There’s what appears to be a bargain-bin sale going on on a 1957 Thunderbird here on ebay. With just over two days left in the auction, this car is going a few thousand bucks under 20 thousand. Now, as we’ve detailed before, early T-Birds don’t ever seem to have gained the traction to keep up with the classic car market. Not sure why. But that leaves most of them in the $30K range, not in the teens. And not for this particular model configuration. So will it be yours to pick up in North Little Rock, Arkansas, come the first of the week?
Note first and above all that this first-generation (1955-57) car is what they call an “E-Code,” which refers to its engine spec. Fewer than 1500 cars of this year had this option, and it’s significant enough that you’ll hear it called out whenever a TV auction happens to be selling one. The differences from a standard Thunderbird are spelled out in a Hemmings article, namely a pair of Holley four-barrel carbs, an aluminum intake manifold, and high-performance cam. That engine, btw, displaced 312 cubic inches out of eight cylinders. The number of E-codes produced totals to about seven percent of all sales of the model in this year, so yeah, it’s rare.
The car in Arkansas sure is snazzy, especially in that red-and-chrome interior. Looks like a great place to be, that cockpit. There are other signs of potential trouble, though. Each of the front fenders has something odd looking going on at the bottom of the trailing edge. The paint in general, who knows? No claims are made as to its provenance, which means it’s probably neither great and new nor original and preserved. The engine looks pretty tidy, and those of you who know this car can weigh in on whether it has a correct look, but there’s no justification for the 48,000-mile claim, and totally nada about whether and how well the car runs.
You’d need to see the VIN plate to know whether there’s actually an E in there, and the seller would have been wise to show it, or at least the engine call-out part. But all that aside, this car, at this price, is worth at least another ten grand than where it sits, and that’s if the E-Code claim is not supportable. If it is, then what the heck is going on with this price? This is a Labor Day fifty-percent-off special, or better. Might be good, if you’ve been in the market for a T-Bird, to have someone look at it for you.
It’s probably been 50+ years since I saw a legitimate E-Bird so most of this is from memory. I suspect the issue with the front fenders may be due to rust repair or accident repair. If it’s legit and not full of bondo, it could be worth a whole lot more than the current bid. IIRC there were a lot of unique parts on the E-Bird vs. regular T-Birds so that needs to be taken into account also.
I looks pretty good overall but IMO it needs a very thorough inspection by a knowledgeable person before laying down some serious cash on it.
This right here is why I have said in the past that the current muscle car market will eventually drop. In ’79 when I was just a kid in auto shop our instructor loved these cars. The problem was that an example like this was $20k plus which in ’79 was a lot of $$$$. Now almost 50 yrs later it’s actually cheaper (right now anyway). Will that happen with the current muscle market? Not sure but wouldn’t be surprised.
You’re just hoping.
At least it doesn’t have a SBC under the hood.
Don’t get me started
Thank heaven for that !!!
Seen that one. That person should never ever be allowed to buy a Ford.
amen !!!!!
Somebody at Hemmings should do a little research before writing. Hard to say if this is a genuine E-Code by the photo, but the air cleaner definitely is, and you don’t find those laying around junk yards. The casting number on the intake would tell the story. In any event, this car is worth a helluva lot more than the bidding
Eight-barreled pots! $5.00, every time you floor it!
Who cares … that’s why we love it …
I considered purchasing a 57 T-Bird a few years back. Went to see and drive it. I’m 6’2″ and weigh 180 lbs and seem to fit inside ok with the top down. But that steering wheel is huge! It made for a too tight fit. I’m sure it must be the same steering wheel that came as standard issue on all the 56 Fords. Looks out of place and defiantly felt out of place. Passed on the car and purchased a 68 Torino GT fastback instead. And glad I did!
This car has all the good options & it may have been restored at some point in its life, the damage on the front fenders suggests that some clown didn’t know how to put it on the lift properly, the floors all appear intact, as does the chassis, I’ll bet that this baby bird will hit & surpass 30K by the time this auction ends. I wish I was closer to this one, I’d love to see it in my garage.
I have worked on and driven an E code and an F code supercharged imaculate restored T Birds. And all I can say, is the drive like crap. And are very uncomortable to be in. And almost impossible to get in and out of. This is whats keeps their value down. They are not fun to drive. And you cannot wait to get out of them. I cannot imagine duing a tour in one.
Tell us how you really feel !! Getting in and out of a Corvette Is no better.. this from a former vette owner.
Darryl I have a 57
E Bird with a 3 speed manual transmission with overdrive and its’ a blast to drive, had a frame off restoration done in 2016 and all new and improved parts on the front end made a world of difference in the drivability of the little car. I truly love my Baby Bird. Oh yes 6’2″ 245 lbs. don’t fit well but the experience of the drive is worth it !!