1957 Ford Thunderbird

1957 Ford Thunderbird Convertible This graceful new '57 version of the classic Thunderbird is full of exciting new surprises, even for veteran Thunderbird fans. Thunderbird performance, the famous standard for fine car power, has soared to still more brilliant heights. In fact, the sizzling GO it delivers at a touch of your toe is something extra special. Gentlemen agree that the Thunderbird is America's distinguished personal car. The only question in Thunderbird owning families is whether it's his or hers. From the 1957 sales brochure. For consignment, a 1957 Ford Thunderbird convertible showing 1,326 miles, but the true miles are unknown. This California car was subjected to a frame off restoration and its near flawless presentation now includes a saddle leather interior which was not an option in '57 but is the perfect complement to the exterior red. Exterior If you're going to have a classic Thunderbird, why not have it legendary Flame Red and top it with a matching hardtop, porthole and all! The epic, artful lines of the Thunderbird persist with the forward leaning headlights bookending the eggcrate grille, a power bulge hood scoop on top, forward canted ornamental trim on the fender, modest fins over the round tail lights, and for '57, the jet like exhaust ports through the rear bumper. 14-inch chrome wire wheels exude opulence with 205/75R14 white wall tires and  fender skirts keep things aerodynamic and add another notable feature to the profile. The chrome and paint is fantastic with minor imperfections noted as a chip near the hardtop and one near a tail light.  Interior A turned aluminum insert dresses this and most Thunderbird door panels, here surrounded by saddle stitched leather and topped by a polished trim piece that matches the window frame. Tuck and roll patterning serves as an insert for the saddle leather bench with only minor creasing on the driver's side and bright red lap belts. The saddle rimmed steering wheel is show worthy along with its horn ring and it leads to a sculpted dashboard of leather and metal with complementing black faced gauges as the spun aluminum moves to the right to take in an AM/FM/Cassette radio of more modern vintage, the A/C lever panel, and knobs over a matching A/C unit. The chrome shifter favors the driver's side of the transmission hump over gold carpet with vintage style red rubber mats protecting it.  Gold carpet returns in the trunk where its tan trim outline is contoured to the curvature and cut outs of the trunk itself and a spare tire is perched at the ready.  Drivetrain A red painted block, the Thunderbird finned valve covers, and other clean metals dress this show worthy engine bay where you'll find a 312ci V8 with a 4-barrel carburetor and rated at 245 horsepower. It's mated to a Ford-O-Matic 3-speed automatic transmission routing power to Ford's formidable 9 rear with 3.10 gears. The car runs on a 12 volt system and includes power steering and power brakes.  Undercarriage Bring some long mirrors to the show, you're going to want to let everyone see just how spotless and bright the underside is with a glossy black X-frame, satin red underbody, and dry conditions on a better than new presentation. Here we have power drum brakes at all four wheels, dual exhaust the flow through stock style mufflers, and suspension that consists of coil springs in front and leaf springs in back.  Drive-Ability With such attention to detail, what are the chances the drive-ability goes wrong? Close to 0% we would say and the short drive around the loop bears that out. The car runs strong and quiet, with plenty of power underfoot and excellent tracking and handling. All, yes all functions on board operate as they should on this award winning Thunderbird. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at the time of your purchase. If you're looking fo