1957 Ford Thunderbird Convertible

[supercargirl]

1957 Ford Thunderbird Convertible

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Condition 2-

245 bhp, 312 cu. in. overhead valve V8 engine, Ford-O-Matic three-speed automatic transmission, independent front suspension with coil springs, live rear axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs, and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes. Wheelbase: 102"

The 1957 Thunderbird Convertible offered here is a very attractive example in excellent condition. This is a very early 1957 T-Bird that was built on October 2, 1956. It has been driven less than 6,000 miles since complete restoration. Handsomely finished in Flame Red paint, this “Little Bird” features both a hard-top and a soft-top and it complete down to the original bumper jack. A 312 cubic inch V8 engine produces 245 horsepower and is mated to Ford‟s reliable three-speed Ford-O-Matic automatic transmission. Car also has the engine dress kit. Putting the power to the ground, the Thunderbird rides on a set of chrome wire wheels with knock-offs wrapped in period-style wide whitewall tires. Not just attractive and powerful, this Thunderbird offers a truly sophisticated experience behind the wheel; it is equipped with a host of power amenities such as power steering and power brakes, as well as air conditioning, window washers, lifeguard package and working clock and radio. The original factory invoice is also included with this amazing bird.

D: 312ci , 4V, 245 horse power, V8 - 7: 1957 - F: Dearborn Michigan - H: 1955-1957 Thunderbird body - 109851: Consecutive Unit Number

Trim # BDY 40 COLOR VE TRIM XH PRODUCTION 2K4500090

40: 1955-1957 Thunderbird Body - VE: Flame Red - XH: Red interior, white vinyl - 2: Day of the Month - K: October - 45: Dealer Code, Daneport - 00090: Item Number

Asking price: $52,500.00 obo Car is located in CA. Contact Kelly Dietrick at 412-422-8923 or kelly@classictag.net

Edited December 2, 2011 by supercargirl
adding info (see edit history)

[1957Birdman]

Hi Supergirl,

I wanted to give you a few thoughts about this car. I own a '57 T-Bird myself and am pretty knowledgeable about them.<O:p</O:p

1. You say in the write up that the car has power steering. I don't see the power steering pump and reservoir in the engine compartment so I think this is just a misstatement.<O:p</O:p

2. The original equipment transmission for an automatic equipped ’57 T-Bird is a 3 speed Ford-O-Matic. If this car truly has a Cruise-O-Matic then it has been modified, which should be made clear in your listing.

3. From the picture of the interior it looks like the driver’s side door panel is buckled and that there is dent midway on the dashboard. If that isn’t the case you may want to take some other pictures of the car which show the interior in a better light.

4. The car has the engine dress-up kit, which you don’t mention.

5. I think you need to post a lot more pictures of the car, especially the underside. These cars have rust issues, even California Cars. Also, scanning and posting a copy of the dealer invoice would be useful for people to see.

6. Was the car originally Flame Red? That is something a potential buyer would like to know. It would be helpful to post the information from the patent plate which is on the firewall.

<O:p</O:p

It looks like a nice car, but I wouldn’t pay the kind of money that you are asking until I looked it over and got a chance to drive.

<O:p</O:p

Good luck with your sale,

<O:p</O:p

[supercargirl]

Thanks for your input. This is how the car was presented to the owner when he bought the car and I am sure that he was not aware of any of the statements that you are making right now. His love of cars sometimes blinds him. That said I will get additional pictures of the car very soon to post and try to answer some of your questions so we can be very clear on exactly what the car is. The owner is interested in all offers but we do not want to misrepresent the car. I'm not sure he will be able to clear anything up himself but I will edit the posting so as not to claim something that clearly isn't so. Cheers,

Kelly

[mercer09]

True value- 25-30k

Fact. Haven't seen one of these sell for that kind of price except for the Barrett auctions, which are unreal.

[trimacar]

I agree, I have a comparable (even down to the air conditioning and factory jack) '56 that I'd sell for 30K. There are a lot of early 'birds available right now.

I'd love it if you can get that for yours, would mean market is picking up!

[1957Birdman]

I saw condition #1 '57 Birds selling at Hershey for $70K. They were done by Marvin Hill, who does excellent restorations. I would have to see more pictures of this car and drive it before I would say it was worth $30K tops. Since the car came from Illinois originally I would have to have a thorough look underneath to see what it looks like. You are right that there are a lot of T-Birds available. Many have survived over the years, which is a good thing for those of us who love them.