The 1957 Ford Thunderbird is generally considered a good car. It was part of the first generation of Thunderbirds, which were produced from 1955 to 1957. The Thunderbird was developed as a response to Chevrolet’s two-seat Corvette, but it differentiated itself by focusing on personal luxury rather than a sports car image. The 1957 model underwent some visual changes, including a reshaped front bumper, large tailfins, and a new position for the Thunderbird script. The 1957 Thunderbird also came with improved drivability, power steering, and power windows. It was a successful year for the Thunderbird, with Ford selling 21,380 examples, making it the most successful year of the first generation. The car is highly regarded by collectors and enthusiasts, and it continues to be sought after today.
Contents
- What is the rarest 1957 Thunderbird?
- How many 1957 Ford Thunderbirds are left?
- Why are old Thunderbirds so cheap?
- Is the Ford Thunderbird collectible?
- How fast is a 1957 Ford Thunderbird?
- What is the most collectible Thunderbird?
- How much is a Ford Thunderbird worth?
- What to look for when buying a 1957 Thunderbird?
- Why was the 1957 Ford Thunderbird so popular?
- What year is the most desirable Thunderbird?
What is the rarest 1957 Thunderbird?
Lot #5104 – The rarest of all 1957 Ford Thunderbirds is the 1957 Phase One D/F Factory Supercharged. One of 15 hand-built for Ford Competition at Ford Headquarters, and one of eight known to survive today.
How many 1957 Ford Thunderbirds are left?
In total, there were 21,380 Thunderbirds sold in 1957, each with one of three V8 engine options: D-, E- or F-Type. The vast majority were the D-Type V8, while 1,363 were E-Type, and just 197 were F-Type. There are only an estimated 40 F-Types left in existence today.
Why are old Thunderbirds so cheap?
Utilizing Ford’s MN12 platform, the tenth-gen Thunderbird offered RWD and V8 power, and due to the large amount of these cars flooding the roads, they became quite cheap in their later years.
Is the Ford Thunderbird collectible?
There is no question that the 1st generation Thunderbird is a collectible. Almost every classic car auction will have at least one example of meticulously restored Thunderbird selling for top dollar.
How fast is a 1957 Ford Thunderbird?
Its 0-60 mph times were in the 10-second range with a top speed of about 115 mph. It has the Ford-o-matic transmission although it was also available with a 3-speed/overdrive manual. The car sits on a 181 inch wheelbase and carried a factory price of $3408.
What is the most collectible Thunderbird?
1962 Thunderbird Sports Roadster: This restricted creation model is one of the most sought-after Thunderbirds by collectors. It included the powerful “M-Code” V8 motor, creating 430 pull, making it a genuine muscle vehicle of its period.
How much is a Ford Thunderbird worth?
TrueCar has 149 used Ford Thunderbird models for sale nationwide, including a Ford Thunderbird Deluxe and a Ford Thunderbird 2dr Convertible Deluxe. Prices for a used Ford Thunderbird currently range from $6,988 to $29,990, with vehicle mileage ranging from 10 to 179,061.
What to look for when buying a 1957 Thunderbird?
Rust in the rocker panels is very common, as is rust around the fender openings, in the lower fenders, in the lower doors, in the floor pans and floor braces, as well as in the trunk. Reproduction sheetmetal, used, and NOS pieces are available, but major rust repair on a T-Bird can eat up a lot of time and money.
Why was the 1957 Ford Thunderbird so popular?
The 1957 was the only year with the now iconic “port” style side windows. While adding weight, the hard roof made road trips quieter and dryer while bodywork made completely of steel gave the car a more solid feel when compared to the ‘Vette.
What year is the most desirable Thunderbird?
Ranking The Best Ford Thunderbird Models Ever Made
- 7 1989–1997 Ford Thunderbird Super Coupe.
- 6 1958–1960 Ford Thunderbird (Second Generation)
- 5 1955 -1957 Ford Thunderbird (First Generation)
- 4 1963 Ford Thunderbird M-Code.
- 3 1957 Ford Thunderbird E-Code.
- 2 1957 Ford Thunderbird F-Code.
- 1 1957 Ford Thunderbird D/F-Code.