LOT 201
1957 Ford E-Code Thunderbird Chassis no. E7FH176933
Sold for US$48,160 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 201
1957 Ford E-Code Thunderbird
1957 Ford E-Code Thunderbird
Chassis no. E7FH176933
Chassis no. E7FH176933
312ci OHV V8 Engine
2x4-Barrel Carburetor
245bhp at 4,500rpm
Ford-O-Matic Automatic Transmission
Front Independent Suspension – Live Rear Axle
4-Wheel Drum Brakes
*Offered from the Estate of Robert L. Byers
*Accompanied by the original E-Code 2x4-Barrel carburetor kit with air cleaner
*Equipped with factory Hard Top and 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
This striking Thunderbird E-Code stems from the final production year of the Classic, two-seat Thunderbird model. As an E-Code, the car had the desirable dual 4-barrel carburetor kit from factory, which the car is offered along with today, including the rare air cleaner. The car joined the Byers collection in 2010, and has since received much restoration work for which there are invoices in the history file. Finished in the period-correct Inca Gold exterior color with matching Hard Top over a black and white interior, the car looks just right. The car is handsomely equipped with many factory power amenities 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.
2x4-Barrel Carburetor
245bhp at 4,500rpm
Ford-O-Matic Automatic Transmission
Front Independent Suspension – Live Rear Axle
4-Wheel Drum Brakes
*Offered from the Estate of Robert L. Byers
*Accompanied by the original E-Code 2x4-Barrel carburetor kit with air cleaner
*Equipped with factory Hard Top and 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
This striking Thunderbird E-Code stems from the final production year of the Classic, two-seat Thunderbird model. As an E-Code, the car had the desirable dual 4-barrel carburetor kit from factory, which the car is offered along with today, including the rare air cleaner. The car joined the Byers collection in 2010, and has since received much restoration work for which there are invoices in the history file. Finished in the period-correct Inca Gold exterior color with matching Hard Top over a black and white interior, the car looks just right. The car is handsomely equipped with many factory power amenities 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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