Ford Thunderbird '57

Walkaround video: Click here

• Comes with valuation report and some maintenance bills


• VIN officially decoded and traced, thus authenticity-proven


• Late first-generation model with the big Y-block 5,1 litre engine


• With the three-speed ‘Ford-O-Matic’ automatic transmission, the first mass-produced Ford’s automatic transmission

In 1955, the Ford Thunderbird, also known as the T-Bird, made its debut on the market. This vehicle, regarded as a quintessential American cruiser, drew inspiration from sporty European cars such as the Mercedes 300 SL and the Jaguar XK120. Its original purpose was to surpass the Chevrolet Corvette before it had the chance to claim the top spot. The Thunderbird's design was widely praised for its sleek and almost cinematic appearance, coupled with a powerful and typically American V8 engine that effortlessly produced an impressive 193 horsepower, a noteworthy feat for its time. The Thunderbird enjoyed a long production run of five decades, spanning eleven generations until the last one rolled off the assembly line in 2005.

Although the Thunderbird took inspiration from European sports cars, it also represented a significant dose of American nostalgia. A ride in the vehicle can evoke a sense of being transported back to the golden fifties of America, where drive-in movie theatres underneath a romantic starry sky, carefree cruising on wide roads, and an anything-goes feeling. The Thunderbird encapsulates the carefree spirit of the time, which is an era in American history that is widely romanticized and celebrated.

Ford Classic T-Bird/Thunderbird

The Classic T-Bird is the first generation of the Ford Thunderbird which was released in 1955. The car was intended to counteract the already faltering Corvette 1. While Chevrolet emphasized the sporty performance of the Corvette, Ford sought a more pleasant, luxurious, and only slightly sporty driving experience. Thunderbirds were sold 23 times more than Corvettes (16,155/700) in the first year alone. As such, the Thunderbird was crucial and influential in the development of technology based on the needs of Americans.

Despite the success, changes were already made in 1956: the spare tire was mounted vertically on the rear end to free up more space in the trunk, portholes were built into the hardtop, and a 12-volt system replace the outdated and less powerful 6-volt system. In 1957, Ford decided to make even more changes: the spare tire returned to the trunk and a nearly completely redesigned control panel was installed in the dashboard. Lastly, a more powerful V8 became the new standard engine. The 1957 version later became the best-selling version of the three, although the other versions were certainly not inferior. In 1958, Ford made yet another about-face with a second, and even more discontinuous generation.

Thanks to Ford's capriciousness, this car has been a conductor in the evolution of American cars. The design has also left its mark on Ford's reputation. Today, this car is a sought-after and rare classic, especially among John Travolta fans.

Technical information:

Body work

• Length (cm): 461 (181 inch)


• Width (cm): 179 (70 inch)


• Height (cm): 131 (52 inch)


• Wheelbase (cm): 259 (102 inch)


• Weight (kg): 1560 (3439 lbs)

Mechanics

• Engine: 5113 cc V8 front-engine


• Valve gear: 16


• Fuel system: 1 Holley carburettor


• Gear box: 3-speed ‘Ford-O-Matic’ automatic


• Transmission: RWD


• Left-steered


• power: 245 hp (183 kW) at 4500 t/m


• torque: 450 Nm at 3200 t/m


• Top speed: 189 km/h (117 mph)

Please do not hesitate to contact us via email to receive the detailed expertise report