1957 Ford Thunderbird E-Code Driving Experience

Now sold!

Vintique Motos is thrilled to present this 1957 Ford Thunderbird E-Code!

Unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show in February 1954, the Thunderbird was initially conceived as a European inspired two-seater to compete directly with new-for-1954 Corvette. Ford executives felt concentrating on the Thunderbirds comfort and convenience features was of greater emphasis over its sporting characteristics which unknowingly created a new market segment, the personal luxury car. Ultimately this proved to be a wise marketing decision as for 1955 Ford sold 16,155 Thunderbirds compared to Chevrolet's 700 Corvettes. Minor changes came about for the 1956 model year leading to several changes for the iconic 1957 model year including several styling updates and more powerful engine options.

Initially for 1955, the "C-Code" 292ci V8 was the sole engine available and for 1956 the optional "D-Code" 312ci V8 became available. For 1957, the aforementioned 292ci V8 or the 312ci V8 were standard engine choices in which, available as optional upgrades, were the dual quad "E-Code" or the supercharged "F-Code". The E-Code incorporated dual 4-barrel carburetors and was rated at 270hp whereas the F-Code incorporated a McCulloch supercharger and was rated at 300hp. For 1957 Ford produced 21,380 Thunderbirds in which just 1,499 were equipped with the E-Code dual quad 312ci V8 and just 196 were equipped with the F-Code supercharged 312ci V8.

This 1957 Thunderbird is a factory E-Code with the Ford-O-Matic 3-speed automatic that was treated to a comprehensive frame-off rotisserie restoration. In the same family since the mid-1980s, the work was undertaken by the gentleman we acquired it from, who is a career professional paint and body man with nearly 50 years' experience. His brother purchased it circa 1984 in which the car was originally Thunderbird Bronze and during the sympathetic restoration he made the decision to finish it in silver metallic which suits it exceptionally well.

During the restoration, it was upgraded to enhance the driving experience with power rack and pinion steering, four-wheel power disc brakes, an IDIDIT tilt steering column, AutoMeter vintage gauges with digital odometer, a Retro Sounds radio with 3-speakers, a full leather interior including the dashboard, a suede headliner for the auxiliary hardtop, and Coker sourced chromed wire wheels fit with factory sized Coker radial tires. It currently is not running the dual quad intake, instead, installed is a single 4-barrel Holly, as the original componentry did not come with the car when it was purchased circa 1984, however, the sale does include an Edelbrock aluminum intake designed for a dual quad set-up on the 312ci V8. Alternatively, the next owner can choose to hunt down and install the correct Ford produced componentry to present it with the factory correct appearance.

The entire restoration process is documented in photographs which are organized from start to finish. It starts with photos of it in the mid-1980s, then through the restoration, and finally with its show debut at the Detroit Autorama. At current restoration labor rates of $125 per hour it would cost well north of $250,000 to replicate this example not to mention the time commitment. This is a cannot miss opportunity as all of the laborious and multiple years' worth of work has been done to an exacting standard. It currently has 235 miles since the restoration was complete and it is ready to be shown and enjoyed.