1957 THUNDERBIRD OVER $100K RESTO MUSEUM QUALITY 312 AUTO PS LIKE NEW

***1957 THUNDERBIRD OVER $100K FRAME OFF MUSEUM QUALITY RESTO 312 AUTO PS***
***RUNS AND DRIVES EXCELLENT --- NO EXPENSE SPARED IN RESTO***
***NEVER IN RAIN SINCE RESTO --- READY TO SHOW OR ENJOY***

This is a 1957 Ford Thunderbird that was given a complete nut and bolt off frame restoration. The owner stopped counting the money spent after $100,000. This Thunderbird was repainted its original Starmist Blue and a new dark blue convertible top was installed. The interior was restored to the original colors of Dresden Blue & Starmist Blue. The car comes with a Starmist Blue removable hard top that has a white headliner and comes with a stand for storage. The engine is the 312 V-8 with 245 horsepower. Transmission is automatic (Ford-O- Matic) and the steering is power. The car starts right up, runs and drives like it did when new in 1957. The owner bought this car with the intention of having it completely restored. The professional who restored this car owned a body shop/restoration shop for many years and is one of the best paint and body people in the area. The car was completely disassembled and the body was sent out to Carolina Chem- Strip to have all the paint removed. The frame was completely disassembled and then painted and reassembled with all new parts. Every part on this car was refurbished, rebuilt or replaced with new. There was not a single part of this vehicle that was not redone during the restoration process. The engine was rebuilt and bored 40 over. Transmission was rebuilt, rear end, brakes, suspension, steering - were all rebuilt. The wiring and weather stripping were replaced. The exterior looks like it did when it was built in Dearborn in 1957 with the exception of wire wheels; which were an option. The original hub caps and wheels go with the sale and are pictured below. The owner bought the wide white wall tires and wire wheels from Coker and the tires are inflated with nitrogen. The trim was either replaced or professionally buffed and polished. The bumpers were sent to a shop in Canada to be rechromed and it is show chrome. The interior is like new with the exception of a modern stereo. The engine is like it was when new with the exception of added Pertronix electronic ignition hidden under the distributor cap and an aluminum radiator painted black to look like the original plus it cools much better. It has been a couple of years since the car was restored and it has never been in the rain. The owner has taken it to a couple of parades. He has decided to downsize and move to a different location so the car is up for sale. He lives close to me and I used to be in the local AACA club that he is a member. He asked me to list the car. This is a true no disappointment vehicle. It looks, sounds, drives, and rides just like it did when new. Ask any question and serious bidders may ask for the owner's number to set up a time to view the Thunderbird.

Thunderbird has beautiful paint over a perfect body

The soft top is new and the car comes with the removable hard top

This automobile runs, drives, and rides as good as it looks.

Wide white walls are radials P205X75XR14 with wire wheels. Tires are from Coker and were filled with nitrogen.

This car is like going back in time and buying one in 1957

All trim was either replaced or was sent out to be buffed and polished.

Exhaust exits through the rear bumper - entire exhaust is new and the manifolds were ceramic coated.

Interior is in the original colors of Dresden Blue & Starmist Blue

Interior was completely restored to look like new.

New seat cover - the yellow tag is from Beam Seat Belts - it could be cut off. The owner wanted the seat belts installed - I believe they were a factory option in 57.

You can spot the boot behind the seat.

Classic instrument panel - everything works properly on the car

Steering wheel was restored

New dash pad

Modern stereo was fitted - note how nice the dash trim is - it was professionally restored

Floor shifter for the Ford-O-Matic transmission

Interior was completely restored and looks sharp

Underside of the convertible top - it was completely replaced.

The windshield frame was professionally buffed and polished.

Driver door panel

Passenger door panel

"D" code 312 engine runs as good as it looks. Just touch the key and it fires right up.

Carburetor is a new Holley that is just like the one that came on the car. A local carburetor and repair shop set it up properly.

Master cylinder and all brake parts were replaced with new. Battery looks like the original but is a dry cell.

The man who restored the Thunderbird restored the original valve covers to like new condition. Exhaust manifolds were ceramic coated.

Steering gear box was rebuilt - all suspension and steering parts were either rebuilt or replaced with new parts.

The original power steering pump was rebuilt.

Radiator looks like the original but it is aluminum painted to look like the old brass radiator. The new one cools better.

All wiring was replaced

Generator was rebuilt - note the cleanliness of the suspension

Heater components were replaced

Distributor has electronic ignition hidden under the cap - you will not need to replaced points nor time the engine

Underside of hood - it comes with the cover for the hood scoop

Trunk opens and closes properly; has a new mat

Underside of trunk lid

New mat

Spare - the owner does not have a jack for the car.

Clear title ready to transfer to new owner - VIN on title matches VIN on car.

Trim plate - car is a 1957 Thunderbird with 312/245 engine built in Dearborn. The car has been repainted in its original color and the interior is the original colors.

The port hole hard top was painted Starmist Blue like the car and comes with the stand you see.

A new white headliner has been installed in the hard top.

Original wheels and hub caps

These parts and a box of some other parts go with the sale of the car.

Also going with the sale of the car are a thick stack of receipts.

The Thunderbird was put on a lift to view the underside.

Driver side front suspension

Passenger side front suspension

Note all rubber parts like the engine mount have been replaced during the restoration

All power steering parts were replaced or rebuilt - I saw no leaks under the car

Inside of the passenger front fender

Driver front fender

Engine oil pan and transmission

Automatic transmission

New stock type mufflers

9-inch rear was painted the same red oxide color as when new

Drive shaft

X frame

Passenger side rear suspension

Driver side rear suspension

Spare tire well

Passenger side rear quarter

Driver side rear quarter - the red you see is a reflection of the red lift - paint is that nice even under the car

New gas tank

The back side of the bumper - note how clean this car is anywhere you look

1957 Thunderbird front end - grill and bumper look like new

Hood and scoop

Driver front fender - wire wheels look sharp on this Bird

Vents work and have new rubber

Glass is new

Driver door - doors, hood, trunk all open and close correctly

Dark blue top is perfect on the light blue body

It has fender skirts

Deck lid

Dual exhaust exits through the bumper

Thunderbird trim

Lenses were replaced with new ones

Fins!

Passenger rear quarter panel - paint is smooth as glass

Rear wheel and skirt on passenger side

Soft top

Passenger door

All the original trim has been polished and buffed

Passenger front fender

If you are seriously interested in this car my advice is to come and see it. The car is located in Chesterfield, Virginia 23838. Car is a short drive from Route 288 which connects I-64 and I-95. Serious bidders can email me any questions or ask for the owner's number to set up a time to see the car.

Terms of sale: winning bidder should contact me within 24 hours of the auction’s end. If you cannot pick up the car right away send a 10% deposit within 3 days and make arrangements to pick up the car or have it shipped. We would like the car picked up within 14 days. If you need help with having the car shipped email me.