The 1957 model year was the third—and final—year for Ford’s original two-passenger Thunderbird design. The stylish convertible had done everything the company envisioned for it to accomplish: It brought customers into Ford showrooms. Seeing it firsthand was captivating; the Thunderbird was one of those cars that people just wanted to own and be seen in. For those who couldn’t reconcile the daily impracticalities of a two-seat convertible, it inspired them to choose another Ford model, such were the emotions it evoked. Sales for 1955 surpassed predictions.

Over the following decade, the Thunderbird would balloon into a a substantially larger vehicle with standard front and rear seats. They year 1957 was a notable one for Thunderbird production in regard to drivetrains. Ford celebrated its silver anniversary of V-8 dominance with its widest range of engines ever, from the basic 190-horsepower, 272-cubic-inch V-8 to the ultra-high-performance 300-horsepower 312-cubic-inch supercharged “Thunderbird” V-8.

The example offered here is finished in the classic shade of Raven Black over a Tuxedo vinyl interior with a matching convertible top trimmed in black cloth. Power is derived from a superbly detailed 312-cubic-inch “Y-block” V-8 engine, which provides a factory-rated 245 horsepower when topped with its single Holley four-barrel carburetor.

Additional desirable factory features on this exemplary Thunderbird include a matching “port hole” hardtop, engine dress-up kit, dual side mirrors, rear fender skirts, and a brilliant set of highly polished chrome wire wheels wrapped in wide whitewall tires. The interior is further enriched by the presence of a new-for-1957 Volumetric Town & Country radio, and pair of white Lifeguard sun visors.

Still captivating all these years later, especially when presented as beautifully as this example is, Ford’s iconic two-seater convertible will forever remain one of the most compelling models ever made by the marque.