The two-seater Thunderbird went out in 1957 with its head held high, thanks to refreshed styling and a host of new engine options. Most desirable of the new mills was the magical “F-Code” V-8.

An F-Bird, as they are lovingly known by enthusiasts, came with a Thunderbird Special 312-cubic inch V-8, to which was added a McCulloch/Paxton supercharger, a hot cam, a Holley four-barrel carburetor, and unique cylinder heads, to keep the compression ratio at a reasonably sane 8.5:1. Either a manual or automatic transmission was available. All of this was a $340 factory option package on top of the ’57 Thunderbird’s $2,944 base price, but to the lead-footed T-Bird owner, it was worth its weight in gold. The 300 horsepower of the F-Code engine turned the Thunderbird from a reasonably quick cruiser into a dedicated quarter-mile contender, which was just the thing for trouncing those cocky Corvette owners.

While 21,380 Thunderbirds were produced in 1957, only 205 of those were delivered with the F-Code engine package. The following year, the Thunderbird became a four-passenger “personal luxury car,” and the supercharged engine faded into memory after only one season. Today, the token number of F-Birds built is deeply desired by Thunderbird collectors who want only the very best.

The Don Davis Collection’s handsome F-Bird is absolutely among the finest surviving examples. Verified genuine by the “F” prefix of its serial number, it is not the cheerful yellow or pink Thunderbird from the drive-in, but a menacing ride, with its only noteworthy accessories being a removable hardtop, with no soft top underneath, and the supercharged engine mated to the rare and desirable three-speed transmission with overdrive.

Finished in glossy Raven Black over a red interior, and riding on black steel wheels, it brings to mind a black widow spider, ready to pounce…and pounce it will, as soon as the driver floors the accelerator.

Documentation that accompanies the car, including its original Ford factory invoice, verifies that it was a California car for its first few decades—originally domiciled in the southern half of the state, then brought north to the San Francisco area. It was formerly owned by F-Bird expert Jim Weatherly, later passing to the late Robert “Bo” Cheadle, and then, via Gil Baumgartner, on to Amos Minter, all very recognizable names to those who know these cars, as they are dedicated enthusiasts who know F-Code Thunderbirds inside and out. A well-restored example when Minter acquired it, his noted Dallas, Texas, shop went over the car from top to bottom to make it absolutely perfect, and it presents to their extraordinarily high standards and level of finish. The restoration is done to extremely high “point judging” levels, with all correct fixtures, fittings, stampings, and markings present under the hood. The car could easily be returned to concours quality with minor panel fit adjustments and a thorough detailing.

Befitting the outstanding quality present throughout Mr. Davis’ collection, this outstanding F-Bird, previously owned, treasured, restored, and maintained by those who know them best, is ready to impress judges or terrify whoever is alongside at a stoplight, whichever the new owner prefers.