The year 1957 brought us some very important things: Among the inventions that debuted that year were the Frisbee (from the Wham-O Toy Company) and bubble wrap. The Thunderbird, Ford’s popular new personal luxury car, received some important updates as it aged into its third year.
The Pick of the Day is a 1957 Ford Thunderbird listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Xenia, Ohio. (Click the link to view the listing)
“We are the third owners of this stunning vehicle,” the listing says. “Originally purchased by a doctor in Louisville, Kentucky, it was a gift for his wife.”
It is always nice when a seller includes a photo of any trim tags. In this case, we are able to glean a little more information about the vehicle from that data plate:
- Body 40: 1957 Thunderbird
- Assembly plant F: Ford River Rouge Complex
- Color V: Flame Red exterior
- Trim XH: Flame Red interior
- Engine code D: 312ci V8 with four-barrel carburetor
- Date code 21L: Assembled November 21
The Thunderbird’s first generation, running from 1955 through 1957, played a big influence in the evolving automotive marketplace. A few of the key design and engineering updates for 1957 included mounting the spare tire inside the trunk, revising the grille and tailfins, and expanding the available powertrain offerings. Important to note, too: 1957 was the last year for a two-seat Thunderbird, as cars from the following model year (and every year thereafter) received a back seat.
According to Ford production data, there were a total of just over 53,000 first-generation Thunderbirds, with about 40% coming from the 1957 model year.
This car has been well-loved, as shown in the photos and write-up. Powering the car is its numbers-matching V8, which has been rebuilt. The listing itemizes some of the mechanical updates that have been performed under current ownership. Replaced items include the battery and cables, brake booster, voltage regulator, Pertronix ignitor, and fan. The Coker wide whitewall tires are new as well.
The seller explains why it is time to part ways: “This car loves to be driven, but our time and other hobbies haven taken away from the attention it deserves. It’s a stunning specimen that wins awards at local car shows for its charm and character.”
The asking price is $31,000 or best offer. Included for that price are extra parts such as the original Holley four-barrel carburetor, a removed air conditioning unit, the original steel wheels with hubcaps, the original Town and Country radio, and a repair manual.
To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, fly over to Pick of the Day.
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