Even though the Ford Thunderbird started out in the mid-fifties as a sporty two-seater, it quickly grew to accommodate additional passengers and became billed as a personal luxury car. After ten successful generations followed by a five-year absence from the lineup, the Thunderbird returned for one final short run in 2002, going back to its original two occupant roots before saying goodbye at the end of 2005. Each incarnation of the T-Bird seems to have plenty of fans that adore them, but for me, it’s hard to beat the first three years, with the 1957 Ford Thunderbird being the last two-seat model until 45 years later. This one can be spotted here on eBay in Fallon, Missouri, and while it’s a project, the seller does confirm that the car is presently running and driving. So far, bidding has reached $8,600, with some excellent news being that the reserve has already been met.
The seller doesn’t go into very much detail about the Thunderbird’s past, nor tell us how long he’s owned it. However, he does provide a VIN, with the “D” indicating this one left the assembly plant equipped with a 312 engine and 4-barrel, making a respectable 245 horsepower. It’s confirmed that the V8 runs plus the automatic transmission will go into gear, and the owner also just installed a new Holley carburetor within the last week, as the previous unit was failing. While the car is currently capable of lot driving, the need for some brake work is mentioned, and probably a thorough checkup of the mechanical components before this one’s ready to hit the streets.
Plenty of patina and numerous paint chips can be spotted outside, along with what looks like at least one corroded area on the driver’s front fender. It’s sort of hard to tell which exterior areas have actual holes versus just surface rust, but hopefully, once the restoration begins most of the panels will be deemed salvageable. A photo showing a pair of fender skirts is also included, so the future owner will have to decide whether they want to put these back on or leave the rear tires exposed.
The seat may have gotten fresh upholstery at some point, but the dash appears original with most of the instruments still intact. I initially thought a section of the horn rim may have broken off inside the steering wheel, however reader Peter Havriluk reports it was manufactured this way. Part of the floor and support braces are stated as rusted, but the seller mentions that the parts needed to make repairs to these areas are available. This T-Bird for sure needs some love, but being mostly complete is a big positive, and if the bidding doesn’t get too out of hand maybe the next owner will still have some finances left to sink into this one. Are you envisioning this 1957 Ford Thunderbird as good project material?
For some reason, I’d be tempted to get the mechanicals right and just drive the car the way it is.
I’d agree if it was just the patina on the hood and trunk, but that car would look so good in the original Colonial White. I’d leave the skirts off, it looks good with the wheels exposed in back. No mention of a soft top.
Fox owner: cowl black so likely OG black.
Yes, get it road worthy and running well and just drive it.
Put staggered Radirs on it, would be cool IMO..
Horn ring isn’t broken, it was made that way.
“Baby birds” have always been something of a mystery to me. I just don’t understand why they don’t command higher prices. After all, I don’t think many folks could disagree that they are pretty cool cars, and while I see a fair amount of them, they aren’t all that common. Heck, I’m not even a Ford guy, but if I was about 25 years younger, I would take a run at this.
“Oldrodder”. I’m 77 and finishing a 56 tbird. Doing all work! Never too old. Go for it!!!
Wish I could Kent, wish I could, but after a major stroke and losing half of my left lung to cancer, I’m afraid that I am just physically incapable. I take solice in the fact that I can still drive my 6 speed Corvette. Kudos to you for following your passion and good luck in the future.
Tried to rebuild a ‘66 912. Found I could bend down, but not get back up! At 77, you’re fortunate to have the ability to do so.
Kent, post some photos. We would love to see your progress.
These cars have become very affordable.
I see beautiful ones of these going for 10K all the time. What makes this one so expensive? The “D” in the vin ?
Where are you finding these? That may be the opening bid but I see the decent one go $18-25k.
Don’t know where you are seeing these $10,000 T-Birds. Maybe somewhere in your mind!
Well, as of right now this one is $8600 with the reserve met. So I guess people are finding them on Barn Finds.
oldrodder – He said in FINE CONDITION – This one is far from Fine!
What a cool find I wish I was in a position to win the bid , like some have already posted I would just get it safe and drive it like it is then possibly do some restoration down the road.
Skip this and buy a much better one.
So it leaves it to you for the winning bid?
That new holley won’t help until the owner gets rid of that early loadomatic distributor.
I had a 57 similar to the condition of this one that I restored when I was young. Looking at them now, my choice would be a nice 55. That’s the true T-Bird in my opinion. Sometimes it is hard to improve on the original.
Yup. I bought my 55 in 1967. Still have it
I can’t believe how many of these are coming out of the woodwork lately. They are definitely not bringing what they used to. Why is that?
Two seats, wrong era, not much aftermarket, expensive to get worked on.
Early boomers are dying and more cars coming on a market that is shrinking, the same thing that is making tri-fives more affordable. It is also starting to affect the late boomer market, with muscle car ( except the most desirable versions) prices also softening.
IMHO they have styling proportions that isn’t particularly attractive. I’d love to see Kindig take a stab at one of these. To my eye, the rear fenders/axles are too far forward. It looks like it was a 4 door that someone made a shorty.
As for this one, it is hard to know if this one or the one a couple of days ago is the better deal. These look so much better with modern paint on them, especially the seafoam green or dusky rose metallic!
I have loved these cars since the beginning, but I agree that the rear proportion is a tad off. I read somewhere that Ford extended the aft end to accommodate the spare tire and a golf bag or two. The continental kit spare hung too much weight off the back end though they looked cool.
I lost interest when I found out that guys 6’3″ and north of 200# had a hard time fitting in them. That and the price of entry for a nice one.
It confuses me too. Even nice ones are going for less than incomplete Charger rust buckets that I see for sale on this site. It makes absolutely no sense to me.
The AE6 paint code indicates originally a black car with white porthole top. So all those black spots showing under chipped white paint are probably black paint, not rust. Could be the original paint perhaps.
I know that I’ve always said that surface rust (sometimes known as “patina”) wouldn’t bother me, but I have to say, this automobile really pushes that.
Ken Smith, he said “decent shape”.
I guess we are both wrong he said “I see beautiful ones of these going for 10K all the time” You quoted “decent shape” and I quoted “fine condition”. This car is neither decent shape, fine condition or beautiful.
How about the Offenhauser valve covers? Is there more to this motor than meets the eye? Pretty neat car. Always liked the baby bird better than the early ‘vette.