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1957 thunderbird car1/28/2024 ![]() ![]() Ford boosted the power with a 312 cubic inch engine option with twin 4-barrel carburetors combined with either an automatic transmission or 3-speed manual with overdrive on just 1500 “E” spec cars, such as this Starmist Blue example. ![]() These made up the vast majority of the 21,380 cars sold in 1957. Supplied on the base model T-Bird was a 290 cubic inch V8 mated to a 3-speed manual transmission, noted with a “D” designation on the car’s VIN. Superior engine power came with 3 different V8 options offered to buyers on the Ford. While adding weight, the hard roof made road trips quieter and dryer while bodywork made completely of steel gave the car a more solid feel when compared to the ‘Vette. The 1957 was the only year with the now iconic "port” style side windows. ![]() Like the Corvette, the 1st generation Thunderbirds came with a retractable soft roof and was available with an optional a convertible hardtop. The car grew 6” longer too, as the trunk was extended to accommodate a spare tire that previously had been attached externally to the rear bumper. Larger tail fins rounded “jet engine” styled taillights, and a bigger front grill were part of the model year restyling in 1957. Ford took a great risk in the development of a 2-seater car as market trends leaned towards larger and heavier cars for the open road, but by utilizing a V8 engine and user-friendly options, the Thunderbird reached a much larger audience due to its superior long-distance abilities and driver amenities. Entering the market in 1955, by the third year of production, the T-Bird was outselling its Chevrolet rival 10 to 1 with several V-8 engine options and styling matching the larger Ford models. One of the longest sports cars built in the 1950s.ĭespite Ford’s long history of offering practical transportation, the Ford Thunderbird of the mid-1950s answered the demand for a V8-powered 2-seater roadster that could take on the Chevrolet Corvette and European sports car imports that were popular with returning war veterans. ![]()
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