As with so many great cars, the original two-seater Thunderbird reached its apex in the final year of production, 1957. A mild facelift up front and stylish rear fins with sharp, creased edges added greatly to the car’s appearance, as did a new instrument panel with safety-oriented “Lifeguard Design,” including a padded dashboard and a dished steering wheel. Six engine options were offered, along with a host of power refinements and wide whitewall tires. An added leaf to the rear springs, 14-inch wheels, and larger front brakes were among numerous engineering changes.

Buyers responded by continuing to make the Thunderbird fly out of showrooms, with some 21,000 examples sold in 1957, and reportedly, continued requests for many more could not be answered by the factory. Today, the 1957 Thunderbird is seen as the most desirable of the first generation of T-Birds, and it has been considered a collectible for nearly its entire life—a feat few automobiles can claim.

Don Davis’ 1957 Thunderbird is presented in the beautiful, seldom-seen color combination of Gunmetal Grey Iridescent over a red interior, with both a black soft top and removable porthole hardtop. Finishing off the classy package is a set of Kelsey-Hayes chrome wire wheels. Equipped for comfort, the car features the sprightly 245-horsepower “Thunderbird Special” V-8, power steering, power brakes, two-speed Ford-O-Matic transmission, AM radio, and excellent, modern Vintage Air air-conditioning, which blends seamlessly into the interior and looks absolutely “right at home,” while providing for comfortable travel even in the heat of summer. While the car could benefit from some light detailing under the hood, it was previously very well-restored and is presented in wonderful overall condition, ideal for summertime boulevard rides behind the wheel of an American legend.