Not all T-birds are created equal. For 1957, there were several engines that made the two-seater a true performance car.
This rotisserie-restored 1957 Ford Thunderbird featured on AutoHunter, the online auction platform driven by ClassicCars.com, is reportedly one of fewer than 1,500 produced with the E-code 312 V-8 — that’s 270 horsepower from dual-quads. This car has been in the possession of the current owner for 30 years. Features include three-speed manual transmission with overdrive, Town & Country AM radio, rear fender skirts, wire wheels and power brakes. Finished in Thunderbird Bronze and equipped with a tan top over copper vinyl interior, this award-winning Thunderbird comes from the selling dealer with the original wheels and wheel covers, original invoice (which confirms the E-code engine status), restoration photos and a clear title.
The frame-off rotisserie restoration was completed in the late 1980s by Mitch’s T-Birds of Paramount, California. The exterior was refinished in the original (code Q) Thunderbird Bronze. Features include driver-side mirror, tan canvas folding convertible top with plastic rear window, color-keyed rear fender skirts, and reverse lights. The selling dealer states that there is faded paint on a rear fender and a blemish behind the passenger seat under the top.
A set of chrome Kelsey-Hayes-style wire wheels is wrapped in whitewall radial tires.
The (code XJ) copper vinyl interior was redone during the restoration. Features include manual steering and brakes. A Town & Country AM radio handles the audio playlist.
A 140-mph speedometer, 5,000-rpm tachometer, gauges for the fuel level and temperature, and clock can be found on the instrument panel. A Town & Country AM radio handles the audio playlist. The odometer reads 1,275 miles, but the true mileage on this vehicle is unknown.
Power is provided by the optional 270-horsepower 312 V8 topped by a pair of Holley carburetors and paired with a three-speed manual transmission with overdrive. Features include finned aluminum valve covers, aluminum dual-quad intake manifold, and special air cleaner housing for the carburetors.
This Thunderbird was factory-equipped with an independent front suspension and a solid rear drive axle. Braking is handled by four-wheel manual drums.
The selling dealer states this Thunderbird has won multiple Gold Medallion awards at Thunderbird events. Included in the sale is the original invoice, original wheels and wheel covers, and restoration photos, plus clear title.
This 1957 Ford Thunderbird’s auction ends on Monday, March 13, 2023, at 4:40 p.m. (MST)
Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and photo gallery
