The Ford Thunderbird, dubbed a “personal car” rather than a sports car upon its introduction in 1954, was a sophisticated reply to Chevrolet’s Corvette. The “T-Bird,” as it was nicknamed, was low slung and of all metal construction, and it boasted a V-8 engine over Chevrolet’s anemic Blue Flame straight-six in the Corvette. Success was instantaneous, and a total of 16,155 examples were sold in its first year, as opposed to 700 Corvettes.

As sales of the Thunderbird increased, the 1957 model year brought about a redesign, resulting in what most enthusiasts consider to be the most beautiful two-seater version of the car. The new car was 6.1 inches longer, which allowed for the accommodation of a spare wheel at the trunk; the front bumper was smoothed out and dropped in the center; and the canted fins flowed back to big round taillights at the rear. Fourteen-inch wheels helped to lower the car, giving it a slightly better stance. Regardless of sales topping 21,380 for the year, the last two-seater Thunderbird was built in 1957, until 2003.

Regarded by many as the most desirable option available in the Thunderbird, the “E-Code” option features the 312-cubic inch V-8, which is topped with a pair of Holley four-barrel carburetors, and it was graced with a larger bore, longer stroke, higher compression ratio, and an automatic choke. This engine offered more horsepower than any other small block V-8, beating Chevrolet’s fuel-injected 283 by only two horsepower. As one of four engine options available for 1957, very few were equipped as such, making the aptly nicknamed “E-Bird” rare and the car of choice for those who were looking for the comfort that the Thunderbird provided, but with some extra punch.

This 1957 Thunderbird was delivered to the state of California and is equipped with the E-Code option and a three-speed manual transmission with overdrive, an option that appeared on just four percent of 1957 Thunderbirds. This car is in fantastic condition following a frame-off restoration that was performed less than 10 years ago. This restoration included a full repaint and complete mechanical overhaul, and the car has been meticulously maintained since. As a result, this car has won numerous awards and Best of Show titles, including awards at the AACA Grand National Meet in 2004, 2006, 2008, and 2010, as well as a CTCI Gold Medallion. During the restoration, the owner opted to have the brake lines, fuel lines, and exhaust system converted to stainless steel to prevent future corrosion. It should also be noted that this Thunderbird has the optional Kelsey-Hayes wheels and its original wheels, as well as the original purchase invoice from its first owner.

The 1957 E-Bird represents for many what is the pinnacle of Thunderbird design: pairing gorgeous looks with a potent V-8 engine and both hard and soft tops. This E-Bird is beautifully finished in one of the most eye-catching, period-correct color combinations, and the sheer number of awards it has received speaks to the caliber of its condition and restoration. This car represents a high water mark in terms of American automotive design, and when considering its E-Code designation and status as one of the finest and most award-winning 1957 Thunderbirds in existence, this is a car that should be hard to resist.