Photos: Mecum Auctions

Many consider the 1957 Ford Thunderbird to be the very best of the two-seater T-Birds. While originally introduced as a competitor for the Chevrolet Corvette, the T-Bird evolved more as a personal luxury car in its time, rather than an all-out sports car.

When introduced for sales in late October 1954, the 1955 Thunderbird outsold the Corvette by a very wide margin; that being some 16,000 Thunderbirds versus 700 ‘Vettes. The 1956 model year saw the car’s spare tire emerge from the trunk and perch on the rear bumper, in order to provide additional trunk space. A slight sales decline that year sent the design team back to work and changes for the 1957 model year resulted in sales of over twenty-one thousand cars.

Those changes included an updated grille and front end, as well as a new rear quarter treatment with distinctive fins. Ford redesigned the trunk layout and deck lid, so the spare tire could be stored in a vertical position, leaving a reasonable amount of storage. Advanced luxury features included a speed sensitive radio and a ‘memory’ feature for the power seat.

That year, the Thunderbird was offered with several engine options, ranging from 212 to 300 hp. At the high end was the 312-cid, F-code V8, fitted with a 4-bbl carburetor and McCulloch VR57 Supercharger. Modified cylinder heads and camshafts were used to get the best out of the optional motor. Sources vary somewhat in the estimated production numbers, but something on the order of two hundred F-Code Thunderbirds are thought to have been built.

This option brought serious performance to the ‘Bird, enabling 0-60 mph times in the very low 6-second range and a top speed approaching 130 mph.

This particular numbers-matching, 1957 Thunderbird has undergone a full, off-the-frame restoration with all correct equipment and colors. The car, believed to be one of as few as forty remaining F-Codes, has subsequently won many Authenticity and Best of Show awards.

The car is coming up for auction at the Mecum Kansas City event, this December 2 – 4, at the Bartle Hall – Kansas City Convention Center. Additional information and the online catalog are available at the event web site.