Garage Kept/312ci 4bbl V8/Ford-O-Matic/3 Cars In 1/Added AC/Show Ready Ride

1957 Ford Thunderbird Convertible

The 1955-57 two seat Ford Thunderbird is among the most recognized iconic American cars. It’s been put in television shows, movies and print advertisements, not to mention being pictured on a U. S. postage stamp. The mass media has often mistakenly called any sporty looking car, such as the Ford Mustang, a ”sports car”. It’s given the 1955-57 Thunderbird the same description, although Ford stressed from the get go that its new baby was a ”personal car”. Ford knew that the sports cars market was very limited and that calling the Thunderbird a ”personal car” would give it much broader appeal. 

For consignment, a 1957 Ford Thunderbird convertible showing 56,156 non actual miles due to a Pennsylvania title exemption. 1957 saw Ford add some extra options including power which this one has, a 312ci for this garage kept example in arrest me red. 

Exterior
Iconically configured with red over white adorn this car with Flame Red paint on the body and accessory hard top. These colors are complemented by the wheels, in this case wide white walls on 14-inch chrome wire wheels with wide whitewalls.  Bits of chrome include a modest gravel guard on the fender skirt, trim mimicking a vent on the fenders, the bold window trim, and the wrap-around chrome bumpers. The wonderful grated grille is flanked by headlights that wear a brow of red in front of a center hood scoop, a design that will still look good 100 years from now. Out back, jet age takes over with exhaust that exit through holes in the bumper at the end of the Continental kit, and afterburner tail lights framed in rocket like trim. The turquoise Thunderbird emblem is perched on the front; the color is picked up by the center caps, including the rear mounted spare. This is a stunning example with imperfections noted as hood, decklid and door gap issues, inclusions in the paint, chipping paint and dry seals on the hardtop, a chip in the windshield, and some filler under a headlight.

Interior
While the exterior is immediately recognizable and touted by the general public, it’s the interior that we’re continually impressed with as materials and design go from the door panels directly to the dash, wrapping the aluminum panels and padded white vinyl almost seamlessly to the front. The panels themselves show some slight discoloration and the white bench seat has tuck and roll patterned pleats, a bit of compression on the driver’s side, but in otherwise great shape. They face a black steering wheel with horn ring over its three spokes with the top gap framing an arched instrument cluster, spun aluminum bleeding over from the doors, and round gauges arranged symmetrically; a temp gauge has been added below. Black knobs and an AM/FM/Cassette radio flow right along with the vent control panel that overlaps the passenger side of the cozy cabin. A simple shifter rises from the floor, black knob and black rubber boot surrounding a chrome shaft, all over black loop carpet in fine condition with, like much of the interior, some light patina. We also note some discoloration to the stowed white soft top which is not attached to the retracting mechanism

Drivetrain
A relatively clean engine bay houses the 312ci V8, rated at 245 horsepower and fueled by a 4-barrel carburetor. It’s mated to a Ford-O-Matic 3-speed automatic, sending power true sports style to the Ford 9” in back with 3.10 gears. 

Undercarriage
Patina and some residual oil and build up is about but otherwise the underside qualifies as clean, driver quality. Dual exhaust moves through the X-frame with stock style mufflers and resonators, finally finding their way to the back, meeting the gaps intended for their exit through the bumper. Suspension consists of coil springs up front and leaf springs in the back and drum brakes are supplied to all four wheels. 

Drive-Ability
As the purveyor of fine Thunderbirds, we never miss the opportunity to take one for spin on our test loop where this one does not disappoint, providing good power from the 312 and a nice, upright sitting position which allows for good visibility during controlled turns, stops, and acceleration. Every box for functionality is checked except the A/C and it’s time for this bird to join the flock in the mall. 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.

Look up classic car in the dictionary and you may very well find a photo of a 1957 Ford Thunderbird. It is without a doubt, one of the most iconic American two seater classic cars in history. So much so that there’s a long list of celebrities who have coveted their own 50’s Thunderbird. According to the Vintage Thunderbird Club’s website, the list includes Doris Day, Natalie Wood, Jack Lemmon, Vic Damone, Bing Crosby, Conway Twitty, and Marilyn Monroe to name just a few. Are you ready to join this elite group?

D7FH245783

D-312ci 245hp 4bbl V8
7-1957
F-Dearborn, MI Assy Plant
H-Thunderbird
245783-Sequential Unit Number

WARRANTY PLATE

BODY 40A-Thunderbird
COLOR QQ-Thunderbird Bronze
TRIM XJ-Bronze Vinyl
PRODUCTION CODE 14C550179P-March 14th 

Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that’s more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit [hidden information] or call us at [hidden information]. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person. There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee is not included in the advertised price. All prices are before state, city and county tax, tag, title and license fees. Out of state buyers are responsible for all state, county, city taxes and fees, as well as title/registration fees in the state that the vehicle will be registered. Classic Auto Mall is not responsible for errors and omissions. Please verify listings with dealer. Vehicles may require VIN verification and/or safety and emissions inspections to transfer ownership and register the vehicle in the declared state of residence. Please check with your local DMV office to ensure compliance with your state’s titling and registration process.

With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy listening. You can also watch on YouTube!