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1957 Ford

Thunderbird Roadster

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Stock
1294
Engine Size
312 V8
Transmission Type
3 Speed Automatic
Vin
D7FH323449
Miles
23,201
Drivetrain
RWD

1957 Ford Thunderbird Roadster

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 black 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.

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 optional dual chrome mirrors, cleared by satin-finished wipers, and framed by thick chrome trim. When the weather stops being agreeable, a black cloth convertible top comes to the rescue while complimenting the body color for a striking look. There is also a matching black hardtop with this one, allowing you to enjoy this classic bird year round. Below, sculpted door handles and stainless-trimmed fender skirts perfectly complement chrome fender louvers, small Ford emblems and glowing “Thunderbird” scripts that sit to the front of fender vents. The '57 had arguably the most memorable rear view of all the Thunderbirds with finned quarters capped by pointed taillights while exhaust routes through rectangular bumper cutouts. Below the trunk lock, a final Thunderbird emblem completes the exterior.

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 a little wear, and a large crack in the center of the driver's side of the bench. At either side, matching door panels are dressed with an 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 match 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 decklid we find solid pans beneath a correct floor mat and 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 Holley carburetor, the setup was factory rated at 245hp and 332lb-ft of torque – just 25Hhp 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 which could be more accurately called “orange”. Factory heads topped with original valve cover stickered “Thunderbird Special V8” frame a factory intake, while a matte aluminum painted air cleaner assembly tops the Holley. This nicely restored yet original mill his backed by the 3-speed Ford-O-Matic automatic transmission.

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.

This beautiful cruiser with hardtop and soft top shows well for its age. A few 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. Runs well, shifts smoothly, and can be used year-round, turning heads full time.

VIN Decode
D7FH32349
D-312CUI V8
7-1957
F-Dearborn, MI Assy Plant
H-Thunderbird
32349-Sequential Unit Number

Data Tag
BDY 40-Thunderbird
CLR AA-Black w/ Black Top
TRIM XH-Pleated Flame Red Vinyl
DATE 28F-June 28
TRANS 3-Ford O Matic
AXLE 1-3.10

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 300 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.