The Ford Thunderbird, or "T-Bird" as it was affectionately known, was a two-seat personal luxury car that was first produced in 1955. It would evolve markedly over the years witnessing 11 generations in all until finally going out of production half a century later in 2005. While it was originally intended as a competitor to the Chevrolet Corvette upon its release, it was not designated as a sports car. And those first cars produced during the 1955 to 1957 generation stand out for their design, size, and motoring experience.
When examples pop up on the resale market they command top dollar. And this beauty straight out of Houston, Texas is sure to please. It's the last of the first generation cars produced in 1957 with a a dual quad Y-engine in the highly desirable E-Code configuration. So if you're interested in turning back the clock, and experiencing some of that 50's magic, now is your chance. Let's give this classic "T-Bird" a look.
That's One "Super" Bird
According to the seller, this 1957 Ford Thunderbird was produced at the Dearborn, Michigan plant in February of 1957 before being delivered to a local dealer in California. The car was not only a very rare E-Code car with only 1,499 examples produced but in a highly desirable exterior Raven Black on Flame Red interior color combination. She's loaded with a series of factory options, been well sorted and restored throughout her life and is a show quality car in all regards.
Rare E-Code
The E-Code package is perhaps the most rare aspect of the car. In place of the standard 312 cube Mercury sourced Y-engine pumping out 215 hp, the E-code added a pair of Holley four barrels, aluminum intake manifold, Hi-Performance camshaft, and a 3-speed manual transmission. There's an even a rarer version that was fitted with a Paxton supercharger producing 300 hp ... in 1957!
Other details include "power steering, brakes and windows; AM radio, engine dress kit, electric wipers, heater/defroster; black Haartz soft top with all new hardware, plus black removable hard top with porthole windows; Kelsey-Hayes wire wheels and 7.50" x 14" whitewall tires; dual exhaust upgraded to stainless steel."
Privately Owned And Up For Sale
Inside and out the car presents beautifully with a full restoration performed by the Amos Minter shop in 2013. And with only 66,000 miles since new it is in excellent condition. It's currently being offered for sale by a private seller out of Houston, Texas with an asking price of $136,000, which seems about right. Buckle up.
Source: Hemmings