When GIs who fought in the European Theater of World War II returned home, they brought with them fond memories of the British two-seaters that were a common sight over there. Some even managed to buy some and have them shipped home. It was clear to Detroit that there just might be a market for an American-made version of the famed two-seater open car. The two most famous of these were the MG-TC (and the later TD) and the incredibly handsome Jaguar XK-120. Kaiser introduced the famed .....
Kaiser-Darrin in the early 50s and Chevrolet would follow next with the legendary Corvette. Ford was not blind to Chevrolets new car but chose to develop a car along a different path. It was decided their 1957 Ford Thunderbird would be made of metal instead of fiberglass; that it would be powered by a V-8 engine unlike the Corvettes Blue Flame Six; and that it would feature roll-down windows and an optional hardtop unlike the Corvettes snap on curtains. They further decided that it would, as much as possible, utilize the same tooling and parts interchangeability with the big Fords of that era. This Magnificent Example is finished in Beautiful Colonial White with Beautiful Red Interior, & Colonial White Hardtop, a new Soft-top Frame ($5k.) This Classic underwent an Open Check Book comprehensive restoration including Exterior, Interior, Brightwork, Top, Brightwork, and Mechanics. It comes with a comprehensive complement of amenities including: Fordmatic Automatic Transmission o Floor-mounted Locking Button Shift Selector o Low and Drive Range Master Guide Power Steering Full instrumentation (all functional) Factory Tachometer Telescopic Lifeguard Steering Wheel o Fully Adjustable Directional Signals Magicaire Heating and Defrost System Signal Seeking Town and Country Radio Electric Clock Cigar Lighter (Unused) Lifeguard Seat Belts Tinted Windows Lifeguard Padded Sun Visors Backup Lamps Wing Windows Chrome Engine Dress Up Kit Rear Fender Shields Rear Fender Skirts Wide Whitewall Tires Ford Scripted Wheel Covers Auto-Wipe Windshield Washers THUNDERBIRD SPECIAL V-8 Engine o 4 Barrel Carburation o 312 Cubic Inch Displacement o 225 Horsepower o 8.4:1 Compression Ratio o 3.75 X 3.30 Inch Bore & Stroke o Dual Exhaust System 12 Volt Electrical System Full " Flow Oil Filter 102 Inch Wheelbase 185 Inch Length 3088 lb. Weight 71 Inch Width Highly Detailed Engine Compartment and Undercarriage All Matching Numbers This Magnificent Rare Thunderbird has traveled only 60K miles from new and is an Absolute Pleasure to Drive and garners all the oohs and aahs anytime out. Many Baby Bird aficionados consider the 57 to be the Last, Most Beautiful, and Most Desirable of the Baby Birds of the era. It is as Straight as an Arrow and Absolutely Immaculate Throughout. It is ready for Show or Tour. Call (770) 883-9115