Of the three-years that  the original two-seat Thunderbirds were built, many enthusiasts consider the 1957 model year to have been the best—and most collectible—of the years.  Our ’57 was treated to a complete frame-off restoration less than 500 miles ago during which virtually everything was either redone or replaced with factory-correct parts.  The restoration consumed 2 years at a cost of $57,000—and that was calculated with a $10 per hour assigned labor rate!  If it had been done at normal shop rates, the cost would have exceeded $100,000.  Photo documentation of the restoration is available with the car. 

This Thunderbird started out life in Dearborn as a brand-new Dusk Rose car with a white interior.  Today, after its restoration using acrylic enamel to replicate the original color scheme, it looks like it has rolled off the assembly line for a second time.  The paint is extremely nice—Dusk Rose on the body and Colonial White on the hardtop—and the chrome is bright and shiny.  The glass has been replaced and is in perfect condition.  [The car’s VIN is D7FH245761, and for those who wish to do their own decoding, we have included a photo of the car’s data plate.] 

The white interior—redone as original—is in very nice condition, and due to an over-order, a new replacement upholstery kit will come with the car as well.  The older white convertible top is in good condition but hasn’t been used recently and will need sun-stretching to regain its pliability.  In addition to the hardtop and convertible top is a white tonneau that snaps on to cover the entire cockpit or, unzipped, just the passenger seat. 

Open the hood and you are looking into a detailed engine bay that is almost as clean as when the car left the showroom floor.  Similarly, the underside of the car is extremely clean.  The freshness of the restoration will give the new owner the choice of  using it as a show car or as an extremely nice driver. 

All of the mechanical systems on the car have been replaced, rebuilt or refurbished.  The 312 cid engine was professionally rebuilt following Frohmader guidelines with all new parts (rings, bearings, seals, oil & water pumps, etc.).  The heads were rebuilt at the same time with hardened valve seats for use with today’s unleaded gasoline.  The engine has approximately 500 miles since being rebuilt.  A new reproduction Holley 4 V carburetor for unleaded gas was installed along with a Pertronic solid state ignition.  A new stainless steel exhaust system was installed, a particularly important addition for classic cars that aren’t driven every day. 

Similarly, the Fordomatic automatic transmission was professionally rebuilt at the same time and has the same low mileage since being rebuilt.  Both the motor and the transmission run as new. 

The car features factory power steering, power brakes and power windows.  The entire brake system was replaced with a dual master cylinder, front disc brakes and an oversized booster for improved stopping.  A heavy duty front sway bar was installed for improved handling.  The tires, including the spare, are Coker Classic wide white wall radial reproductions of the factory originals.  Wheel covers and fender skirts are NOS. 

Other features are: two speed auto parking electric windshield wipers, the windshield washer option, dual stainless steel side view mirrors, a rare original factory rear mounted antenna, and a reproduction AM/FM cassette stereo radio (the original Town and Country radio will also go with the car). 

The dash clock has been replaced with a Stewart Warner gauge for constant monitoring of actual oil pressure, but the original clock is included with the car should the new owner wish to have it refurbished and reinstalled.  The speedometer works but registers faster than the actual speed.  Black seat belts were installed for safer operation.  A new four core radiator for high efficiency cooling for parade (and traffic) conditions was installed, as was a new heater core along with controls but the fan motor needs attention (probably just a poor connection). 

This is a properly optioned Thunderbird, including the 312 4 V cid engine, automatic transmission, power steering, power brakes, and power windows.  It has those modifications (hardened valve seats, power disc brakes, heavy duty sway bar, and Pertronic ignition) that make the car more dependable as well as more enjoyable to drive.  The car starts right up, shifts properly, and steers, stops and goes as it should.  This is a high-quality restoration of a vehicle equipped with all the options that make a classic like this a pleasure to own and to drive. 

Finally, this Thunderbird comes in a distinctive and attractive color combination. Whether at regional car show, dinner at a special restaurant or a day at the golf course, you can be assured that this car will be noticed and admired by everyone who sees it.