Two owner low mile beautifully restored icon

Few cars are more beloved to the motoring public than the early 2-seat Ford Thunderbird. IN fact. there was so much pent-up sentimentality towards these wonderful convertibles that the reintroduction of the Thunderbird in the early 2000s was essentially nothing more than a modern update of this timeless machine. Built from 1955 to 1957. each year offers its own unique styling. and as a result owners are often squarely divided into one of the three camps. with some preferring the simplicity of the '55s. the increased usability and continental kit used on the '56s. or the peaked tailfins found on the '57s. Each is appealing in its own way. but there's no denying the charms of a 2-seat Thunderbird on the open road.   This particular 1957 Thunderbird is a nice older restoration that's never seen rain but has been driven and enjoyed. It doesn't appear to have been intended for show duties. but instead presents as a clean driver that can show proudly at local events and be a reliable partner on cross-country drives. Finished in correct Colonial White. it has an immediately familiar look and a classic color combination that will never go out of style. The bodywork. including the '57's elongated rear quarters and peaked fins. is quite good with doors that fit well. a hood that sits flush. and a trunk that closes without a big slam. Note the subtle crease that runs from the front fender "gills" straight back to define the lower edge of the tail fins. the traditional Thunderbird hood scoop (fully functional. by the way). and subtly re-shaped grille that makes the '57s look longer. lower. and wider than the earlier 'Birds. The repaint is a few years old and it was done with the body still on the frame. but it was a full trim-off job so there are no obvious masking marks and no signs of half-hearted workmanship. There's still a nice. soft gloss to the paint that's entirely appropriate to 1957 and there are minimal signs of use. indicative of caring ownership over the years. The chrome and trim is also in excellent condition. including the front bumper and grille. the delicate 'Thunderbird' script on the front fender. and. of course. the rear bumper with integrated exhaust outlets. There's a little discoloration around those outlets. as you'd expect. but overall the trim is very nicely turned out. The bright red interior is a welcome contrast to the Colonial White bodywork and a flashy upgrade from the usual black and white. It appears that much of the interior is recent. including the seat cover and carpets. which are virtually new. The door panels aren't quite as crisp and fresh as the seat cover. but they're accurate and very nicely done. and that engine-turned insert that blends into the dash is like artwork. The instrument panel is in excellent shape with an array of gauges in original condition that are a bit faded but still serviceable. The clock and fuel gauge do not work. however a set of auxiliary instruments including mechanical oil pressure. temperature. and voltage gauges has been installed under the dash. A newer AM/FM/cassette stereo head unit obviously intended for use in early 'Birds has been fitted in place of the original Town & Country AM radio and it works properly and sounds good. We don't know if this car is a soft-top-delete model or if the top itself was somehow lost to the mists of time. but there is no convertible top behind the seats. just the removable hardtop. That said. the top well is in excellent condition with no signs of the usual rust issues that plague these cars and a correct "curtain" has been installed to keep it looking tidy and finished. The trunk is also in nice shape. with a correct mat. full-sized spare. and no surprises hiding underneath. The 312 cubic inch Y-block V8 runs well and it fires right up. even after sitting for a while. It makes a good V8 burble from the dual exhaust system. which still exhales through the ends of the rear bumper. Bright Ford Red paint and a dealer-installed dress-up kit make it worthwhile to open the hood and even though the restoration is a few years old. it's still in good order. The chrome air cleaner shines up well and has the remnants of what may very well be the original decal. and the finned valve covers are among the most beautiful ever made. It's not detailed for show. but it looks right and runs superbly with good oil pressure and plenty of torque. According to the aftermarket mechanical temperature gauge. it runs at about 180 degrees and didn't get cranky even though I left it idling for about 15 minutes while I chatted with a fellow at the gas station. But just in case. someone has cleverly installed an electric fan inside the original shroud that works in conjunction with the engine-driven fan and is almost invisible in the engine bay. The 3-speed Ford-O-Matic automatic clicks through the gears without any issues and the ride is pretty good with minimal squeaks and rattles from inside. 3. 00 gears out back make it a fine highway cruiser. and it's easy to imagine sliding behind the wheel of this car and heading out on the highway for an adventure. The brakes work well with no untoward sounds and it's been fitted with Coker wide whitewall radials on the stock wheels. so it rides and handles quite nicely yet retains an authentic look This Thunderbird still does what it was designed to do: open-air motoring with a lot of style and performance. It's not a show piece and isn't priced like one. but if you want a car that delivers on all the promises made by the sleek 2-seater convertible bodywork. this is an excellent choice. And perhaps more than almost any other vehicle. Thunderbird values have been consistent for years. so it's safe to say that you'll always be able to get out of it what you've got in it—name another hobby that can offer that! For more images go to Harwood Motors. com For immediate assistance phone 724-996-1288.

Also published at eBay.com

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