Lot 543: 1957 Ford Thunderbird Convertible

Conceived to challenge Chevrolet’s Corvette sports car, the iconic Thunderbird debuted in October 1954 and was one of the first models produced with Ford’s new overhead-valve V8 engine. The T-Bird remained fundamentally unchanged for its first few years before a more thoroughgoing re-style for 1957 saw the adoption of a longer tail section featuring prominent fins. This alteration provided greater luggage space while enabling the spare wheel to be relocated in the boot, a move that greatly improved the handling. In ’57 configuration, the Thunderbird’s V8 engine displaced 292cu in (4.8 litres) and produced 212bhp, while the optional Special V8 displaced 312cu in (5.1 litres) and delivered 245bhp. Introduced in two-seat ‘personal car’ form, the Thunderbird was intended to appeal to image-conscious younger customers, and beat the Corvette hands down in the sales war thanks to its superior V8 engine and greater refinement. Despite its success, the original concept soon was abandoned and a larger - and slower - four-seat version introduced for 1958, a move that turned the early two-seater cars into collectors’ items almost overnight. Today the original 1955-’57 Thunderbirds – particularly the restyled ’57 version - are among the most desirable and sought after of all post-war American automobiles. This attention grabbing ’57 Thunderbird has the Special V8 engine and automatic transmission. The vehicle was imported into the UK from the USA in the late 1980s and is believed to have had only one UK owner before it was acquired by the vendor in December 2004. Only a few hundred miles have been covered during the succeeding 18 months, during which time the car has been maintained by RJG Classics, of Harlington. Work undertaken has included a brake overhaul and upholstery re-trim (invoices available). Offered complete with hood and ‘porthole’ hardtop – a much sought after item - this classic example of 1950s Americana comes with old USA title deed, current road fund licence, MoT to January 2007 and Swansea V5 document.