It’s easy to understand why many consider the 1957 Thunderbird, the last year of the 2-seater “Baby Bird,” as the best of the 3-year series. There was handsome new rear end styling, a bunch of new paint, interior, and soft top color choices, and the big news: four engine choices. Many consider the optional 312-cubic-inch, 270-horsepower E-Code (with dual four-barrel carburetors) as the most desirable engine choice that year. Of the just over 21,380 Thunderbirds that rolled off the production line in 1957, only 1,499 of those were E-Codes. Here’s one of them that is an interupted restoration project in need of finishing. The seller shares that he is unfortunately selling it for his brother who recently passed away, and admits that he has limited information about this ’57 E-Code. The ‘Bird is in Sherwood, Oregon, and listed here on craigslist for $30,000. Kudos to rare bird spotter Curvette for sending this one our way!
The seller only includes three photographs taken from the front. I wish there were more images, especially of the data plate that would show that this is a true E-Code. The seller says it’s mostly all there. The windshield and soft top assembly were stolen at some point, but a removable hardtop is included. The 312-cubic-inch engine has been rebuilt, the carburetors restored, and the ‘Bird has a new suspension and brakes. It also appears to have a new radiator. The seller isn’t sure of the transmission type and if it’s been rebuilt or not. He also believes the under carriage and door jambs were powder coated.
It’s hard to assess the condition of the ‘Bird’s primer gray body. Perhaps it was taken care of by the previous owner and is ready for a paint job. There are no photos of the interior, so I don’t know what is and isn’t there. The seller does say that “many interior parts and other miscellaneous new parts are included.” Regarding the asking price of $30,000, it’s in line with what an E-Code in #4 Fair Condition is valued at. Although concours-level E-Codes can reach six figures (the highest documented auction price is $183,000 for a flawless, fully restored example), most fall into the $50,000 to $80,000 price range. So, what do you think? I, as a Baby ‘Bird lover, hopes this rare E-Code Thunderbird’s interrupted restoration can go to a good home and be finished one day.
The Hag says 29K for a #4 car. This car is disassembled and the ad only has 3 photos.
Seeing as how prices for old cars are plummeting, I’d imagine 30K could buy a darn nice running example of a 57 T-Bird, without all the headache of restoring someone else’s project.
Like this one!
https://www.hemmings.com/listing/1957-ford-thunderbird-longmont-co-159641
That’s not a direct comparison. What are running E-code Thunderbirds selling for.
Steve R
Well, so big whoop the thing has dual quads. That’s just a different manifold and an extra 4-barrel. You’d be an idiot to pay any more than 30K for a ’57 T-Bird just so you can brag about the code.
Here’s an e-code https://www.hemmings.com/listing/1957-ford-thunderbird-toronto-on-386501
Here’s a running e-code
https://www.hemmings.com/listing/1957-ford-thunderbird-toronto-on-386501
Todd Fox, thanks for the link.
Steve R
An original-owner E sold for $40k in May. Another one sold for $53k last December. E codes are rare but like other Baby Birds in a shrinking market aren’t bringing the money they once did, apparently.
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1957-ford-thunderbird-434/
No documentation, just words. E- and F- types are notorious for misrepresentation. Beware.
My second car was an e code T-bird purchased in about ’74. Bought it right out of a car museum that was closing in Mississippi for around $1500 IIRC. Unfortunately, I remember it mostly as a gas hog compared to the performance it delivered, which was not really anything to write home about. My hot rod leanings drove me to sell it about a year later for $2950, so I made a killing on it. lol. Besides the girls didn’t like it with the top down because the turbulence behind that 45* windshield demolished their hairstyles.
Too little information for too much money. At this price, to get it to the condition that the one referenced in that Hemmings ad is in, it would probably run another 40K. And personally, I do not believe that one is worth 50K, not when you can get a nice E code driver for 30K.
A sad estate sale situation, for sure, but the seller is not yet in line with the real market value here, and he may not even be a “car guy”. Maybe he is using parts receipts as a pricing basis?
It’s an obvious first attempt. Maybe he’ll get some shrewd low baller inquiries along the way who know that sooner or later (probably sooner), this pile of parts has to be sold at some price that is offered.
The old “I know you are not ready to sell at my offer price just yet, but here’s my phone number if (when) you change your mind” kind of inquiries that begin to look very good in about 6 months.
Its kind of a silent auction process that isn’t yet a real auction.
I never really appreciated these. (I was a, Corvette guy) But since helping a friend working his ’56 Bird. I now have respect for them. I wouldn’t go out on a limb to buy one. But, I wouldn’t turn down a good deal either.