1957 Ford Thunderbird E-code

Gorgeous color combination! Factory E-code with correct Torch Red exterior with Flame Red interior!! Both hard and soft tops! Super solid example with original sales documentation and factory invoice! Fantastic paint, chrome, and interior! A true investment quality Thunderbird!

Designed and built to directly compete against Chevrolet's new Corvette, Ford billed their Thunderbird model as a "Personal Luxury Car" rather than a simple sports car, putting greater emphasis on the comfort and convenience features. The luxury styled Thunderbird was revised for 1957 with a reshaped front bumper, a larger grille, larger tailfins, and larger tail lamps. The 312cid V8 became the Thunderbird's standard engine, now producing 245hp, with two optional high-performance engines added. One would be the E-code 312ci 2x4 barrel making 270 horsepower, and the F-code 312ci with Paxton-built McCulloch centrifugal supercharger making closer to 300 horsepower. Both are rare to find today, with reportedly only 1,499 E-Birds and just 196 F-Birds ever produced!

This Stunning 1957 Ford Thunderbird E-code is finished in its factory colors of RR- Torch Red over a XH- Flame Red pleated vinyl interior. It comes equipped with both white vinyl soft top (originally black) and original Ford porthole hardtop. Factory options include Ford-O-Matic automatic transmission, power drum brakes, engine dress-up kit, windshield washer, heater & defroster, Firestone Deluxe Champion 7.50x14 wide whitewall tires, full Sunburst wheel covers, and Town & Country signal-seeking radio.
This is very late production example that was factory invoiced on November 22nd, 1957, and body tagged November 23rd and stamped PAID on the factory delivery invoice on November 29th, 1957. It sold new through Robert Lee Ford, Inc. based in Cleveland, OH to its first owner, a young university professor in the Cleveland area, on March 12th, 1958. Based on the production unit number of this Thunderbird, this is the 342nd vehicle from the end of production for the 1957 model year. It comes extremely well documented with factory delivery receipt showing the build specs, options, and dealer invoice price of $3,334.04.

It would stay with the original owner for the next 58 years! It would move early in life to Ambridge, Pennsylvania to be enjoyed sparingly when the weather allowed, then parked in 1988 after his usage became less and less annually. Due to health reasons, he would finally sell it to its only other owner in September 2016 with approximately 75,000 miles on the odometer. Pictures of the car being loaded up that day are included and show a preserved, rust free car that survived beautifully tucked away in a dry garage!

This proud new owner would commence a no-expense-spared frame up restoration to Classic Thunderbird Club International show standards. This included both cosmetics and mechanical freshening on all systems, and a proclaimed $18,000 professional respray of the exterior paint finish. It is of the highest quality, and simply stunning to look at! To better appreciate the gentle care this car received with the first owner, note that the paint visible inside the engine compartment remains factory original, as does the visible paint located under the rear trunk mat and the red oxide primer visible behind and underneath the passenger cabin! An extremely impressive, rust free example!

The cabin features all new upholstery, floor carpeting, door panels, new convertible soft top, etc. The rear trunk compartment is spotless and complete with tire changing equipment. Mechanically, you will find new fuel delivery system from a new gas tank forward, all new suspension system with fresh bushings throughout, all new exhaust, new tires, new brakes, and on and on!
The entire drivetrain was serviced as needed in the same no expense fashion, then detailed extensively for a show worthy presentation. Factory style inspection stickers were added for a show worthy presentation, as were new Ford Motorcraft drive belts, FOMOCO branded radiator hoses & clamps, and concours detail stickers on larger components. The original Holley ECJ9510 AB carburetors were rebuilt and tuned nicely, along with new plugs, wire, cap & rotor, fluids, etc. It continues to run and drive wonderfully today! It has been driven approximately 200 miles since completion in 2019. The odometer today reads 75,297 miles.

Solid examples with survivor qualities like this one are nearly impossible to find today! It has never been rusty nor been in any accidents. Add in the rare and highly sought-after factory E-code engine, wonderful color combination, early ownership documentation, quality of restoration, options, and overall stunning condition, you have a true investment quality collector car! We would be happy to assist in worldwide transportation of the car if needed. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions you may have on this fantastic E-Bird!

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Prices subject to change without notice and do not include Title, License, Registration Fees, State or Local Taxes or Processing Fees, if any. Please contact seller first for vehicle availability. Although every effort is made to present accurate and reliable information, use of this information is voluntary, and should only be deemed reliable after an independent review of its accuracy, completeness, and timeliness. It is the sole responsibility of the customer to verify the existence of options, accessories and the vehicle condition before time of sale. Any and all differences must be addressed prior to time of sale. No expressed or implied warranties, including the availability or condition of the equipment listed is made. EPA mileage estimates for comparison purposes only. Actual mileage may vary depending on driving conditions, driving habits, and vehicle maintenance.