1957 Ford Thunderbird

Description

There's really no such thing as an undesirable Thunderbird. But, in the name of variety, a lot of vintage 'birds have been transformed into insular hot rods that just aren't as cool as their pure, correctly restored peers. That's why this national award-winning drop-top is so appealing. Benefitting from acute restoration, it wraps a smooth Ford-O-Matic 3-speed and 312 cubic inches of hot Thunderbird V8 in clean California sheetmetal that's both attractive and timeless. In the market for a cool rendition of a legendary collector car? This awesome roadster could be the literal interpretation of your next classic!

ALWAYS A ROSE

Herded from California to Florida around 1995, this contoured Ford was located by its current owner in the summer of 2001. The idea was to find an authentic Dusk Rose Thunderbird that he could ground-up restore for his wife. However, upon seeing the car, at that point a 97K-mile driver that had been maintained as needed, the owner decided a ground-up restoration simply wasn't warranted. So, the convertible's curvaceous sheetmetal was massaged back to life during a detailed, body-on restoration that's seen nothing but leisurely weekend miles in the years since. That solid façade, restored in every way except being separated from its chassis, was carefully re-sprayed in correct Dusk Rose 2-stage and fully dressed in professionally re-chromed ornamentation. And today, this T-Bird rolls as one impressive, delightfully retro classic!

Detailing begins with a bulleted bumper, which props a stainless, AACA-branded grille under hooded headlights and a teal-trimmed Thunderbird header. Behind that header, a classy hood scoop leads stainless-trimmed glass that's capped by either a Colonial White hardtop or a black soft top. Below those roofs, a correct mirror joins polished door handles to reflect factory fender skirts, ornate fender louvers and flowing “Thunderbird” scripts. And at the back of the car, chrome-trimmed, jet-inspired taillights center an intricate trunk emblem above a second wraparound bumper that's fashioned around true-dual exhaust.

THUNDERBIRD SHOW, FORD-O-MATIC GO

Tilt the hood and you'll find 312 cubic inches of dressed Thunderbird power! Introduced in 1956, Ford's stout Y-block V8 remained an option in blue oval staples well into the mid-1970s. Bottom-side, a correct Ford-O-Matic 3-speed twists torque through an open differential and sporty, 3.10 gears. That drivetrain hangs in a sturdy, road-ready X-frame that's founded on a fully restored double A-arm front and solid axle rear suspension. At the corners of the car, power-assisted drum brakes complement good handling characteristics with solid and confident stops. Those handling characteristics are easily explored through factory power steering. Exhaust is managed by aluminized pipes, which span big resonators and throaty turbo mufflers. And power meets the pavement through attractive chrome wires, which spin 205/75R14 Firestone Supreme whitewalls.

BLACK AND WHITE

In keeping with this roadster's high performance theme, interior outfitting remains minimal, with high quality restoration pieces providing the correct White cockpit plenty of long-term durability. Front and center, a stylish dash wraps engine-turned trim around rebuilt gauges and a modern, direct-fit radio. At the middle of the floor, a petite chrome shifter floats between Thunderbird-themed floor mats. And the driver spins a classy, teal-laced steering wheel.

A highly desirable drop-top that wraps well-maintained restoration around a storied V8 and a smooth, 3-speed transmission, this national award-winning T-Bird offers a little something for everyone. And what's better: it's exactly the kind of classic that provides endless fun on the highway and celebrity status in the parking lot. Don't miss the opportunity to experience a stellar piece of American automotive history!

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HIGHLIGHTS

• National award-winning Thunderbird that's benefitted from detailed restoration
• Correct 312 cubic inch Thunderbird V8
• Correct Ford-O-Matic 3-speed automatic transmission
• Open differential / 3.10 gears
• Factory power steering
• Factory power brakes
• Correct Dusk Rose paint / Colonial White hardtop
• Correct White interior / Black soft top
• 14-inch chromed wire wheels
• Original Ford Motor Company Gate Release and Accounting document (listing options and pricing)
• Restoration photos
• All RK Motors vehicles receive a comprehensive, multi-point inspection
• We can arrange shipment of your purchase anywhere in the world