The 1950s was a golden era in automotive design—particularly in America. Carmakers were untethered by the limitations and regulations that would came in subsequent decades and forever changed the look of our cars. The freedoms enjoyed during that period produced spectacularly cool cars like this supercharged ’57 convertible.
The seller explains that the car comes from the collection of famous cartoonist Mel Blanc—the genius who provided the voices of Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Porky Pig, and Tweety Bird. It comes with the original Ford Thunderbird owner’s manual and the window sticker.
Initially conceived as a rival to Chevrolet’s Corvette, the Thunderbird debuted in 1955 and quickly found its niche in the swankier realm of “personal luxury” automobiles. By 1957, a stylistic refresh accompanied a pair of new engine options. There was a 5.1-liter V8 with a four-barrel carburetor, and a top-spec version of the same engine with a Paxton supercharger bolted on top to deliver 300 horsepower. These developments gave Thunderbird owners bragging rights over the Corvette’s “one horsepower per cubic inch” 283 horsepower small-block V8.
With more pronounced tail fins, shapelier grille and bumpers, a new driver-focused interior, and the performance to match, the 1957 Thunderbird became a viable contender for the hearts and minds of American drivers across the country.
This particular roadster sports that top-spec blown V8, along with the “coral sand” paint hue that typified the era. It’s complimented by a white interior to match the removable hardtop. Only 205 Thunderbirds were made in 1957 with the optional Supercharged “F-code” engine, making this a rare vehicle. This example has only 8,500 miles on the odometer since its restoration, making it a turn-key cruiser.
In 1958, Ford repositioned the Thunderbird in the luxury segment, substantially reworking the design with rear seats, leaving this 300-horsepower, two seat T-bird as a one-year-only proposition.
See Ford Thunderbird Cars for sale on eBay.
