In Europe, American cars are something of an oddity, especially older models such as this beautiful 1957 Ford Thunderbird. With importation tax and paperwork to fill in, it can often be a pain to bring one over oneself.
Fully registered and in excellent condition, this is one car that requires no work of that kind. It is a piece of Americana ready to tackle British roads in style. With the soft top down, this is a perfect motor to enjoy the final days of summer.Ford Thunderbird-36.jpg9.72 MB
Inside this American boat is a mint condition cabin with a vast opening to the elements. This open-top car will be perfect for anyone wishing to live the American dream of cruising down the road with the top down under the summer sun.
Beware of looks from passersby though when driving with the roof down in this Ford Thunderbird as its bright red vinyl interior is anything but subtle. In fact, just the trim surrounding the instrument cluster and running along the dashboard isn’t coated in the flashy colour.
Everything you see inside was done by the current owner apart from the new soft top that has been recently fitted by D Class Automotive Interiors; brand new carpets and boot trim are the highlights while the original vinyl seats have also received a touch of love. Ford Thunderbird-30.jpg13.49 MB
The Exterior
Long American cruiser body style
Recently resprayed in a bright red paintwork
Welded bodywork
If the interior wasn’t red enough, the exterior certainly covers all the bases. After plenty of work done to the body panels, the entire car was resprayed by Sunbeam Spares Company in a very close to original red colour, now sparkling once again.
In fact, many of the body panels have been welded along with new floors, new inner & outer sills, and new outriggers. Furthermore, since its restoration the car has been kept in a garage and protected from the elements. As such, it is in near-pristine shape looking almost better than it did when it left the factory.
With its long body, flaring fins, white wall tyres and shiny chrome trim, this model is sure to stand out on UK roads.Ford Thunderbird-33.jpg9.89 MB
The Mechanics
Rare three-speed manual; overdrive intermittent
Larger, more desirable 312ci, 5.1-litre engine
Modified radiator for better cooling
Rebuilt suspension front and rear
Braking system rebuilt
Runs as it should
Sat under the bonnet is the larger of the two engines available with the car as standard, a 312ci – 5.1-litre – engine which is linked to the extremely rare three-speed manual gearbox with overdrive. This was an option fitted to just 1% of Ford Thunderbirds. Unfortunately, the kickdown overdrive works intermittently.
Elsewhere, the car should handle and stop better than ever with fully rebuilt suspension and braking assemblies whilst still keeping the car’s original ethos using the drum brakes that came with the Thunderbird as standard.
Finally, with a new exhaust fitted, the V8 should roar just as you’d imagine from an American muscle car from the late fifties. Ford Thunderbird-17.jpg13.49 MB
Summary
So much time and effort has gone into this beautiful example of a Ford Thunderbird on UK soil. Now it's its time to shine by cruising through the country with the top down in the summer sun. As the owner says, this is “open top touring at its best.”
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