$91,300 USD | Sold

This striking Raven Black Thunderbird with a red interior was produced at the Dearborn plant in February 1957 and delivered to California, as documented on the original gate release. This is one of only 1,499 E-code 1957 Thunderbirds with dual Holley 4-barrel carburetors, 312/270hp V8 engine, aluminum intake manifold and an HP camshaft. The car features a 3-speed floor-shifted manual transmission (believed to be one of 522) with overdrive (ratio 0.70:1), power steering, power brakes and power windows, as well as a signal-seeking AM radio, an engine dress-up kit, electric wipers and heater plus defroster.

Noted Thunderbird restorer Amos Minter purchased the car in 2012 with a single 4-barrel but recognized the car as an original E-code car. Minter sourced an original E-code intake and original dual Holley 4-barrel carburetor. Minter's Thunderbirds completed the restoration by adding a new black Haartz soft-top complete with all new hardware, replaced the interior and dye-matched the dash before color-sanding and buffing the Raven Black paint to a concours shine.

Minster's craftsmen also subtly repositioned the driver's seat for more leg room, added a smaller-diameter steering wheel with factory appearance, upgraded the dual exhaust to stainless steel, and replaced the factory ignition with a more reliable electronic point-less ignition, while maintaining the factory appearance. The car also features a matching black removable hardtop with porthole windows, Kelsey-Hayes wire wheels and 7.50x14-inch whitewall tires. Sold in 2013 by Minter to a buyer in Boston area, the car was subsequently acquired by the seller in 2014 and has been mechanically sorted to provide a pleasurable driving experience.

With a show-quality restoration featuring a combination of not-often-seen options and a most desirable color combination, this car would be a jewel in anyone's collection.

https://www.barrett-jackson.com/houston-2021/docket/vehicle/1957-ford-thunderbird-convertible-249685