Eric Minoff
Vice President, Head of Department - US
LOT 120
1957 Ford E-Code Thunderbird Chassis no. E7FH293698
Sold for US$51,520 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 120
1957 Ford E-Code Thunderbird
1957 Ford E-Code Thunderbird
Chassis no. E7FH293698
Chassis no. E7FH293698
312ci OHV V8 Engine
Dual 4-Barrel Carburetor
245bhp at 4,500rpm
3-Speed Ford-O-Matic Automatic Transmission
Front Independent Suspension – Live Rear Axle
4-Wheel Drum Brakes
*Delivered new to Italy
*Extensively documented
*The most powerful naturally aspirated 'tri-fi' T-Bird
*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, and is reported to have been delivered new to Italy—certainly one of the few T-Birds to have been tearing up the autostrada in the land of Ferrari and Maserati. Remaining in Italy until 1994, the T-Bird was restored at Hill's Automotive in Racine, Ohio. Joining the collection of its penultimate owner in 2013, it was sparingly used until it was acquired by the present owner. Documented by copies of its original invoice, number 293698, and extensive restoration and importation records, it is rare opportunity to acquire the most powerful naturally aspirated T-Bird one could acquire in '57. A striking example in every regard, one should be very pleased with this beautiful example of Ford's classic Thunderbird.
Dual 4-Barrel Carburetor
245bhp at 4,500rpm
3-Speed Ford-O-Matic Automatic Transmission
Front Independent Suspension – Live Rear Axle
4-Wheel Drum Brakes
*Delivered new to Italy
*Extensively documented
*The most powerful naturally aspirated 'tri-fi' T-Bird
*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, and is reported to have been delivered new to Italy—certainly one of the few T-Birds to have been tearing up the autostrada in the land of Ferrari and Maserati. Remaining in Italy until 1994, the T-Bird was restored at Hill's Automotive in Racine, Ohio. Joining the collection of its penultimate owner in 2013, it was sparingly used until it was acquired by the present owner. Documented by copies of its original invoice, number 293698, and extensive restoration and importation records, it is rare opportunity to acquire the most powerful naturally aspirated T-Bird one could acquire in '57. A striking example in every regard, one should be very pleased with this beautiful example of Ford's classic Thunderbird.
Additional information
Looking for a similar item?
Our Cars specialists can help you find a similar item at an auction or via a private sale.
Find your local specialistSpecialist section
Mark Osborne
Global Director of Motorsport
Auction Viewings
- 1 March 2023, 09:00 - 19:00 EST
- 2 March 2023, 09:00 - 10:00 EST
