As with so many great cars, the original two-seater Thunderbird reached its apex in its final year of production, 1957. A mild facelift up front and stylish rear fins with sharp, creased edges added greatly to the car’s appearance, as did a new instrument panel that had a safety-oriented “Lifeguard Design,” which included a padded dashboard and a dished steering wheel. Six engine options were offered, along with a host of power refinements and wide whitewall tires. An added leaf to the rear springs, 14-inch wheels, and larger front brakes were among numerous engineering changes.

Buyers responded by continuing to make the Thunderbird fly out of showrooms, with some 21,000 examples being sold in 1957, and reportedly, there were continued requests for many more that could not be answered by the factory. Today, the 1957 Thunderbird is seen as the most desirable of the first generation T-Birds, and it has been considered a collectible for nearly its entire life, which is a feat that few automobiles can claim.

The D-Code Thunderbird offered here is powered by the 245-horsepower version of the 312-cubic inch overhead-valve V-8, which is mated to the Ford-O-Matic transmission. Other accessories and options include power steering, power brakes, and Kelsey-Hayes chrome wire wheels that are shod with wide whitewall tires. Importantly for such a desirable driving car, the tires used are bias-plies and the interior has been fitted with air conditioning, improving the Thunderbird’s comfort for modern summer driving. The body is finished in Coral Sand and has a cream interior, which is one of the most desirable color combinations for the model. The restoration left no stone unturned, with even the underhood finishes, like hoses, clamps, and the battery, all correct to the original 1957 appearance. This is a T-Bird that needs nothing.

No collection of American automobiles is complete without a “Little Bird,” and the 1957 models are widely desired, especially in the striking and iconic colors and trim worn by this example. Here is an opportunity to acquire one of the most important vehicles produced in the Motor City.