There is no automotive craft more American than customization, and fewer automobiles are more American than a 1957 Thunderbird.

The Thunderbird offered here was built by the well-respected private shop of Wayne Davis, the prominent collector who sought to build the ultimate customized ’57 T-Bird using only the best of modern and fully unique components. It utilizes a custom chassis with power disc brakes at all four corners, powered by a “Thunderbirdized” Corvette LS2 V-8 that produces around 500 horsepower and is mated to a six-speed manual transmission.

An original 1957 Thunderbird body was used with slight, subtle modifications to its lines, including fenders lightly flared to contain the 19-inch front and 20-inch rear tires mounted on one-off wheels. The body was finished in a custom metallic Mocha Brown with a red leather interior fitted by the legendary Paul Atkins. Mr. Davis proudly notes that, while the interior takes its inspiration from the original Thunderbird, virtually no detail is the same as an original; the bench seat is curved to provide more support, like modern bucket seats, and virtually every detail has been modified and modernized.

Full power equipment is found throughout, as well as air conditioning and a high-end modern stereo system, ensuring the best of comfort and convenience while out cruising.

Mr. Davis displayed the car at the 22nd Goodguys Lone Star Nationals in 2014, winning the Kenny Davis Builder’s Choice Award. He then proceeded to prove its mettle as not just a pretty face but a competent street and road car, taking it with him to Monterey for the Pebble Beach Concours week. Used as his transportation that week around Monterey, it found time to visit the Carmel Concours on the Avenue, where it was awarded 2nd in Class. More recently, it has completed a 3,000-mile trip with Mr. Davis at the wheel.

Now returning to Monterey to find its next appreciative owner with a hot-rodder’s heart, this is one of the ultimate custom Thunderbirds of this young century and will undoubtedly be remembered for years to come as one of the finest “builds” of a classic American icon.