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!
Suzanne drove a ’56 in the movie, but who’s counting?
Always liked the ’57s the most of the “Baby Birds.” Best looking, best engine options.
If you were a nerd at that age, and a looker like Suzanne gave you a smile, you would have definitely noticed. A dream girl. The car? Meh.
This is a nice example and the American Graffiti probably helps prop up the value of all white ones a bit. I’m not really a fan, the proportions seem all wrong and nothing seems to improve it. Perhaps Kindig???
I personally like the 55 to 57 Birds best of all Bid. A turn key top level entry into the classic car hobby.. Basically a very well kept car. Looks like it is being gone thru mechanically. No idea as to why a dealer is selling it??? But if the couple has had it for 50 enjoyable years it is probably due to health or an estate sale. Fly out and drive it home!!!
I have a ’56, and has been observed, that’s what Ms Sommers was driving in the film. These are beautiful cars, the dimensions and a few details were directly lifted from Carrozzeria Touring’s Ferrari 166M, a car given to Henry Ford by Enzo Ferrari in 1948.
Ford’s designers incorporated themes from their coming 1955 sedans, creating an icon that outsold the Corvette 10:1 in it’s first year.
The Chevy’s Blue Flame Six, powerglide, and side curtains were not big sellers, and in those early years, the Corvette wasn’t much of a sports car, either.
As a collector car, these are great. Parts availability is as good as many five year old cars, and they are simple, reliable cars. Values may be waining, but if you’re buying a collector car for assured appreciation, you should re-think your investment strategy. “Appreciation” is a story for your spouse.
I had a twin to the one shown above in the early 60’s (w/port hole roof). I was drafted in 64 & received orders for Vietnam. Knowing that I owed my best friend monies that I didn’t have I asked my (future) Father In Law to sell the car & pay my friend ~ in case anything should happen to me.
When I arrived home in 1966 my future in laws gave me a welcome home party. During the festivities, my future Father In Law handed me an envelope telling me it was the balance of the monies received after selling the car.
Imagine my surprise in finding 3 one hundred dollar bills in the envelope with my future Father In Law’s explanation that he sold the car to the 1st guy to show up with cash – my reply was “I only owed my friend 500 so what gives. He was apologetic for underselling my car telling me that later he thought it curious that the buyer walked around the car once before paying him in cash without even checking to see if it had an engine. Basically the car was sold for 800 … I’m still crying.
I would be too.
The 57 was the best looking T-bird by far.