Ford debuted the Thunderbird at the Detroit Auto Show on 20 February 1954. Full-scale production started shortly thereafter, with the model officially going on sale later that year in October as a 1955 model year offering. Ford planned to sell 10,000 examples of the Thunderbird in their first year. Expectations were far exceeded with 16,155 actually sold, beating the Corvette handily. Ford’s new sleek two-seater Thunderbird was advertised as “A personal car of distinction.”

The 1957 Thunderbird is considered by many to be the most desirable year for the model, as it introduced slight changes to the 1956 styling that resonated very well with the public. The rear of the body was lengthened by six inches, allowing for more luggage space and room for a spare tire, and additional engine options were also offered. It also marked the final year of first-generation Thunderbird production.

This nicely restored 1957 Ford Thunderbird is finished in Colonial White over red. It rides on Kelsey-Hayes-style chrome wire wheels wrapped in whitewall tires, with the rears partially concealed by color-matched fender skirts. The Thunderbird is powered by a 312-cubic-inch V-8 engine backed by a Ford-O-Matic automatic transmission. It features the engine dress up kit which included special valve covers and air cleaner.

The Thunderbird is equipped with air conditioning as well as power windows, steering, and brakes. The red interior features an engine turned dash with clock, Town and Country radio, and a Dial-O-Matic power seat. The trunk features a patterned trunk mat and houses a jack and covered spare.