The first generation of the Ford Thunderbird (1955-57) is often compared to the Chevy Corvette of the same period as a sports car. But it really was a personal luxury car and the only thing they had in common was the use of two seats. This 1957 T-Bird is a one-owner auto that looks barely used for its 128,000 miles, so perhaps it’s been restored though no mention is made of that. Located in Lakewood, Washington, this red beauty is available here on eBay where bidding of $15,110 hasn’t begun to scratch the surface.
Ford built 53,000 Thunderbirds in the car’s first three years (a far cry more than the Corvette’s 5,000). While that should have been considered a success, Ford thought they could do better by adding a back seat. So, they did, and – guess what – they were right as nearly 200,000 T-Birds were delivered in 1958-60. Purists will still defer to the mid-50s T-Birds as being true Thunderbirds and the car became iconic after its appearance in the 1972 film American Graffiti (who can forget the scenes with a young Suzanne Somers behind the wheel!).
The listing for this vehicle reads like a dealer’s ad, but we’re told it’s being sold by a private seller. The seller says it’s in excellent condition side and out and the photos certainly support that. The Ford runs and drives “like new” (more dealer-speak?) and should be a turn-key purchase. The data provided indicates that the Ford was first registered in August of 1957, likely making it one of the last cars built before the switch to the 4-seat configuration. And we’re told that the T-Bird’s service history is available.
Under the hood is a 312 cubic inch “Thunderbird” V8 (see the valve covers) that we’re told it produces 254 hp. It’s paired with an automatic transmission (2-speed?) and reports to have air conditioning, but no hardware seems to be present, even for aftermarket. If this car does have 128,000 miles, it doesn’t show it, and looks like there are many years left in it for the buyer to enjoy!
BF: “The data provided indicates that the Ford was first registered in August of 1957, likely making it one of the last cars built before the switch to the 4-seat configuration.”
Incorrect. 1957 T-bird production did not end until Dec. 13, 1957. It’s a key reason why considerably more ’57s were sold than the other two model years. There were delays getting the unit body ’58 into production, so they just kept building the ’57.
Well, at least some bozo didn’t put a chiverlet motor in it like that last one. The basic 312 was rated at 245hp, not 254, maybe that was a typo. The trans would be a 3spd Fordomatic. Nice T-Bird, always wanted one, too late now
Not the greatest fan of the ’57s but this is one fine looking car. Maybe it’s because I got tired of looking at pale green ones. Nice!
Something about this listing and this car seems off to me and I am not sure what it is? The interior has been redone, but it looks OK. Same under the hood it just seems off and the price so far is low. Around 19 K now, don’t know BIN or reserve?
I could be wrong [My wife says I’m always wrong] but I thought the early Birds interiors were always two-tone.
Nope. All white and all black were available. We had a triple white ’57: exterior, interior and white convertible to❤️💕
Those pop open side fender vents is what’s considered “air conditioning” there’s no AC compressor under the hood attached to a belt & pulley mechanism.
Old school
HS pal was driving his mom’s pink one on Main st, ogling girls on the sidewalk. Ran into a stopped car and bashed in the front end pretty bad. I like the red, better.
The color was salmon. My favorite color was the turquoise. Question for Jack how fast was he actually going when he hit the stopped car? LOL
Just cruising. Low speed impact. Car he hit, was barely dented. T-Bird front crumpled a bit.
willing to trade for 2007 Mercedes SL550
The front end doesn’t look right to me but maybe it’s the light. Still a good looking car that was built too small for me to fit. Back in those days the only car of this type that i could slide into was the new Jaguare but I’d never buy a foreign car. Never did either.