• Seller: Paul M cCain (Contact)
• Location: Springfield, Missouri
• Mileage: 41,073 Shown
• Chassis #: D7FH395548
• Title Status: Clean
• Engine: 289cui V8
• Transmission: 4-Speed Manual

Of the first-generation “Baby Birds,” the 1957 model enjoyed the highest production numbers (21,380), but that is partially because its production was extended to December 13, 1957. I was reminded of that when I saw a two-page advertisement in a 1957 Life magazine for Ford’s newly released 1958 models, and sitting among them was a ’57 T-Bird (which was obviously interesting enough that I made a mental note of it). It was also common knowledge by that time that the ’58 Thunderbird would be a four-seater, and since production of that car was delayed (it went on sale in January of 1958), undoubtedly dealers moved a few more of the 1957 models. This Ruby Red ’57 is outfitted the way a young California hot rodder may have wanted it in the mid-1960s (well, it may have had a set of mag wheels back then); it’s a neat build, and it’s being offered now as a Barn Finds Auction in Springfield, Missouri.

The 1957 Thunderbird came standard with a 292 Y-Block, but many were equipped with the 312 in various states of tune (this one had a 245-horsepower “D-Code,” according to the VIN). Somewhere out in California, somebody installed a ’64 289 small-block Ford, which it still has today (with a pair of Cobra valve covers – nice!). Paired to the more modern Ford mill is a four-speed manual transmission, which was never available from the factory in a ’57 T-bird (or any T-Bird, to my knowledge). Additional mechanical goodies that accentuate the car’s “hot rod” persona are a Holley double-pumper four-barrel, an aluminum intake manifold, headers, an aluminum radiator, and an electronic ignition. The Thunderbird also has an alternator conversion, electric fuel pump, power steering conversion, and front disc brakes.

The interior also has a few mild custom touches that will take the new owner back to 1964 or so. It has an aftermarket steering wheel, a few aftermarket gauges to keep track of the high-winding little 289 under the hood, and a pair of first-generation Mustang buckets (in place of the T-Bird’s bench) that look like they were born there. You can also see that proud four-speed shifter sticking up from the tunnel with its classic white shift knob. The heater box and ducting have been restored and the vacuum windshield wipers replaced with an electric unit.

In addition to that long list of mechanical customizations and upgrades, the car’s had some cosmetic work done; it has two tops – and aftermarket hard top and a new soft top. There are several pictures of the white soft top in the gallery below, and the hard top (with its well-known “portholes”) has been paint matched to the car’s exterior. It appears to have been given a textured appearance, which actually looks pretty good. In addition to what has already been mentioned, the seller has had a long list of repairs done to the car, including the following:

• A new battery
• A front-end alignment
• A new thermostat
• A new electronic ignition system
• A new timing set (chain and gears)
• New tires
• The header gaskets were replaced
• The fuel gauge was repaired
• The soft top was repaired and fitted
• The hardtop was restored with new weatherstripping, headliner, windows, and latches
• The body was touched up where necessary
• The parking brake system was renewed
• The shift linkage was adjusted
• Valve cover gaskets (and one rocker arm) were replaced
• The driver’s side seat bottom was repaired by an upholstery shop

In essence, all the little things a new owner would have to do to make a car reliable (and not annoying) have already been done, so you can bid with confidence. You have to admit, this T-Bird looks tough with its pretty red paint and “dog dish” hubcaps (the car will also come with a set of original wire wheel covers, which are installed atop the hubcaps that are already on the car). Some people prefer their Baby Birds stock, but this one has been so well done that it’s bound to provide someone a lot of enjoyment. If you are that someone, bid now!

Bid On This Auction

• History (20 bids)