As with many classic cars, this 1957 Ford Thunderbird project in Winston Salem, North Carolina outlived its prior owner before receiving that dream restoration. Now offered for auction here on eBay, this specimen of Ford’s personal luxury coupe awaits a new owner. After enjoying indoor storage some decades prior to the estate sale 45 days ago, its value now decreases with every rain shower.
While giant fins exploded across the Chrysler brands in 1957, Ford’s Thunderbird sent a more subdued treatment to the mandatory fin party. Additional parts located indoors (if located and identified) come with the sale.
Thankfully the sale includes a clear North Carolina title. The odometer reads 46,462 but true mileage is unknown. Options include automatic transmission, power steering, and power brakes. Some metal repair and sanding has been done.
The Body Tag codes “40 E XK 17 F 31-46462” and suggests the car originally wore “Colonial White” paint. This might be the original (or similar) 312 cid 270 HP engine (code 6015C). The “Thunderbird Special” rocker covers graced the 312 in 1956 and 1957. Hopefully something is keeping rainwater out of the engine pending the sale. Bidding has eclipsed $3500 without meeting the seller’s reserve. Even though the movie car was a ’56, I can’t help think of Suzanne Somers‘ as the “Blonde in the T-bird” from 1973’s American Graffiti. What’s your high bid for this slice of 1957’s best?
Firewall has been painted so..
One less thing.
“outlived its prior owner before receiving that dream restoration.” Great line Todd!
I dunno, it looks like one dead bird to me . . .
Thank you!
He didn’t post a serial number which would tell you if it was an original E code 270 hp car.
Oh look at all the Body filler on this bird, i guess he was another one of those fly by night guys this owner.. Shade Tree paint and body men!
No Bondo it is lead.
Is no one else curious as to what is under the other tarps? T-Bird is not for me but….????
Peter,
The other covered cars looks like a flock of two seat T-birds to me. The seller has another ’57 Bird up for auction currently. In the other car’s pictures you can see a few covered as well.
To bad Monte Hall is dead. He could tell us if this is the “zonk” or if there’s a better deal under car cover 2, 3 or 4.
I hear banjos ! I can remember when these were new. Not too many us teenagers cared for them. Still don’t .
You had me at “Suzanne Somers”………….