Although appearing later than Chevrolet’s sporty Corvette, Ford’s “personal luxury” Thunderbird became far more popular, selling more than 16,000 cars in its first year. First shown at the Detroit Auto Show in February 1954, it entered production that September. Its sleek two-seater body displayed many contemporary Ford design cues, and available power trains came from the regular Ford catalog. All cars had the 292 cubic inch “Y-Block” V8, while transmission choices included standard three-speed manual, manual-with-overdrive, or the popular self-shifting Fordomatic. Customers could order a folding soft top, removable fiberglass hard top, or both. For 1956, the Thunderbird was given a few subtle changes. The spare tire, which had intruded on luggage space, was relocated to a “Continental” mounting on the rear bumper. Wind wings were added to the trailing edge of the windshield, cowl vents to the front fenders, and the hard top gained porthole windows in the rear quarters. An optional 312 cubic inch Thunderbird Special engine made 225 bhp with Fordomatic. More extensive changes were made for 1957, comprising a new grille, dashboard and subtly sculpted fins on the rear fenders. While the standard engine was still the 292, there were four versions of the 312, with power ratings up to 300 bhp. Most potent was the “F-Code” unit, which used a single four-barrel carburetor force-fed by a McCulloch supercharger. Not far behind was the “E-Code” normally-aspirated engine, developing 270 bhp with two four-barrels, 285 with an optional special cam. Equipped with Fordomatic transmission, power brakes, steering, windows and seat, this E-Code Thunderbird was on display at the Imperial Palace in Las Vegas from 1988 through 2007. Prior to display, it received a nut-and-bolt restoration by well-known Thunderbird specialist Frank Stubbs in 1987. Stubbs is renowned for his restoration of a fleet of pink 1957 Thunderbirds for a 7-Up promotion that year. This car has been housed in climate-controlled conditions ever since. In addition to the power accessories, the car has the engine dress-up kit, windshield washer, tinted glass, signal-seeking radio, backup lights, heater and defroster, fender skirts and full wheel covers, as originally delivered. It also sports the popular Continental spare tire kit and Kelsey Hayes wire wheels. Mileage is roughly 16,000 miles. Although the supercharged “F-Code” Thunderbird is the rarest and most powerful model, the twin-four-barrel E-Code is considered by many to be the better driver’s car. Less temperamental and easier to drive, it offers turn-key convenience with faithful reliability. Painstakingly restored in the original Colonial White with two-tone Dresden and Starmist Blue vinyl interior, it has been meticulously maintained. It comes with its original build sheet showing delivery to Smith Motor Company of Michigan City, Indiana, on February 20, 1957.
Although appearing later than Chevrolet’s sporty Corvette, Ford’s “personal luxury” Thunderbird became far more popular, selling more than 16,000 cars in its first year. First shown at the Detroit Auto Show in February 1954, it entered production that September. Its sleek two-seater body displayed many contemporary Ford design cues, and available power trains came from the regular Ford catalog. All cars had the 292 cubic inch “Y-Block” V8, while transmission choices included standard three-speed manual, manual-with-overdrive, or the popular self-shifting Fordomatic. Customers could order a folding soft top, removable fiberglass hard top, or both. For 1956, the Thunderbird was given a few subtle changes. The spare tire, which had intruded on luggage space, was relocated to a “Continental” mounting on the rear bumper. Wind wings were added to the trailing edge of the windshield, cowl vents to the front fenders, and the hard top gained porthole windows in the rear quarters. An optional 312 cubic inch Thunderbird Special engine made 225 bhp with Fordomatic. More extensive changes were made for 1957, comprising a new grille, dashboard and subtly sculpted fins on the rear fenders. While the standard engine was still the 292, there were four versions of the 312, with power ratings up to 300 bhp. Most potent was the “F-Code” unit, which used a single four-barrel carburetor force-fed by a McCulloch supercharger. Not far behind was the “E-Code” normally-aspirated engine, developing 270 bhp with two four-barrels, 285 with an optional special cam. Equipped with Fordomatic transmission, power brakes, steering, windows and seat, this E-Code Thunderbird was on display at the Imperial Palace in Las Vegas from 1988 through 2007. Prior to display, it received a nut-and-bolt restoration by well-known Thunderbird specialist Frank Stubbs in 1987. Stubbs is renowned for his restoration of a fleet of pink 1957 Thunderbirds for a 7-Up promotion that year. This car has been housed in climate-controlled conditions ever since. In addition to the power accessories, the car has the engine dress-up kit, windshield washer, tinted glass, signal-seeking radio, backup lights, heater and defroster, fender skirts and full wheel covers, as originally delivered. It also sports the popular Continental spare tire kit and Kelsey Hayes wire wheels. Mileage is roughly 16,000 miles. Although the supercharged “F-Code” Thunderbird is the rarest and most powerful model, the twin-four-barrel E-Code is considered by many to be the better driver’s car. Less temperamental and easier to drive, it offers turn-key convenience with faithful reliability. Painstakingly restored in the original Colonial White with two-tone Dresden and Starmist Blue vinyl interior, it has been meticulously maintained. It comes with its original build sheet showing delivery to Smith Motor Company of Michigan City, Indiana, on February 20, 1957.
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