The Ford Thunderbird was introduced in 1954 as a rival to the Chevrolet Corvette. It quickly gained popularity and sold 16,000 units in its first year of commercial release in 1955.
A Ford Thunderbird will be featured at the upcoming Mecum’s Dallas auction. The car has undergone a meticulous restoration and now has an impeccable appearance.
One of the standout features of this car is its original 3-speed manual Borg Warner T85 gearbox. According to the announcement, this type of gearbox was extremely rare, with less than 0.02% of total 1957 Thunderbirds equipped with it.
The car is not entirely original, as the Azure Blue exterior paint was only introduced in the 1958 model year. However, this color choice helps emphasize the classic chrome grille and other details.
The original Royal Blue Stayfast soft top has been restored to its pristine condition. The wheels feature vintage-style rims and white BF Goodrich Silvertown tires.
The blue tone continues inside the cabin, with the interior covered in Dresden and Starmist Blue, featuring precision embossed lines. The restored 1957 Thunderbird also boasts air conditioning, seat belts, and a radio with regional and national station search capability.
Powering this vehicle is a rebuilt 5.1L V8 engine paired with a dual quad carburetor setup. Reports suggest that this system can deliver a maximum output of 270 horsepower.
Although the auction price has not been estimated yet, the intact details of the 1957 Ford Thunderbird are sure to attract significant attention.
Source: Carscoops