1957 Ford Thunderbird

1957 Ford Thunderbird Convertible The Ford Thunderbird had done everything Ford intended for it to do. It captured the hearts of America. It was considered by many as it was the car to own and be seen in. As such, it brought people into Ford showrooms so they could see it first hand, and then the sales teams could convince the potential customer to buy another Ford model if the Thunderbird wasn't right for them. Though Ford was pleased to see sales of the Thunderbird rise to a highest ever 21,380 units for 1957, a newer, 4 seat 'Bird was in the works. It would respond to the one major complaint, the car only had space for one passenger. thx over-drive-magazine.com  For consignment, a 1957 Ford Thunderbird convertible with a title verified 100,767 actual miles. This is the closest thing to an original owner Thunderbird you'll likely see as our consignor has owned and maintained the car since 1961. The engine was rebuilt at 98,700 miles and a new soft top was added in 2008.  Exterior Bathed in Colonial White, the smooth, two stage coverage of this car would make Moby Dick envious. We note a tasteful contrast in the reddish paint behind the hubcaps, which is bordered by 14-inch white wall tires, the epitome of class in the era. Side fender trim and subtle gravel guards on fender skirts add some panache to the sides while the amazing and low chrome bumper is more shapely than previous years and lacks the torpedo accents. The rear fender is nothing short of a work of art, contouring to the body line of the car and providing integrated portals for the exhaust to exit. Though different from early birds, the tail lights maintain their jet age presentation with prominent fins jutting out in a wide Y profile. Two tops come with the car; a black canvas soft top and the Colonial White accessory porthole hardtop, both in very good condition. Imperfections include various cracks in the paint.  Interior Handsome door panels with swooping spun metal insert that helps set the stacked colors and materials of the dashboard and we note the driver's armrest is coming loose. The black vinyl bench seat with white ribbed pleats is in excellent condition, sporting a small hump in the center to delineate the sitting area, but not large enough to prevent your partner from sliding over if the mood strikes. The black steering wheel is accented by a chrome horn ring and column which finds its home under the arched instrument cluster backed by that spun aluminum with inset gauges all featuring a brushed nickel centerpiece. The radio is a Thunderbird branded AM/FM/Cassette unit in line with the vent panel on that mid dash band of aluminum. The dash pad is usually the first place the sun has impact, but this one is in very good shape, as the shifter on the floor shows some patina and is surrounded by decent black loop carpet. The clean trunk wears a period plaid mat and carries a spare tire in the allotted depression.  Drivetrain The clean and original looking bay houses the rebuilt 312ci V8 rated at 245 horsepower and fueled by a 4-barrel carburetor. Power is routed to the Ford 9 in back with 3.10 gears via a 3-speed Ford-O-Matic transmission, while brakes are configured with drums front and rear. Undercarriage The fuel tank shines bright and was replaced in 2023 along with the fuel sender. The exhaust looks newer as well and features a dual system with stock style mufflers and resonators. There's some general patina underneath and some residual oil on the pans and flywheel cover along with some build up on the power steering system, rear differential, and knuckles. No rust or anything out of place. Suspension consists of coil springs up front and leaf springs in the back.  Drive-Ability The 312 fires up without hesitation and we fly the coop in this Thunderbird to find a spirited Ford that tracks straight and handles well, the 75 series tires helping calm the bumps in our road. Peering over that long hood with a central hood