300 bhp, 312 cu. in. supercharged OHV V-8 engine, three-speed manual transmission with overdrive, coil spring independent front suspension, live rear axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs, and four-wheel power hydraulic drum brakes. Wheelbase: 118"

- Offered from the Estate of Don Kizziar

- Rare F-Code, supercharged V-8 hardtop coupe

- Most powerful 1957 Ford

- Highly original condition

For 1957, Ford offered four different engines in six stages of tune. At the entry level was a 223-cubic inch Mileage Maker overhead-valve six. There were three sizes of V-8s, displacing 272, 292 and 312 cubic inches. Ford described the 272 as “basic,” but the others were “Thunderbird” V-8s, whether installed in a Thunderbird or a Ford passenger car. The 312 was “Thunderbird Special” and came in three guises, a single-carb 245 bhp version, dual-quad 270 bhp or supercharged 300 bhp unit with a Paxton centrifugal blower. Most superchargers were found in Thunderbirds, but Ford advertised it as “available in any series.” True to their word is this supercharged Fairlane Victoria hardtop coupe, which has the highest specification V-8 available that year.

One of 27 Victoria hardtop coupes built in 1957 with the F-Code supercharged engine, this car is possibly the first one so equipped. It is nearly original, having had just a minor engine rebuild in December 1976; the original parts were retained and remain with the car. Otherwise, a re-covered front seat is the most significant facet of restoration.

It was purchased in 1976 from the original owner, who took delivery from Texas Motors in Fort Worth. It is accompanied by the original factory invoice and Texas title from the original owner, original Ford specifications and a shop manual for the Paxton supercharger. Also included is an original owner’s manual and sales brochure and even most registrations for each year from 1957 to 1976. An audio cassette contains an interview with the first owner, verifying the car’s history.

The condition of the car is commensurate with its age, originality and state of preservation. The white paint is generally good and presentable. The die-cast trim shows some pitting, and there are a few dings on the stainless items, but the anodized inserts in the side moldings are clean and attractive. The interior is presentable, the dashboard is clean, and the car is fitted with a push-button AM radio and a heater. The odometer shows slightly more than 86,000 miles. The engine compartment has been cleaned but is otherwise un-detailed and highly original.

Extremely rare, this is perhaps the most sought-after 1957 Ford – a high horsepower, supercharged example from one of the marque’s most desirable production years. A new owner will have the choice of preserving it or performing a restoration to the desired standards.