West Coast Classics are proud to present an absolutely no expense spared frame off restored and very rare & collectible 1957 F-Code Thunderbird. 1 of only some 212 ever built in '57 only with the addition of the McCulloch/Paxton supercharger which allowed the blown Bird to enter NASCAR competition & which gave Ford over 300HP and enough power to blow away the F.I. Corvette. An expensive option when new adding over $439 when combined with the Ford-O-Matic trans such as this example. Frame off nut and bolt restoration with no miles, appraised last year at $325K, original 'Colonial White' factory color with original 'Raven Black/White' interior trim and chrome wire wheels. Few finer anywhere!
Factory ordered with the hard top and soft top and loaded with factory specifications and desirable options including:
Ford-o-matic automatic transmission ($150),
Soft Top (Black) (52.50)
312 4V Supercharged Engine (340)
750x14 WW Tires (23.50)
Signal Seeking Radio ($79.60)
Magic air heater and defroster ($58.50)
Full wheel covers ($13)
Engine dress kit
Rear fender skirts
Dual horns
Dual exhausts,
Removable Fiberglass Hardtop
Safety belts
The F-Code engine could be ordered with either a manual or a Ford-O-Matic transmission. 14 Fairlane Skyliners are believed to have been produced in 1957 with the F-Code engine. Ford's supercharger program was a stopgap measure to respond to Chevrolet's refined small-block V-8 on the nation's racetracks, which in 1957 had grown to 283-cid and 283-hp with fuel injection. Ford had dominated the V-8 market since 1932, so when Chevrolet started to win races in 1955 and 1956 with their new V8, initially a 265, Ford instituted a game plan to regain superiority. To be considered for the track they had to be homologated with 50 built for production, and it is reported that Ford responded by building 211 supercharged units that would end up in Thunderbirds, two-door sedans and in a few rare cases, the Skyliner.
This particular example was originally purchased in 1957 at 'Bender Ford' of Syracuse, New York and was recently acquired by us from a renown and prominent New Jersey collector who had commissioned the car to a multi-year, no expense spared comprehensive restoration, at a prominent PA restoration shop known for restoring on average 1 to 20 Corvettes per year for NCRS judging. When true authenticity is the goal, few can match this shop's ability to provide a more correct finish in lacquer of single stage paints and their paint work has attained 'Zero point deductions' at NCRS chapter, regional and national events and their replication of the way the factory intended for all marques they restore is known to be one of the best in the industry, hands down. Come see the difference in person
This car is one of the few, one of only 211 factory F-Code Thunderbirds built at Dearborn in 1957. Its original 'Colonial White' (Color code E) repaint is without equal and it's original 'Raven Black & White' (Trim code XA) vinyl interior is flawless. The car is equipped with a bench seat, automatic interior courtesy lighting, rayon loop carpeting, half-circle steering wheel horn ring, winged 'Thunderbird' front end emblem, stainless steel window surround moldings, dual horns, dual exhaust, Black canvas soft top, and a removable fiberglass hardtop!
The car has a thick file of records documenting the comprehensive frame off restoration from when the body and all parts were removed from the chassis in preparation for hydro blasting through to completion. It is a fully comprehensive nuts and bolts restoration. The car's original hub caps are available and will be included with the car. The car will also be sold with it's original window sticker, not a copy.
This car obviously drives absolutely magnificently as one would expect from a just finished frame off restoration - must be driven to be truly appreciated - does not miss a beat and purrs like a kitten - drives straight as an arrow with no strange road wobbles, shakes or rattles - a truly remarkable daily driver that will give any modern day car a run for it's money!
This is a rare opportunity to own a beautifully and professionally restored original 'Colonial White' Dearborn, MI built (as is true of all Thunderbirds!) and simply stunning example of a rare factory F-Code 1957 Thunderbird, 1 of only 211 built, perfect for the T-Bird enthusiast or collector to add to their collection and a very striking turn-key ready example of quite simply the most prestigious T-Bird that one can ever hope to own for any classic American car collector!
