• A superb example of the two-seat Thunderbird from its final year of production
• Finished in factory-correct Raven Black over white and black vinyl with black convertible top
• Powered by a 245-hp, 312 cu.-in. V-8 engine with a three-speed automatic transmission
• Fitted with desirable features, including hardtop, sun visors, whitewall tires, dual side mirrors, Volumetric Town & Country radio, and engine dress-up kit

The 1957 model year was the third—and final—year for Ford’s original two-passenger Thunderbird design. The stylish convertible had done everything the company envisioned for it to accomplish: It brought customers into Ford showrooms. Seeing it firsthand was captivating; the Thunderbird was one of those cars that people just wanted to own and be seen in. For those who couldn’t reconcile the daily impracticalities of a two-seat convertible, it inspired them to choose another Ford model, such were the emotions it evoked. Sales for 1955 surpassed predictions.

Over the following decade, the Thunderbird would balloon into a a substantially larger vehicle with standard front and rear seats. They year 1957 was a notable one for Thunderbird production in regard to drivetrains. Ford celebrated its silver anniversary of V-8 dominance with its widest range of engines ever, from the basic 190-horsepower, 272-cubic-inch V-8 to the ultra-high-performance 300-horsepower 312-cubic-inch supercharged “Thunderbird” V-8.

The example offered here is finished in the classic shade of Raven Black over a Tuxedo vinyl interior with a matching convertible top trimmed in black cloth. Power is derived from a superbly detailed 312-cubic-inch “Y-block” V-8 engine, which provides a factory-rated 245 horsepower when topped with its single Holley four-barrel carburetor.

Additional desirable factory features on this exemplary Thunderbird include a matching “port hole” hardtop, engine dress-up kit, dual side mirrors, rear fender skirts, and a brilliant set of highly polished chrome wire wheels wrapped in wide whitewall tires. The interior is further enriched by the presence of a new-for-1957 Volumetric Town & Country radio, and pair of white Lifeguard sun visors.

Still captivating all these years later, especially when presented as beautifully as this example is, Ford’s iconic two-seater convertible will forever remain one of the most compelling models ever made by the marque.
To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/hf22.