The 1957 Ford Thunderbird stands as the ultimate refinement of the original two-seater concept that redefined American personal luxury. This specific example, emerging from the F_Tundra Collection, wears a classic Raven Black finish paired with a vibrant Flame Red interior. It carries the quintessential design cues of the late fifties, including the iconic slanted tail fins and shaped chrome bumpers. While it served as a static display piece for years, its foundational beauty remains intact for the next dedicated enthusiast.
Exterior Preservation and Raven Black Finish
Raven Black provides a deep and sophisticated backdrop for the heavy chrome ornamentation found on this 1957 Ford Thunderbird. The car features its matching removable hardtop, which gives the silhouette a formal and cohesive appearance when installed. Fender vents and bumper-mounted parking lights add to the intricate detailing that set the 1957 model apart from its predecessors. A black soft top is also included, offering versatility for different driving environments once the car returns to active service.
Chassis Setup and Wire Wheel Details
This Thunderbird rides on beautiful 14-inch wire wheels that are wrapped in Coker Classic whitewall tires for a period-correct look. Stopping power is managed by power-assisted drum brakes at all four corners, a necessary luxury for a heavy V8 cruiser. The suspension retains its factory-style configuration, designed to provide the soft and buoyant ride quality expected from a luxury Ford. Every piece of brightwork, from the hood emblem to the rear bumper, highlights the car’s meticulously maintained aesthetic.
A Striking Flame Red Cabin Environment
Stepping inside the cockpit reveals a Flame Red vinyl interior that offers a bold contrast to the dark exterior paint. The power-adjustable bench seat remains a highlight of the cabin, providing both comfort and a touch of mid-century technical innovation. A color-coordinated dashboard and door panels create a seamless environment that feels like a time capsule of 1957 design. Floor-mounted shifters and the original AM radio remind the driver of the car’s purely mechanical and analog heritage.
Instrumentation and Classic Driver Controls
The driver faces a traditional three-spoke steering wheel that frames a centrally mounted 140-mph speedometer. Flanking the main unit are a tachometer and vital gauges for fuel level and coolant temperature to monitor the V8’s health. The five-digit odometer shows 49,000 miles, reflecting a life largely spent in careful storage or light occasional use. Manual windows and a locking glovebox complete the functional interior, which remains remarkably well-preserved despite the car’s long period of static display.
Engine Performance and Powertrain Specifications
The 1957 Ford Thunderbird is powered by the desirable 312ci V8 engine equipped with a traditional four-barrel carburetor. This “D-code” powerplant was designed to deliver smooth torque through a three-speed Fordomatic automatic transmission. With a 3:10 rear differential, the drivetrain was optimized for effortless highway cruising rather than aggressive sprinting. Potential buyers should note that because this car was part of a static collection, a mechanical sympathetic refresh is likely required before any road use.
Summary of the Thunderbird Spotlight
The 1957 Ford Thunderbird remains a high-water mark for domestic design, successfully blending performance with an unmistakable sense of style. This Raven Black example offers an excellent starting point for a collector looking to bring a classic back to the road. Its no-reserve status at the Costa Mesa event ensures it will find a new home with an appreciative owner. Whether kept as a showpiece or returned to the boulevard, its presence continues to command respect and admiration across the globe.
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Source: bringatrailer.com
