends forward, offering control over the front wheels. A lift of the deck lid we find solid pans beneath a red pristine carpeted floor mat and carpet covered full size spare.

Drivetrain
Tilt the lightweight hood forward to find one of Ford's overhead valve 312ci V8s. Over 16,000 Thunderbird buyers opted for this configuration and for good reason: With a single 4-barrel carburetor, the setup was factory rated at 245hp and 332lb-ft of torque just 25hp less than their more expensive dual quad kin. This mill starts out with a correct 1957-exclusive ECZ-6015-C block dressed in a coat of Ford Red. Factory heads topped with cast aluminum ribbed valve covers and the spread winged Thunderbird/Ford badge in the center, frame a factory intake, while a shiny chromed air cleaner assembly topping the 4-barrel. This nicely restored yet original mill his backed by the 3 speed Ford-O-Matic automatic transmission, and a 3.56 rear axle.

Undercarriage
The original X frame structure is strong and true, with little to no surface rust. Some patina of surfaces is noted on this now 62 year old cruiser. A few new parts put on recently such as shocks and some suspension parts show newer but are functioning in conjunction with the originals just fine. A nice coating of rustproofing remains overall. Independent coil springs in front, and leaf springs on the back make up the suspension, and power drums are on all 4 corners

This beautiful cruiser with hardtop and soft top shows very well for its age. Negligible faults certainly do not detract from its awesome 1957 design, a favorite among T-Bird collectors. If you are into having a 1 car parade down Main Street when you go to pick up the dry cleaning, then this very nice restoration deserves a close look. Time to enjoy life!

VIN DECODE
D7FH302251
D-312ci V8 4bbl 245hp
7-1957
F-Dearborn, MI Assy Plant
H-Ford Thunderbird
302251-Sequential Unit Number

WARRANTY TAG
BODY 40-Thunderbird
COLOR EE-Colonial White
TRIM XH-Red, White Top
DATE 03F-June 3rd Build Date
TRANS 3-Ford-O-Matic
AXLE 1-3.56 Gears

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located 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.