This is one strange bird. It’s registered as a 1957 Ford Thunderbird, but is it? Well, looks can be deceiving and this one is a bit of a Frankenstein. This T-bird is actually a Dofral kit car and my guess is that you’ve not heard of that one (I certainly haven’t). Cooling its thunder birds in Placitas, New Mexico, this turnkey replica is now looking for new digs. Read on and I’ll tell you what I know.
The story is that back in the 1980s, Dofral made a fiberglass kit replica of the ’57 Thunderbird. To quote the seller, “This is an example of the upscale factory built 1957 Thunderbird by Dofral Industries. These cars were sold turn-key by Dofral until 1985. The running gear depended on the buyer’s choice, this one has full frame rails, disc brakes, rear axle, and front suspension from I believe a full-sized Thunderbird (the rear axle code comes back to 1969 Tbird. The steering is Mustang II rack and pinion. as is the steering column.” It’s also stated that this kit version is shorter than the genuine article but it’s not said by how much. The body is fiberglass and the seller claims that it’s sound with no cracks. The seller refers to this two-seater as a “ten-footer” though I believe that he’s referencing the finish. That may also go for the shorter overall length too as I can’t detect a difference in size from the few, included close-up images. One interesting note is that the seller wants to keep the wire wheel covers. They look like the type that either J.C. Whitney or Pep Boys used to sell, but whatever their origin, they’re not included in the sale.
Power is provided by a 1973 vintage 302 CI V8 engine but not much else is said about it. The seller does state, “Engine and transmission appear to be working OK but I have not driven it on the road due to not having brakes.” Apparently, the proportioning valve is stuck. The transmission is an automatic unit, but which one is not listed. I would imagine that it’s likely a C-4 or an FMX unit.
One glance at the dash and instrument panel reveals the “similar but different” arrangement found in this Dofral kit car compared to ‘da real ting. The upholstery is leather and looks to be in good nick and the steering wheel is obviously a piece that came about long after 1957. Curiously, this was an A/C equipped car but the seller removed all of the components. He will include them in the sale. The heater box has been removed too though it is said to be “ready to reinstall“. Other matters to consider are side Lexan windows that don’t work and an inoperative ammeter gauge. The listing makes mention of a new SW replacement gauge and a power window kit that are both included in the sale.
There you have it, a Thunderbird that’s only sort of a Thunderbird – who knew such a thing existed? The seller tells us that he’s selling this car because, “I’m 80 and the reality is it’s too much for me, I can’t wiggle around anymore like I used to.” Well, I’m not 80 but I get the “wiggle around” degradation thing – I’ve had that going on for a while. This is an interesting piece and it’s available, here on eBay for a current bid of $3,550 with the reserve not yet met. Tell me, are any of you familiar with Dofral kit cars?
Good heavens what next?
If you compare it to a picture of “da real ting” it looks like the doors are shorter. You can tell just by looking at it the proportions are off. I’ve seen ’53-’55 repop Corvettes that look amazing, but this one doesn’t do it for me.
A friend of mine had one just like this in the ’80s. It was nice but the Pinto shifter ruined it for me. I think that car is still around in the New Orleans area.
I know that a company called “Shay” made 1955 Thunderbirds and 1930 Model A’s from 1978-1980 with Pinto running gears. You could even get them through Ford dealers.
This period of kit cars, late ’70 to late ’80s never made sense to me. Jag XK120s, MG TDs, or T Birds just weren’t that expensive at the time. Why buy a kit copy of odd proportions and iffy build quality when the real deal cost about the same?
But those fake wire wheel hubcaps are spectacular!
Not sure of the name but in Madison Wi. there was a company that made 57 T birds in glass,, guess they were suppose to be pretty good,,don’t know if thewy are still in business or not. I don’t think they were 55 or 56 pretty sure they were 57’s .
regal roadsters- yes they were very good
perfect car to throw a straight axle front end, 10″ drag radials on the back, supercharger on the 302 and not have to worry about “who would do that to a classic 57 bird!”
Brilliant! That would be an awesome gasser!
Proportions are a little into uncanny valley territory.
I believe that the “ten footer” reference might be something that I remember from my days searching for and purchasing airplanes. A “ten footer” was an airplane that at a distance of 10 feet, could not be distinguished from a new aircraft.
A “ten footer” refers to a paint job that looks good from ten feet away but starts looking worse and worse the closer you get.
Don’t mean to be a Debbie Downer but he can keep the JC Whitney “wire” wheels.
At $3550 and the reserve has not been met, that $3549 too much, IMO.
Did not sell. Reserve not met. Oh well.