1957 Ford Thunderbird

The Scottsdale Auction|16 January 2020, 11:00 MST|Scottsdale, The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa

1957 Ford Thunderbird
Chassis no. D7FH107589

312ci OHV V8 Engine
4-Barrel Carburetor
245bhp at 4,500rpm
Ford-O-Matic Automatic Transmission
Front Independent Suspension – Live Rear Axle
4-Wheel Drum Brakes

*Beautiful, factory-correct restoration performed
*Finished in striking Sky Blue over two-tone blue interior
*Equipped with many power amenities
*Classic and elegant V8-powered Americana

THE FORD THUNDERBIRD

Conceived to challenge Chevrolet's Corvette sports car, the iconic Thunderbird debuted in October 1954 and was one of the first models produced with Ford's new overhead-valve V8 engine. Introduced in two-seat 'personal car' form, the Thunderbird was intended to appeal to image-conscious younger customers and beat the Corvette hands down in the sales war thanks to its superior V8 engine and greater refinement.

A low, sleek two-seater, the Thunderbird offered amenities not found in the competing Chevrolet Corvette, most particularly rollup windows, offering comfort and convenience options tailored to an affluent market.
Ford's product planners hit the market dead center and over 16,000 Thunderbirds were assembled in the 1955 model year.

There were few alterations made for the '56 season, the most obvious being the relocation of the spare wheel to the outside of the trunk in 'Continental Kit' style, while a 312ci, 215bhp Thunderbird Special V8 was added to the engine options. A more thoroughgoing re-style for 1957 saw the adoption of a longer tail section featuring prominent fins. This alteration provided greater luggage space while enabling the spare wheel to be relocated in the boot, a move that would improve the handling. Despite its success, the original Thunderbird concept was soon abandoned and a larger - and slower - four-seat version was introduced for 1958, a move that turned the early two-seater cars into collectors' items almost overnight.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

Completed at the Dearborn, Michigan Ford plant, this 1957 Thunderbird D-Code stems from the final production year of the Classic, two-seat Thunderbird model, featuring the larger 312 cubic-inch OHV V8 Engine. The Sporting Ford is presented in beautiful condition inside and out, and it is apparent that a comprehensive restoration was performed in the past. The charming and typical 1950s livery on the car is believed to be factory-correct and suits the car very well. The car is handsomely equipped with power steering, power brakes, power windows and a classic Town & Country radio. A striking example in every regard, one should be very pleased with this beautiful example of Ford's classic Thunderbird.

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