I was telling my doctor recently that every time I see a beautifully restored 2-seater Thunderbird, my heart skips a beat. Being about the same age, my doctor said it was nothing to worry about and that I was normal. He also thinks the ’55-’57 Thunderbirds were one of the most beautiful cars Detroit ever designed. For cars from the 50’s that were on a three-year styling cycle, sometimes that last year wasn’t the best looking of the three. More chrome or unnecessary trim was added or the styling department just couldn’t come up with a way to improve the “purity” of that first-year design. But not the ’57 Ford Thunderbird. For its final year, it went out with a bang – both in the styling department and in the performance department!

Up front, the ’57 T-Bird received a reshaped front bumper and a larger grill and the rear was redesigned and made longer to provide room for both the spare tire (bye bye Continental kit) and luggage. It also sprouted modest, angled tail fins and new round tail lights that incorporated backup lights in the center. Under the hood, buyers had the choice of more powerful engines, including the E-series (270 or 285 horsepower), and the F-series with a Paxton-McCulloch supercharger that was rated up to 340 horsepower. This example was treated to a frame-off restoration in the 1990’s and although the seller says the Flame Red paint is showing some age, it still presents well. Other pluses include no rust or body damage, a Colonial White removable hardtop as well as a soft top, glistening chrome bumpers, trim, and aftermarket Kelsey Hayes wire wheels, plus period-correct whitewall tires. It’s just a great example of a good-looking ’57 Thunderbird in a classic color combination.

The classic color theme continues inside with the Code XA Black and White vinyl interior. I see no issues with the seats, door panels, padded dash or instrument panel, and the original 20″ steering wheel has been replaced with a smaller 18″ aftermarket wheel (which makes getting in and getting out of the ‘Bird’s cozy cockpit easier).

In a a super clean engine bay, you’ll find the optional D Code Thunderbird 312 Special V8 engine. 67,309 miles are shown on the odometer (no mention if they are the true milage or has a “1” in front of it) and the 312 is mated to a floor-mounted Ford-O-Matic automatic transmission, which was a pricey $215 option back then. This classic ’57 Ford Thunderbird is calling Libby, Montana home these days and is listed for sale here on craigslist for $35,000. I’d like to thank Curvette for spotting this beautiful red bird and sending it our way (and causing my heart to skip a beat…again).