1957 | Ford Thunderbird Prototype

Competed very successfully in the 2022 Mille Miglia Campaign where the Thunderbird drove superbly and completed the gruelling 1000 mile Mille Miglia with ease! Prior to the Mille Miglia, the Car was given a complete overhaul by our Race Preparation Team and is in exceptional running condition.

This is an beautiful and rare late 1950's Ford Thunderbird First Generation Convertible with the iconic tail fins and lots of Chrome!

The first generation of the Ford Thunderbird is a two-seat convertible produced by Ford for the 1955 to 1957 model year, the first 2-seat Ford since 1938. It was developed in response to the 1953 Motorama display at the New York Auto Show, which showed the Chevrolet Corvette. The Corvette in turn was developed in response to the popularity of European sports cars among Americans.

Dubbed a "a personal car of distinction" by Ford, this appellation was also used by the motoring press at the time. The car built upon the heritage of the bespoke roadsters of the 1930s, yet was constructed largely of existing components, marking the first step toward the evolution of the personal luxury car as a mass market segment in the United States. While lightweight for its era and fitted with a standard V8 engine, the Thunderbird focused more on driver comfort than speed, and was not a direct rival to either the Corvette or European sports cars. It remained the only two-seat convertible Thunderbird until the eleventh-generation was unveiled in 2002.

In Flame Red, White Hardtop, with contrasting Red Seats and machine turned Aluminium Interior

This Car is a Factory D-Code Car powered by a correct matching numbers 312cu.in. 5.1 litre Y Block V8 Engine, fitted to an original and VERY rare 3 Speed Manual Transmission. Additionally the Car is still running on its orginal D-Code specification factory-fitted Holley 4 Barrel Carburettor. This churns out a hugely impressive 245bhp with 324lb.ft. of torque - which is mighty impressive for an original 1957 V8! The Car also has its original Spare Wheel and Jack.

The Car features the very rare and desirable 'knock off' style genuine chrome wire spoked wheel shods, with period type full width Whitewall Bias Belt Tyres.

This American Classic is showing only 26,000 original miles, which we believe to be correct. The Car was privately imported in 2017 from the sunny dry state of California and prior to arriving with us, had very little UK road use and has been used as a static display in a temperature controlled showroom. The car is UK Registered, with US Classic style numberplates.

Thanks to the Car spending the majority of it's life in the sunny, dry climate of California the body panels & undercarriage are perfect, rust free and in remarkable condition. The Floor Panels and Boot floor are made of original Ford Steel and have never been patched up or welded.

The Paint Quality is incredible and retains it's deep lustre, the Chrome is in great condition and the original Interior is remarkably fresh and looks perfect.

Supplied with the Car is a quick detachable Factory Steel Hardtop, with the Thunderbird Signature Porthole Rear Pillar Windows.

All in all this a very unique Car and in fantastic Show Condition inside and out, and drives like a dream!

A viewing is highly recommended. Call our Sales Team on Ph: [01621 879579](tel:01621 879579) for more information.