1957 Thunderbird D Code

Description

I bought this car in 2015. I had always wanted a TBird. But then things happened. Its for sale, but it has a story and so do I. Give it a read.
My Story
I bought this 1957 Thunderbird in 2015. I always wanted a Baby Bird and found one close in black. Brought it home and though it was a tight fit for me (I am 6' 3" tall), I began to drive it. Then the fun started. I was stricken by cancer, I almost died, I was sliced open from sternum to pelvis, a coma, and ultimately recovery but with no feeling in my lower front torso and a loss of flexibility. I found that I simply cant fit in the car anymore comfortably so I am reluctantly selling it as I am tired of just looking at it not being used.
The Blackbird's Story
The bird was totaled refurbished according to the prior owner and his copious notes which transfer with the car. The previous owner was an engineer retired from NASA. He bought this car and rebuilt everything. He documented everything he did and provided receipts. There are drawings and a full set of factory manuals- all convey.
When I brought the Thunderbird home it was dressed in stock form. When you review the pics, you will see the slots, no skirts, smaller steering wheel, aluminum radiator and the aftermarket intake, carb and air cleaner. This car came home fully stock and every part removed has been carefully stored. It all conveys. the tires are Coker Silvertown wide whites with correct 14" 1957 rims and hubcaps. The factory air cleaner and radiator, boxed tucked away and come with car.
I wanted it to have a hot rod slightly competition look. When you take it to a show, its different and stands out.
So what have I done to it?
The 312 Y Block ran hot. An old timer told me that all Yblocks do. Well this one had a blown head gasket. So here is what I did:
Removed the heads and had them skimmed for flatnessInstalled head studsReplaced head gasketsReinstalled heads and adjusted valvesReplaced thermostatReplaced radiatorReplaced fuel pumpInstalled Pertronix ignitionReplaced vent tube with PCV valveChanged cast iron manifold for a vintage Edelbrock with factory linkage provisionAdded a 650 CFM EdelbrockAdded a new vacuum lineAdded an open element air cleanerReplaced the the single bale Master Cylinder with a 1967 Mustang two baleI added a Wilwood proportioning valve to brakes so you can balance the front and rear and keep the power brakes
Guess what? It doesn't run hot and runs and stops great.
So I did more
These cars are tight in the cabin, so I replaced the 17" white wheel with a vintage green flake superior 500 wheel and mount kit. It makes it a bit easier on a big guy (I am 6' 3').
I wanted to go with slots so I picked up a set of 14" Fenton Gyros in 4 1/2 inch bolt patter and added new radials. This required removal of the skirts. Tucked away in a box.
It was about where I wanted it and planned to just drive her.
Then the cancer hit me and she sat. I cant drive her. I cant sit in the cabin right anymore- my body won't let me.
So its time to find her a new owner.
So about the exterior. The paint is old nitrocellulose lacquer. I wet-sanded and buffed, but the passenger fender paint is just weak. It needs color on the passenger side, though the paint does add to the vintage hot rod vibe. It needs buffing at the cowl and then the new wipers can be installed. I may be able to do that but assume I won't. The paint is ok for a driver but far from show.
The frame is beautiful, new lines and gas tank. Fresh air vents accompany but are fiberglass and not installed. The chrome is pretty good. Lights work.
The car comes with an original installed convertible top which I just purchased from Amos Minter. $5,200 was the cost.
So what should you expect to do?
Passenger door needs hinge bushings or adjustment - it drops a bit. Interior door handle needs clip. The vent chromes have some pitting. The tach isn't working. The town and country works intermittently.
Nice car but not perfect. This DCode bird has the 312 with dress-up kit, Power Steering, Power Brakes, Auto Trans, Tele column, Town and Country radio, Convertible Top.
I listed this previously and had a certain reserve. I modified it and lowered my price. It is for sale locally.
About the payment
The car still has a lien. When you pay me, I pay JJ Best Banc and get lien released, clear title already in my name is then transferred to you. The Bird is tagged and insured by Hagerty. You will get the clear MD Title, Lien release and a State of Maryland Bill-of-Sale. I will also provide you a signed receipt for your payment. You will be fully protected and have the documentation you need to register. You will get all manuals and documentation that I have on the Blackbird.
I can accomodate an inspection and encourage it. I will answer all questions. I will also fully litigate any fraud (I have cancer and an attorney), so please understand in bidding and winning that this will be a very professional transaction but no games.
Payment will need to be a bank wire with $1000 via PayPal. Also I dont sell overseas as I am old and cranky and sick and dont feel like it.
Shipping is your responsibility. You will arrange and I will ensure I am home for loading.
I am trying to take care of some things for my wife and daughter and selling this and some of the other stuff I have collected over the years would help her not have to deal with it when I am gone.