“Little Bird” – All About The 1957 Ford Thunderbird

In order to compete with the Chevrolet Corvette, Ford began production of the Thunderbird in 1955, and within two years had developed a whole new style and design, the two-seat 1957 Thunderbird.

While technically it was a sports car, it was marketed as a ‘personal’ car instead. There were many different features of this new design, most markedly was the rear fins. This model also put the spare tire back into the trunk, and with a space of more than five feet, there was plenty of room.

Other newer features of this model were the clusters of instrument dials, the all vinyl upholstery, and many trim combinations. The fiberglass top, with its port style windows was completely removable, and there was also the option of a soft top convertible that was manually operated, at an extra cost, of course.
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While the standard stock engine was the 312 cu. in., 225hp V8, this model also featured two other motor sized as well. One was the dual four barrel ‘E’ model, with 270hp, and the supercharge ‘F,’ which pumped out a rare 300hp. It also featured three different transmission options, including the new manual three speed.
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Visually some of the items that buyers noticed right away was the stretched rear end, the totally restyled grill, as well as newly designed bumpers. Once inside, other things that were greatly improved were the seats. There were also many other things that at first glance may not have been known, until they were on the road.
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The 1957 Thunderbird had larger openings for better engine cooling, larger brakes and pads, as well as revised springs. Stiffer chassis cross member were added, as well as a 12 volt electrical system, and new fourteen inch wheels. All of these new revolutionary designs made the Thunderbird have better handling and stability.

The 1957 Thunderbird was always popular, and more than 21,000 were made. While there were different model year styles, the basics of the car remained. This classic is still faster with better handling than more traditional models. In 1958, the two-seat style was converted to a four-seat to appeal to a larger, more family oriented consumer.

Back in the day the 1957 Ford Thunderbird was priced at just under $3,500, which by those standards was a little high. Considering that now these cars are worth at least $45,000-$60,000 in fully restored condition, that is quite a considerable improvement. There are many of these classic cars still out on the road, because people prided themselves so much in owning them. There is always at least a few at any car show across the country. You can find out more about this classic car on the internet, with many different website resources available.

The 1957 Ford Thunderbird will always be remembered as a true American sports car. Their distinctive tail fins, extremely large trunks and brilliant colors are just a few of the many things that made this car truly one of a kind.
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