Beautiful Baby Bird in Willow Green! 312 V8, Auto, A/C, PS/B w/ 4 Wheel Discs

Description

Somehow the collector car world never gets tired of the 2-seater Ford Thunderbird. They bring smiles to the faces of everyone who sees them, they're wonderful to drive, and are the stars of every car show they attend. So why not take this pretty 1957 Baby Bird home and find out what all the fuss is about? With a very rare color combination, both tops, and a wonderful list of options, this is the one you want to own if you plan on leaving an indelible impression everywhere you go.
Restored back to spec and to a high level, this rare code J Willow Green (an early production color, but rare nonetheless) 'Bird looks like 1957 on wheels. Perfect pastel color, plenty of chrome, just a bit of tailfin to make things interesting, and a handsome Colonial White porthole-window hardtop that provides nice contrast. The look is unmistakable, making it one of the most beloved cars of all time, and there's virtually nobody who doesn't love the Baby Bird. Some folks would consider a Thunderbird an investment, but because this one isn't a perfect trailer-queen, it can easily be suited to driving and having fun, which is what the T-Bird lifestyle is all about. But when you see it, you won't be thinking about resale value, it'll be love at first sight. It's quite straight, of course, and the workmanship is very good, with crisp details and sharp body lines. The fender skirts fit flush, the forward-tilting hood is smooth, and the quarters show zero ripples or waves. Modern paint gives the Willow Green a depth it's never had before, and someone spent a fairly sizeable pile of cash getting all that chrome restored and it has paid off in a big way.
The original-spec interior is another rare color combination, code XM Medium Green/Light Green, and the look is both unusual and very attractive. The interior was correctly done, with proper finishes and materials ranging from the pleats on the seats to the engine-turned dashboard panels. Note that this car is loaded with options including an AM/FM/Cassette stereo and an aftermarket R134a A/C system under the dash that could almost pass for period-correct. The classic engine-turned instrument panel is full of what appear to be original, unrestored gauges that are in decent condition but stand out only because everything else is so nice. There's a black convertible top that will need to be installed to stow behind the seats, and there's also a contrasting Colonial White porthole hardtop that gives the green 'Bird a fantastic two-tone look when it's on. The trunk is nicely finished with a carpeted mat and full-sized spare, which was moved back inside for 1957.
In 1957, the Thunderbird was running 312 cubic inches in the Y-block V8 and making a cool 245 horsepower with a 4-barrel carburetor. That chrome air cleaner inhales through the functional hood scoop, an early version of ram air, and matching finned valve covers are some of the most attractive pieces ever installed on an American car. The bright red engine has seen some time on the road, but isn't that how you prefer your cars, full sorted and ready to enjoy? The modern A/C compressor is a neat fit and works hard to stay out of sight, as does the big aluminum radiator up front that keeps this Y-block nice and cool, but otherwise it's quite stock looking under the hood. Power steering and power 4-wheel disc brakes are always welcome additions to the equipment roster and the transmission is a 3-speed Ford-O-Matic automatic. The wheels are beautiful Kelsey-Hayes style chrome wires (not just hubcaps) and wear a set of 215/70/14 Firehawk white-letter radials.
The Thunderbird is one of those rare cars that can be purchased, enjoyed, and later sold for about the same or even appreciated money. How many other cars can you enjoy practically for free? Call today!