1957 Ford Thunderbird Fully Restored

1957 Ford Thunderbird Description

Few cars are as iconic of American automotive style as the Ford Thunderbird.Very few cars have become such a fixture in American Culture that they are embodied in songs and movies. The designs of the 1950’s Thunderbirds are ageless, and look as classy today as they did when they were first introduced. The 1957 model is to many aficionados the best year of the two seater T-Birds. It has just the right amount of subtle fin; likewise the right amount of chrome to be classy but not gaudy and gone is the clunky continental rear spare. Its lines are long, smooth, and curvaceous and the ride is smooth like all 50’s cars yet is agile and quicker like the muscle cars it foreshadowed.

This car was lovingly restored by a proud and passionate Ford Motor Company retiree, who grew up cruising the Woodward Avenue in Detroit in the 60’s. This car was his dream, and in his mind one of the finest cars Henry’s Company ever built. The restoration is 16 years old with the body work and engine work professionally done. It was restified to be driven lightly and enjoyed. Much like its owner it was intended to be retired but still enjoy life cruising. The car remains in very fresh condition needing only some light restoration work to bring it back to near concourse condition. If you are looking for a 1957 Thunderbird, this car is the top of the heap and the standard for all other cars on the market to be held too. You can find many cars for less but none as nice. So you can spend less but you will spend more getting that car to this condition. All you have to do to this vehicle is buy it, pamper it, and enjoy it all while its value continues to hold. I should note it wins a trophy at every show it goes too!

Finish = A- : The factory correct Colonial White paint job is well maintained is nearly flawless with just a few minor chips

Body = A: Body work is flawless on this car that started on a straight clean car requiring very little work. The curves on this car are smooth and flawless. New weatherstriping and window fuzzies. The doors shut a little tight, either from weatherstripping being still fresh or needing some slight adjustment. Driving down the road there is no wind noise and body fit is good. It includes both the hard and soft top.

Frame = A: Straight and free of any rust or crash repair. It is well restored to factory specifications

Bumpers = A: Flawless chrome, I’m unsure if it is NOS (re-chrome)or reproduction but the fit and finish are flawless

Brightwork = A: All the trim and emblems have either been restored or replaced with new parts and fit is perfect

Glass = A: Front windshield is a new reproduction piece all the rest is original glass that the car was built with

Interior = A: The interior was fully restored in the correct Thunderbird Bronze and is flawless. It includes correct Thunderbird floor mats and looks factory fresh. One modern upgrade is the aftermarket AM/FM Cassette Tape Player, perfect for playing those golden oldies. The radio fits perfect and was designed to fit in the factory opening with no modification. Gauges all work, and the steering wheel is perfect.

Wheels = A: 14" Factory steel wheels wearing the correct and perfect hub caps

Tires = A: Coker Tire205/75R14 Bias Ply Factory reproductions of the era correct white walls. Excellent tread, unsure of the age

Suspension = A: Completely rebuilt and restored. All new steering components and suspension bushings make this car ride like a dream with no rattles or squeaks. Manual steering car tracks straight and steering is tight.

Exhaust = A: Factory correct dual exhaust exits through the rear bumper as designed. Exhaust is free of leaks, rattles and produces a quiet and low rumble just like in 1956!

Rear Differential = A: Clean and dry, free of any clunks or whines. Fully rebuilt with new bearings and seals.

Ignition = A: Factory points style ignition with factory correct wires and plugs

Transmission = B+: Fordamatic Transmission shifts smoothly and was professionally rebuilt during the restoration, however due to the lack of regular use has developed a small rear output shaft seal leak.

Brakes = A: Manual four wheel drum brakes were completely rebuilt with all new parts and brake lines. These brakes function just like new.

Engine = A- : The factory 312 CID V8 engine was professionally rebuilt. It is near concourse under the hood. It starts easily, with no smoke on cold or warm start. It idles smoothl, with no knocks or ticks cold or warm. Power is smooth under acceleration with no hesitation, black smoke, and frankly runs like new. The charging system has been upgraded to a Delco alternator for more reliability with an very clean aftermarket kit. All factory wiring has been restored or replaced. It could use some light paint restoration on the engine block, and it appears the thermostat housing has a slight leak. Otherwise is show ready as is.

Summary- This car comes with the factory build sheet as well as several original dealer brochures and glovebox materials. When I say it is show ready, it even comes with a trunk full of cleaning and detailing supplies. The owner of this car passed away unexpectedly and this car was sitting in show ready status in the garage when her owner left for that final cruise without her. Also available for an additional cost is the 20’ Foot enclosed trailer used to tow this vehicle to and from shows and cruises. This iconic piece of automotive history is ready to go and truly turn key

Current Pricing on these cars makes this car a strong investment

https://www.hagerty.com/apps/valuationtools/1957-Ford-Thunderbird?id=119655

That said….I have tried to be as honest and upfront about the description of the car. However Ford Products are not my wheelhouse so feel free to call me with any questions or concerns I may have neglected to describe. This car is sold as is with no warranties given or implied. Your bid is a binding contract, only bid if you intend to buy. Buyer responsible for transportation

Again call Reggie with questions at 231-384-7363