Want a chance to finish restoring one of only 1,499 prized E-Code ’57 Thunderbirds? If so, start making a long list of questions, because the seller doesn’t share a lot of details or photographs. One could say the “E” might stand for “Enigma,” because, surprisingly, there are no photos of the E-Code 312 cubic-inch Y-block V8 powerplant, the core of what makes this rare Bird so desirable, or the car’s data plate. They claim it’s had the same owner since 1975 and is in need of a total restoration. Its condition is listed as “Fair,” with new tires and many new parts, but there’s no mention if the Bird runs or not. The photos show body preparation was done at some point in time (or some decade) and you can see scant traces of its probable original color: Torch Red. The white fiberglass removable hardtop, with its trademark portholes, is perched on the Bird and the seller states it also has the convertible top, but frame only. You can find this restoration project here on craigslist in – ironically enough – Mechanicsville, Pennsylvania, with an asking price of $25,000. Special props to Russell G for bird watching and sending us the tip.

The passenger side looks straight although there appears to be some rust around the bottom of the windshield trim. For the buyer’s sake, let’s hope that the famous 312-cubic inch Super V8 lurks underneath that paint-stripped, unhinged front hood. Featuring not one, but two Holley four-barrel carburetors, plus increased bore and stroke, a higher compression ratio, and automatic choke, the E-Code Bird cranked out 272 horsepower (offering more horsepower than any other small block V8 that year). The seller claims the original 312 engine is indeed in there and has been rebuilt.

The interior was also prepared for restoration at some point in time and has a stripped-down “rough and rusted” appearance. The carpet and dash pad have been removed and we’re not sure what’s happened to the automatic transmission shifter or Town & Country radio. The steering wheel may not be original based on its turquoise color, and the dusty bench seat was reupholstered at some point in a non-correct solid black vinyl.

This photo shows the restyled rear end for the ‘57 Thunderbird in all of its finned glory (and was the view most motorists probably saw of this powerful E-Code Bird). With only 1,499 E-Codes built (7% of the 21,380 Thunderbirds built in 1957), no wonder it’s one of the most coveted and collected two-seater Thunderbirds. We wish there were more details about the car’s present condition and history, and that the seller had included more photographs. But, if it’s all there and you have a desire to be in rarified air, there’s no more beautiful brute than a Torch Red ’57 E-Code Thunderbird.