I don’t think it’s time to declare that the sky is falling on the traditional blue-chip collectibles of the 1950s, but it seems that prices have come down enough that projects and drivers are within the grasp of Mr. or Ms. Average Person. For example, not too long ago, the ’57 Thunderbird was the subject of any number of poodle-skirt-themed posters and tin signs with Route 66 memorabilia sprinkled in for good measure. Now, you can buy this tempting T-Bird on Craigslist in the Houston area for $11,000. It’s true – time stops for no one!
Granted, this is a “ran when parked” project, but it’s been parked inside and it’s complete. It’s not a hastily disassembled erector set waiting to frustrate the next person to tackle it, if there is a next person. Being that this is a Fordomatic car, the engine should be a 245-horsepower 312, which is almost-but-not-quite the pinnacle of Y-Block history. Most of us won’t be dealing with supercharged or dual-quad 312s anytime soon, so this is the “good one” for most of us.
One thing that concerns me: Shouldn’t the ’57 T-Bird have special T-Bird valve covers? It makes one wonder if this is a replacement engine. No comment in the advertisement.
The seller also claims that it has “some rust.” It’s tough to tell how much rust it has in the pictures (it’s a black car after all, which is the best for hiding it), but I’d guess some work has been done on the trunk. Maybe behind the spare tire…
Still, eleven grand for a complete ’57 that you could probably get running with a little effort was unheard of not too long ago. A deep cleaning and a cover for the bench seat could have you on the road looking like a million bucks.
It even has a soft top that seems to go up and down. It’s black with a red interior, which is almost inarguably one of the best color combinations of the 1950s and 1960s. For the price (or maybe a little less), it’s difficult to go wrong here.
This one’s such a good deal that the owner chained it up. I’m not sure I’m on board with the description of the car as a “classic rat rod”; to me, it instead gives off a vague NASCAR vibe, something that would have run for speed records on the beach. With steel wheels and dog dish hubcaps, missing fender skirts, and that faded black paint, it emits a macho vibe that’s just right for street duty. Sure, it won’t be very fast, but it will sound cool (love that Y-Block rumble), look great, and be as fun as anything else on the road. Considering what $11,000 will get you in a muscle car these days, this might be a bargain. Thanks to Spencer D. for sending it our way.
Don’t be swayed by the owner’s casual mis-labeling on CL calling this a “Classic rat rod”. It isn’t.
Instead, I see a fairly complete 57 T-bird in need of some TLC – and priced right.
Yes, it is ratty, no, it isn’t a “Rat Rod”
The valve covers are the standard ones – the finned aluminum ones were an extra cost option.
Never cared for original T birds ,hot rod them very cool, straight axle ,etc..
Go to your room! 👉🏻
complete original. not all taken apart. if i had an extra 11k….
If I were single, I’d buy it.
If I bought it, I would be single very soon…
Sounds like a win-win to me.
I’m concerned about the chain.
How the mighty have fallen. Several years ago this would have been a much-coveted find with a much higher price.
Yep, amazing how the prices on these came down. Makes them very tempting. Job 1 is locating a set of those T-Bird rocker covers!
It’s been my experience that you can find complete and nicely sorted baby birds for very reasonable prices. I think it would be wise to spend more and get one of those.
Maybe there is a junk yard dog on the end of the chain?
My guess is the chain was used to tow the car for pictures since it does not currently run.
Aw, come on. That’s way too obvious!
Very nice but the ad doesn’t mention or maybe I missed it, is the hard top included? Agree this would look good cleaned up and interior redone, rat rod no resto mod si. I think my dollars would be better spent buying a last Generation T-Bird. It’s got the retro style of the original but all the creature comfort of a modern car. The ad mentions power steering but what about the brakes? Drums at very least, and a two speed automatic and crank windows? Love that style though. Iconic is an over used word but it fits in this case.
I don’t see why everyone thinks this is such a good deal. Nicely restored ’57 T-Birds can be bought for under $30,000. You’d spend more than that restoring this one, even if you did all the body, paint, and mechanical work yourself!
Some people don’t want a restored car. Mechanically sound is my goal. I like old black fords.
I’m with you. I always wanted a ratty black baby bird with halibrands and a four speed, mildly hopped up. This fills the bill, and I wouldn’t be desecrating a restored car or survivor.
Buff it as shiny as it will go, no paintwork, clean the interior. And not worry about leaving it in a parking lot.
The accelarated death rates from a certain injection is thinning the pool of potential buyers and it is happening and intensifying , so the prices will drop as the demand does , it is a sad reality forced upon us by very evil people
YOLO
427 side oiler or SOHC, 6 speed, cage.