1957 Ford Thunderbird Roadster

The 1957 Thunderbird was marketed as a personal car, putting more emphasis on the cars comfort and convenience packages than performance. Although it out performed the Corvette right off the line, the conveniences were heavily marketed. A new 12-volt electrical system would be used to power all the conveniences and proved to be the new standard for the future. Smaller fins, new grille, sleeker body and a hood scoop added to the appeal of what some consider the nicest year for the iconic Thunderbird, said to be named from the Thunderbird Country Club in Rancho Mirage, California.

This consignment comes to us as a self-described driver quality car. Not a museum piece but fit enough to be driven on a regular basis for the past 10 years by the current consigner. With a hardtop, and a soft top any weather will do for a drive, and some 1957 fun.

Exterior
Colonial White may be arguably the best color for this classic bird. It presents in good condition. A chromed hood scoop sits in a long front bonnet, and is fronted by nice bumpers, and brite work in funky midcentury modern script. Chrome vents adorn the front quarter panels, as well as an actual operational vent, that brings fresh air into the car. As we move rearward, small fins take form beginning behind the doors, and make their way back to the “owl eye” tail lamps. For this year Ford had the exhaust outlets go through the rear bumper. New radial tires wrap original wheels with era correct hubcaps. Fender skirts are available, but not currently on this car as consigner states it gives it a more aggressive look. The convertible softtop is an aftermarket replacement (probably from the 1970' or early 80's) and the rear window is relatively clear. To note the top is white.

Interior
A very nice set of white horizontal tufted seats, with black bolsters are shoehorned into the cabin. Door panels show white vinyl in rectangular design and swooping black vinyl armrests topped with machined aluminum to match the swoop of the armrest. This same aluminum trim band makes its way across the dash and is surrounded by black metal top and bottom. A round bump in front of the original steering wheel houses the instrument panel and is fronted by the steering wheel original to this car. Black carpeting floods the floor and sports a white T-Bird logo. The hardtop shows a nice headliner in white. Aftermarket air conditioning resides below the dash (currently does not work), and an aftermarket Kenwood stereo completes it.

Drivetrain
The Y-block engine is likely not original (displacement is unknown) and the car is equipped with a two-barrel carburetor. An automatic transmission is attached. The car has manual steering and manual brakes.

Undercarriage
A look underneath reveals nicely done frame and floor pans. No visible rust is seen, and all looks straight and true. Good pipes and mufflers for the dual exhaust and bumper in back shows no ill effects of the exhaust going through it. Overall very nice underneath.

Consigner states that he has noticed the engine smoking a bit after startup. After driving for a bit, it goes away, but he recommends it get addressed. Overall a very clean, nicely done 57 Bird.

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.