- Seller: Joe W (Contact)
- Location: Rancho Santa Margarita, California
- Mileage: 100,000 Shown
- Chassis #: D7FH203274
- Title Status: Clean
- Engine: 312 cui V8
- Transmission: Automatic
Ford’s original two-seat Thunderbird enjoyed a brief three-year production run, and many enthusiasts consider the 1957 model the most attractive and refined of the group. This example adds the desirable D-code 312 V8, an automatic transmission, and recent restoration work to the equation. The seller has listed it exclusively here on Barn Finds in Rancho Santa Margarita, California, with a clean title and an asking price of $50,000.
The 1957 model featured a reshaped grille, subtle tailfins, and a lengthened rear deck that let the spare tire fit back in the trunk. It was also the final year before Ford transformed the Thunderbird into a larger four-seat personal luxury car. Ford produced 21,380 examples, making 1957 the most successful year of the original “Baby Bird” generation. This car retains one of the model’s most recognizable accessories: a contrasting white removable hardtop with porthole windows.
Decoding the VIN confirms that this Thunderbird left Dearborn with the D-code 312-cubic-inch V8. Equipped with a single four-barrel carburetor, this engine was factory-rated at 245 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque. An automatic transmission handles shifting duties, giving the car the relaxed character for which the Thunderbird was designed. The seller doesn’t say whether the engine and transmission are original, but the engine compartment maintains a largely period-correct look with finned Thunderbird valve covers and a factory-style air cleaner. The car is said to run and drive well.
The seller describes the car as having recently been restored, with new red paint, a new black-and-white interior, fresh carpeting, and a new hardtop headliner. Although the supplied photos are not especially detailed, the body appears straight, the finish displays a deep shine, and the brightwork presents well. Wide-whitewall tires, full wheel covers, rear fender skirts, and the white porthole top complete the classic presentation. The trunk has also been refinished and contains a matching whitewall spare, while the restored cabin retains the Thunderbird’s distinctive engine-turned instrument panel and telescoping steering wheel.
The seller reports that the Thunderbird drives as it should and lists its mileage at 100,000. There’s no word on what documentation is still with the car or details on recent mechanical work, so buyers may want to inspect it. Those questions aside, this Thunderbird combines iconic styling, the stronger D-code engine, and freshly restored cosmetics in a package that appears ready for weekend drives and local shows. The question is, would you drive this T-Bird regularly or keep it tucked safely away in your garage?
My favorite year for the T Bird !
This looks gorgeous, glad they did not add the Continental Kid.
My brother had one. When he got it, it had teardrop hood scoop from 64 65 Galaxy, Thrush side pipes, and 70 era Mag wheels.
He brought it back to stock with a great Copper color.
strong ask on this bird. don’t see these sell for this much too often anymore. market is a bit flat on these.it is a nice bird though.
So. Black car? Turned red? Or red car with a black engine compartment?
From your write up this is what I call a “Dupont Restoration” since the seller does not describe any mechanical work done. I would love to have a Bird, but this price seems high not knowing anything else about the car.
When I was 7 years old my dad took me with him when he was shopping for a new 1957 4-door Fairlane 500. They had a new 1957 E-Code T-bird on the showroom floor that dad loved……….but he needed a family car. So he ordered the Fairlane with the E-Code dual quad engine!!
Beautiful machine. I’ve always loved the ’57 T-bird. I would prefer the 3 spd. stick with O/D but I could live with the automagic in a car this nice. Only problem I see is it’s too nice to drive and I don’t need a $50,000 lawn ornament. Cars were meant to be driven.
Beautiful 57. I can almost see Robert Ulrich (Dan Tana) speeding down the strip in VEGA$.
I’ll be the Debby Downer here, but IMO the 57 is the ugliest, with proportions that are all wrong. 55 is the best, 56 is the next best (truth be told, my wife wants a 56….. Her birth year).
So tell us you don’t have good taste in cars without actually saying you don’t have good taste in cars.
“Taste” is subjective. IMNSHO, if you think a 57 Tbird looks good, you have no taste…….
pretty gutsy post Ron, never heard anyone call the 57 the ugliest. But at least you say it out loud.
Get you bride the T Bird, she has good taste.
Just look at the proportions! Damn trunk area looks like it should be a full size pickup bed!
As a side issue, he’s asking for a 2006 price, not what these are going for today! Accept $35k and go home happy!
Full size pick up bed ?
You’re going to give some wacko a crazy idea !
A redneck T-bird pickemup? Maybe with a 12″ lift & 40″ tires? Of course it would have to be 4 WD.
Oh No !
A following is developing.
All kiding aside, I would not mind seeing an AI model. But would hate to see someone actually hack up a classic.