I always welcome a candid approach from sellers, because it provides potential buyers with a clear picture of the challenges they may face with a restoration project. Such is the case with this 1957 Ford Thunderbird. Its mechanical health and tidy interior form a solid basis for a project build, but the panels and paint are begging for more love than might be apparent in the supplied photos. However, it is far from being a lost cause. The seller has listed the T-bird here on eBay in Elmhurst, Illinois. Bidding sits at $9,600 in a No Reserve auction.
Ford created the Personal Luxury Car sector with the First Generation Thunderbird, which graced showroom floors from 1955 until 1957. This is a final-year example finished in Colonial White. The listing images paint a generally positive picture, but the seller is blunt in their assessment of the car’s overall condition. They admit that a close inspection reveals substandard paint cloaking areas of filler and that it is begging for cosmetic TLC. It is unclear what hides below the filler, but grinding it away would be a wise move to ensure there are no hidden nasty surprises. They state that the floors and underside sport surface corrosion, and a few small spots of penetrating rust. However, it appears the vehicle is structurally sound, and that these problems are prime candidates for well-crafted patches. The Hardtop is in good condition, and the trim looks acceptable if the buyer plans a driver-grade restoration.
The first owner took an entry-level approach with this Thunderbird, teaming a 292ci Y-Block V8 with a three-speed manual transmission. The Y-Block produces 206hp and 297 ft/lbs of torque, providing respectable performance for a vehicle with luxury leanings. The engine bay presents exceptionally well, and the indications are that this classic is numbers-matching. The tires sport wide whitewall inserts that are well past their best, but the tires themselves have plenty of tread and are only eight years old. They should be okay, although replacing them might be wise if they show any evidence of deterioration. The engine starts and runs well, and it appears that if this T-Bird isn’t genuinely roadworthy, achieving that goal is a realistic short-term expectation.
The seller believes that a previous owner retrimmed the Thunderbird’s interior, and its presentation is extremely nice. There is no significant wear, the carpet is excellent, and there are no dash issues. It is worth noting that this Red and White trim combination was not standard during any of the three years of First Generation T-Bird production, but it still looks classy. The seller confirms that the tachometer doesn’t work, but doesn’t mention any other functional issues.
The bidding and Watch List history suggest that this 1957 Ford Thunderbird has only generated modest interest. However, the listing’s view figures and the time remaining in this auction could see those numbers climb as the end draws near. It appears that the required work could be performed at the winning bidder’s leisure, allowing them to enjoy this classic as they plan their build. Would you adopt that approach, or is throwing caution to the wind and wading in boots and all more your style?
Youth, beauty and this car. Enough said…
Good ol’ Suzanne Somers, RIP. She was a beauty, and a household name during the 70s.
Thanks for posting that, Jay, for most, that movie defined our culture. I heard Ms. Somers was actually a really neat person, and not the dim-witted bimbo she portrayed on Threes Company.
When’s the last time you saw Portawalls on a car? Looks good but sure could use some tires.
T he hood doesn’t line up in the pic,I wonder why
The hood
I have one of these and it looks like the hood in in the “released” position (when you pull the hood release handle).
The hood isn’t latched. This is the 1st time you have ever seen an old Thunderbird I guess.
It certainly is entry-level. I don’t see backup lights, fender skirts, power steering, or even a folding top.
I didn’t think that the 55-57 T-Birds came with anything but a removable hardtop.
The hardtop was standard and the soft top was optional, with or without the hardtop. Porthole windows were optional in 1956 and 1957.
I really like this car & at the current price, it’s one of my bucket list cars, but the butchered up door panels give me pause to wonder how much of this type of repair was done to other areas of the car,
All in all a nicely sorted 57 Bird. Yeah……door panel and hood alignments may be issues………..but they can be addressed. If the price is right, it would make a nice addition to any collection.
Illinois is a snow and salt state. The last picture is of a salt-stained driveway. As such, I would not be surprised if the repairs to the body were rust-related. I would want to look a lot closer at what appears to be a very nice car. Bondo coverups are no substitute for metal replacement. These don’t carry high valuations, so the best approach might be to ostrich yourself and just drive it.
Ah, the ’57. The best of the baby ‘Birds, and a standard theft prevention device on the driveline hump!
I found myself wondering how this might drive, shifting that “three OFF the tree”.
It drives just like any other 3 speed on the floor. The linkage was a little sloppy, but what factory 3 or 4 speed from the late 50’s thru the 60’s wasn’t.