BEAUTIFUL DUSK ROSE BABY BIRD, PORTHOLE HARD TOP, 312 V8, AUTO, PWR STEER/BRAKES

Except for perhaps the 1959 Cadillac, there's no better representative of the flashy '50s than the 1957 Ford Thunderbird. Since pastel colors look best on cars with fins, this one looks period perfect with a coat of Dusk Rose paint and the result is nothing short of jaw-dropping. The ultimate '50s icon? I'll let you decide.The door tag says this is one of those rare original code X Dusk Rose cars, so when it was freshened a few years ago, there was no hesitation in returning it to its original color. Finding one of these that were originally that color can be a challenge, but it pays off with a car that will stand out in a big way among all the black, red, and white T-Birds at all the shows. The bodywork is certainly worthy of the high-visibility hue, with decent gaps and tight fits throughout, and zero evidence that this was anything but a clean, southern Thunderbird. It's now showing some use and age, but that's not a sin because Thunderbirds remain cars that are best experienced out on the open road. There's plenty of chrome on this T-Bird, too, with lovely faux-turquoise inlays on the emblems, and taillights that really pop against the pink paint. Sure, there's a little bit of wear and tear, but even so, this 'Bird is more than just pretty, it's STUNNING going down the road.The car also received elegant black and white upholstery, which provides a great compliment to the exterior finish. The seat has a correct two-tone cover with horizontal pleats, the carpets look recent, and the door panels are in good shape and continue the black and white theme. Long-time readers will know we love the gorgeous details you find inside 2-seat Thunderbirds, things like the engine-turned panels on the doors and gauge cluster, the beautiful steering wheel with horn ring, and a simplicity of design that isn't trying too hard. It doesn't seem to have any modifications from stock, including the factory gauges that are in good original condition and an AM radio in the dash. When you bought your new Thunderbird in 1957, you could have either a hardtop or soft top at no charge, but getting both was extra, so after splurging on the pink paint, the original buyer called it quits and settled for just the hardtop, which we think is a smart choice. Check the trunk and you'll find a correct mat and a spare tire assembly with jack.The 312 cubic inch Y-block V8 looks great and runs superbly. The list of new components is pretty extensive, including a new aluminum radiator up front to keep things cool under the harshest conditions. It spins to life quickly thanks to 12-volt electrics, which arrived in 1956, and the Holley 4-barrel carburetor is properly tuned, so it settles into an even idle and pulls the car around with enthusiasm. It wears a proper dress-up kit, which was usually dealer-installed, and it looks great against the bright Ford Red engine enamel. It's also nice to see power steering and power brakes, which make this T-Bird easy to drive for anyone. The undercarriage is very tidy, with satin black paint, a new exhaust system, and easy cruising 3.00 gears in the rear end, so this 'Bird is happy just about anywhere. Gorgeous chrome wire wheels now wear 205/75/14 wide whitewall radials, but until you're behind the wheel, nobody will ever know.Beautiful and rare, this is a very pretty Thunderbird that neatly straddles great to drive and great to show. Call today!