The beautiful and original 1957 Ford Thunderbird offered here was acquired in 1984 by a collector in Michigan from its original owner in California. He would own the Thunderbird for some 20 years. Early in his ownership, he acquired a rusty “F-Code” 1957 Thunderbird that had a factory-supercharged, 300-brake horsepower engine and its correct driveline still intact and in good condition. That desirable engine and driveline were promptly installed in this Thunderbird, incorporating all the correct F-Code parts and equipment.

The car was purchased from another enthusiast in Michigan by its present owner, a well-known connoisseur and collector of “Little Birds” who knows them very well. When he purchased the car, he noted that it had incorrect heads, so he promptly set about acquiring and installing a correct set that had proper numbers, which reportedly cost $5,000. This made the engine and car completely correct to original F-Code specifications.

Today, the Thunderbird still wears its original factory Dusk Rose finish, which is in truly beautiful condition for its age, and the factory yellow inspection stamps from 1957 are still visible. The bumpers have been re-chromed over the years, and the interior remains partially original. Unlike many factory “F-Birds,” it is loaded with options, including an automatic transmission, power steering, power brakes, power windows, a memory seat, a Town & Country radio, rear fender skirts, wide whitewall tires, and both of its tops, including the rare 1957 non-porthole hardtop. It is also offered with documentation, which includes all registrations in California between 1957 and its sale in the mid-1980s, showing that it had single ownership during this period, as well as the original 1957 California “pink slip” title and original build sheet.

This is a Thunderbird that is truly the best of all possible worlds. It combines well-preserved originality, including its original paint and only four owners from new, with the most desirable possible engine, all at a cost significantly lower than a factory F-Bird. For the T-Bird enthusiast who yearns to feel that supercharged power underfoot, or for the connoisseur of originality, there is no better possible combination. It is a pleasure to drive.