Documented baby bird convertible

Description

Two-seat Thunderbirds like this 1957 model hold a unique spot in enthusiasts' hearts. One, they're perhaps the ultimate expression of 1950s style and two, they are some of the most stable automotive investments you can make. Name another car you can buy today, enjoy for 10 years, and sell for pretty much what you have in it, or even turn a profit. Not many cars can make that claim, but Thunderbirds are rock solid that way. This... striking black with white top Baby Bird is one of those great cars that is always ready for a show or a cruise. Raven Black is a fantastic shade on these cars we don't see too often, and you know it'll never go out of style, so that's another point in this car's favor. The '57s have their share of fans, and as the most modern and distinctive of the early 'Birds, it delivers on the promises its looks make. It was restored to a high level and driven and enjoyed since then, but the smooth, shiny paint is holding up well (although certainly not perfect) and looks far fresher than you'd expect. You can credit first-rate workmanship and attention to detail for that feat, and everything still lines up right and fits tight. All the chrome was refinished during the restoration and it has held up incredibly well, with no notable blemishes even around the exhaust ports in back, and that deck lid mounted antenna is an interesting feature that usually means the dealer installed the radio back in the day, helping this one stand out even more. The contrasting porthole white hardtop and ornate continental kit are sought-after additions that work so well with a Baby Bird, and we're glad both are featured on this beautiful car. As far as higher-end yet driver-grade Thunderbirds go, this one is presents very well. Bright red and white leather upholstery with dark red carpets emphasizes the flashy look, and with careful ownership this one looks years younger than you'd expect. The newer bench seat is still supportive and comfortable, the carpets are new too, as are the gorgeous door panels that don't show so much as an indentation from the driver's elbow on the armrest. A black steering wheel matches the dash, offering a classy look that blends right in. The gauges are probably original but they show well with clear lenses and bright pointers, and all the controls are in tact. Upgrades include the under-dash r134a A/C unit which is both effective and even looks somewhat period-correct, a Town and Country AM/FM radio, and a new modern alternator to power it all. A new white convertible top stows behind the seats, just in case, and looks great with a crystal clear rear window, and you also get a matching porthole hardtop that's a trademark '57 T-Bird look. Out back the trunk is incredibly spacious, and carries a full spare and jack set that rest atop a period-correct factory mat. The 312 cubic inch Y-block V8 looks great and runs superbly. The list of new components is pretty extensive, including a new aluminum radiator up front to keep things cool under the harshest conditions. It spins to life quickly thanks to 12-volt electrics, which arrived in 1956, and the carburetor is properly tuned, so it settles into an even idle and pulls the car around with enthusiasm. It wears a proper dress-up kit with a few splashes of chrome, and it looks great against the bright Ford Red engine enamel. It's also nice to see power steering and power brakes, which make this T-Bird easy to drive for anyone. The undercarriage is very solid and preserved thanks to the help of a rubberized undercoating, a newer exhaust system, and easy cruising gears in the rear end, so this 'Bird is happy just about anywhere. Gorgeous steel wheels with chrome hubcaps now wear 205/75/14 wide whitewall radials in place of bias-plys, but until you're behind the wheel, nobody will ever know. If you've never owned a Thunderbird, you're in for a treat, and for those of you who already know how great they are, this one is ready to drive and enjoy without worries. Call today!