1957 Ford Thunderbird Two Top E-code Black Frame-off Nut & Bolt 3-speed Od Rare on 2040-cars

1957 Ford Thunderbird Convertible Hardtop

“E – code”

1 of 977 Built
312 cu in 270 hp
2 - 4-Barrel Holley Carburetors 

Raven Black 

Black/White Interior

24470 miles

SHOW QUALITY
Complete Frame-Off  “Nut & Bolt” Restoration
Over $80K Spent
Engine Rebuilt by Ronnie Groff - San Antonio 2011

Rare Original T-85 3-Speed w/Overdrive Trans
(less than 4% were stick shift in 1957)

Chrome Wire Wheels

Swift-Sure Power Brakes 

Telescopic Steering Wheel
Full Instrumentation
Factory Tachometer

Electric Clock

Lifeguard Padded Sun Visors

Port-Hole “Delete” Hardtop

Rear Fender Skirts

Wide Whitewall Tires 

Highly Detailed Engine Compartment

Powder Coated Frame & Undercarriage Parts

Firestone  Champion Wide Whitewall Tires 

(7.5 x 14” correct and like brand new)

Decode:

E7FH244645

E - E-Code 312 V8
7 - 1957

F - Dearborn
H - Thunderbird

244645 - Consecutive Unit Number

40  AA  XA  13C360110P

40  - Thunderbird 

AA -  Raven Black

XA - Black/White  Black Canvas Top

13C - 13 March 1957

36   -  Louisville

Link to All Photobucket Pictures:

http://s669.photobucket.com/user/fmattingly/library/Ford%20T-Bird%201957%20Black

(Relisting due to a flake bidder from Australia named Citylights777.  Bought the car, then claimed he could not buy because his Daddy wouldn’t let him.  Really? Do not let this bidder waste your time and money!!)

When the Thunderbird was introduced it created a new market segment to become known as the “personal luxury car.” The sporty two-seat convertible took the marketplace by storm by combining the flair of a sports car with the comfort and elegance of a boulevard cruiser.  The car was introduced at the Detroit Auto Show in January of 1954 to compete with Chevrolet’s Corvette and has been a collector car from it’s inception.  Many auto enthusiasts consider the 1955-1957 Thunderbirds to be some of the best looking cars ever produced. The Thunderbird achieved instant success outselling the Corvette 23-1 in it’s first year.

In 1957 design and performance improvements were made on the already very successful model that created the iconic 1957 T-Bird. The ’57 T-Bird enjoyed a newly restyled grille, stretched rear sheet metal introducing the wings of the new Bird, a fresh bumper design, larger taillights and improved seating.  Performance improvements included larger openings for improved cooling, revised springs rate, larger brakes, stiffer cross-members, a 12-volt battery system and new 14” wheels.  These improvements made the car more desirable than the competition and created a more stable and capable driving experience.

One big improvement for the 1957 model was the introduction of a new engine selection.  A “E” model with dual four-barrel carburetors boasting 270 horsepower. This matching numbers 1957 Ford Thunderbird, finished in Raven Black, came from the factory equipped with the rare and coveted “E”-code options.  It has the 312 cubic inch overhead valve V8 Engine with Dual Holley Four-Barrel Carburetors producing 270 horsepower.  There is a three-speed manual gearbox with optional overdrive (available on only 4% of the T-Birds produced) and four-wheel drum brakes.  These rare birds created more horsepower than contemporary Chevrolet’s fuel injected 283. Only 977 were produced to qualify to run in NASCAR Speed Weeks events at Daytona Beach where it won its class by beating a Corvette.  

This E-Code is in beautiful condition and offers no excuses.  Truly an exceptional investment grade vehicle with great upside potential.  According to recent sales, August 2014 Hagerty price guide values these rare “E”-codes at $86,400 for a number two car with number 1 cars estimated at $133,000.  

This T-Bird represents the highest quality standards in restoration; a two year no expense sparred restoration in 2010 with around 250 miles since restoration.  This T-Bird is of the same quality of an Amos Minter type of restoration. The body is near perfection and appears to be all original sheet metal, never hit body.  The panels are laser straight with near perfect shut lines (see close-up pictures).  The paint is smooth and mirror like in finish.  All Chrome and trim has been renewed to show quality.  

The Interior is completely new, with seats have been completely rebuilt, all new dash and door panels, carpet, etc.  The seats have a wonderful firm feel to them.  The texture of the materials is the highest quality available.  We don’t know where the materials were purchased but are not the cheap china made junk, this is HIGHEST QUALITY materials throughout the interior.  

This rare, numbers matching E-bird has had a fresh engine rebuild in 2011 by the renowned engine builder Ronnie Groff in San Antonio, Texas. 

The engine and undercarriage are completely detailed to a very high standard.  The frame was powder coated as well many of the suspension parts.  Everything under the hood and undercarriage is new and in show condition.  

Driving this little gem is pure pleasure.  The rare 3-Speed Overdrive Manual Transmission is smooth as silk and adds to the fun factor of driving this powerful 270 horse E-Code Engine. It tracks straight down the road and brakes with authority thanks to the “Swift Sure” Power Brakes.  The engine runs flawlessly and has a very strong pull.  The car is equipped with a brand new set of Firestone Champion Wide Whitewall Tires in the correct style from the factory.  

The Yellow/Black License Plates are correct style plates for 1957 CA cars and are for display purposes only and do not come with the car.  

This Raven Black Beauty is the perfect compliment to any high-dollar collection.  This would be a wonderful car to show or drive cross-country.  This E-Code 3-Speed Overdrive car is rare in the Thunderbird world.  If you are local to Southern California you should take the time to come take a look.  This is simply as good as it gets.  

The car is available at Blue Chip Motorcars in San Juan Capistrano.  Questions can be directed to Frank at 949-310-6262.  

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