Description
West Coast Classics are proud to present an absolutely no expense spared frame off restored and very rare & collectible 1957 F-Code Thunderbird. 1 of only some 212 ever built in total and in '57 only with the addition of the McCulloch/ Paxton supercharger which allowed the blown Bird to enter NASCAR competition & which gave Ford over 300HP and enough power to blow away the F. I. Corvette. An expensive option when new adding over $700 when combined with the Ford-O-Matic trans such as this example. Frame off nut and bolt restoration with virtually no miles, (odometer reading some 330 miles), original 'Colonial White' factory color (EE) with original 'Pleated Bronze Vinyl' interior trim (XJ) and chrome wire wheels. Few, if any, finer anywhere!
Factory ordered with the hard top and soft top and virtually fully loaded with factory specifications and desirable options including:
1 of 196 F-Birds produced according to the F-Bird Registry; with some other sources stating as many as 212 were maybe built .....
Restored by a Senior Master Concours Judge
Special ordered by Hollywood Ford of Hollywood, California
Rebuilt 312/ 300 HP supercharged 4-barrel engine ($719)
Ford-o-matic automatic transmission ($150),
Soft Top (Tan) ($52. 50)
750x14 WW Tires ($23. 5)
Town & Country AM Signal Seeking Radio ($100)
Magic air heater and defroster ($85)
Master Guide power steering ($69)
Swift Sure power brakes ($38)
Full wheel covers ($13)
Power windows ($70)
Electric clock ($15)
Windshield washers ($10)
Engine dress kit
Rear fender skirts
Accessory back-up lights
Dual horns
Dual exhausts,
Removable Fiberglass Hardtop
Safety belts
14" chrome Kelsey Hayes wire wheels
'Firestone Deluxe Champion' Wide Whitewall tries
The F-Code engine could be ordered with either a manual or a Ford-O-Matic transmission. 14 Fairlane Skyliners are believed to have been produced in 1957 with the F-Code engine. Ford's supercharger program was a stopgap measure to respond to Chevrolet's refined small-block V-8 on the nation's racetracks, which in 1957 had grown to 283-cid and 283-hp with fuel injection. Ford had dominated the V-8 market since 1932, so when Chevrolet started to win races in 1955 and 1956 with their new V8, initially a 265, Ford instituted a game plan to regain superiority. To be considered for the track they had to be homologated with 50 built for production, and it is reported that Ford responded by building 196 supercharged units that would end up in Thunderbirds, two-door sedans and in a few rare cases, the Skyliner.
This particular example was originally specially ordered in 1957 at 'Hollywood Ford' of Hollywood, CA and was recently acquired by us. The car is the recipient of a multi-year, no expense spared comprehensive restoration, by a prominent Senior Master Concours Judge. When true authenticity is the goal, few can match this car. Come see the difference in person
This car is one of the few, one of only some 196 factory F-Code Thunderbirds built at Dearborn in 1957. Its original 'Colonial White' (Color code E) repaint is without equal and it's original 'Pleated Bronze' (Trim code XJ) vinyl interior is flawless. The car is equipped with a bench seat, automatic interior courtesy lighting, rayon loop carpeting, half-circle steering wheel horn ring, winged 'Thunderbird' front end emblem, stainless steel window surround moldings, dual horns, dual exhaust, Tan canvas soft top, and a removable matching 'Colonial White' fiberglass hardtop!
This car obviously drives absolutely magnificently as one would expect from a recently finished frame off restoration - must be driven to be truly appreciated - does not miss a beat and purrs like a kitten - drives straight as an arrow with no strange road wobbles, shakes or rattles - a truly remarkable daily driver that will give any modern day car a run for it's money!
This is a rare opportunity to own a beautifully and professionally restored original 'Colonial White' Dearborn, MI built (as is true of all Thunderbirds!) and simply stunning example of a rare factory F-Code 1957 Thunderbird, 1 of only some 196 built, and virtually fully loaded as well! Perfect for the T-Bird enthusiast or collector to add to their collection and a very striking turn-key ready example of quite simply the most prestigious T-Bird that one can ever hope to own for any classic American car collector!
