The 1955-57 Ford Thunderbird was a personal luxury car, not a sports car like the Chevrolet Corvette. The only thing they had in common was seating for two. Ford added a back seat in 1958, making the first generation special and in demand today. The 1957 may have been the most attractive (IMO), and the seller’s example looks like the one driven by Suzanne Somers in the 1973 flick American Graffiti. Wearing an older restoration, this Bird has had the same owner for the past 50 years. Located now with a dealer in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, this charmer is available here on eBay where $14,800 is the current bid, reserve unmet.
As a two-seater, the original run sold well enough, something like 53,000 copies in three years. But the bean counters thought there would be more demand as a 4-seater, so the T-Bird underwent a metamorphosis in 1958. The move paid off as sales soared from that point forward (198,000 units in 1958-60, the “Square Bird” era). The Ford got a mild facelift in 1957, and those editions were the biggest sellers of the generation. The car was so cool, though it was selected for a couple of cameos in the Ron Howard film mentioned above. But was it the car that was cool or was it Suzanne herself?
This Ford was purchased by a couple in 1975, and they have held on to it for more than five decades. It was treated to a frame-off restoration in the 1980s and still looks great after 40 years. A 312 cubic inch V8 sits under the hood (which opens to the rear) and is flanked by a floor-shifted automatic tranny and power steering. It has plenty of extras, including two tops, an aftermarket radio, and modern radial tires. The Diamond Gloss Colonial White paint mirrors that of Suzanne’s ride, complete with rear wheel skirts.
Most of the photos show the ride sitting on a lift where it was undergoing an inspection by the selling dealer. No mention is made of any issues found, suggesting this is a turn-key opportunity. It’s one of 21,380 that Ford built with pride in 1957, and it may be nice enough for the next owner to enjoy for a long, long time, too. No mention is made if the reported 27,700 miles are accurate or if the odometer has turned over.
This T Bird had something really special going for it. A caring long term ownership for 50 years. It looks like the restoration has held up really well and that this really would make a great driver. For me, as a kid, watching American Graffiti, I think it was equal parts, BOTH, the T Bird and the star! I remember my FIL bought a white ’57 T Bird in the late 60’s and had it for a short while. He said that even then, they were really considered something special. This must’ve been this couples pride and joy, and hopefully it goes to a good new home and gets the same care its received over all these years.
“But was it the car that was cool or was it Suzanne herself?”
It probably was. 🤔
Agree 100% with Dave, hopefully it’ll go somewhere it’s really appreciated as much as the sellers.
The only nit with this is a personal thing, would rather be a stick in the middle to row!