1957 Ford Thunderbird 245 H.P. Super Clean Older Restoration / Matching Numbers

1957 Ford Thunderbird

245 HP V8 : 312 Cu. In. 4-Barrel, 9.7 C.R

3-Speed Ford-O-Matic Transmission

Hardtop

Power Steering ~ Power Windows, Tinted ~ Seat-O-Matic

VIN# D7FH321392

Stunning looking older restoration that has retained a high degree of originality. One owner for over forty years, and driven very little over that time.

Much work recently done to make this car drive as nice as it looks: There's a new voltage regulator installed, so the electrical and charging system is working perfectly. There's also a brand new fuel tank, NOS Ford fuel gauge sender unit, fuel lines, fresh filter, and a rebuilt 4-barrel carburetor that has been carefully tuned -- basically an entirely new fuel system, in which we've used only 'real' gasoline since the work was done (no ethanol). It works: This car starts and runs like a dream. It idles quietly and accelerates with real verve. The transmission shifts well, and the kick-down feature has been properly adjusted. The car goes down the road like the 'boulevard cruiser' it was designed to be: Soft, quiet and smooth.

The overall condition and history reflected in the stack of receipts seems to support the odometer reading of just under 66,500 miles as being accurate.

This was a solid, straight, car in highly original condition before any restoration work was done: A perfect project car when it was restored decades ago. Old photos of the body stripped to bare metal can be seen on the Flickr link (below), where you can see nice clean steel and the the undamaged front cross member on the frame in those pics. It was re-painted in the original Ford color (Starmist Blue) with an acrylic lacquer similar to the factory paint. This lacquer has a finish quality that is much more authentic looking than the modern two-stage clear coats can ever be, and collectors are starting to take note of this. While the paint has small marks, nicks and minor imperfections, you wouldn't be ashamed to park it at any car show anywhere.

The engine bay still has its original paint (complete with assorted assembly line inspection marks), and the paint match to the exterior body is excellent. Every component under the hood looks to us like it is stock and in correct order, including the original aluminum valve covers, correct chromed air cleaner fed by the hood scoop, windshield washer bag, etc. There has been excellent attention to detail under the hood.

The interior appears to be almost entirely original, including the door cards, chromed hardware, switches, instruments, etc. The steering wheel shows normal wear, and the seat cushion foam is old, leaving some 'crumbs' of foam on the floor under the seat. There is a newer carpet set, which shows some slight wear and staining, but the rugs are still very presentable. The padded dash, gauge set, and 'engine turned' aluminum instrument panel are excellent: The entire effect is bright, beautiful, and entirely up to the standards of the exterior.

Underneath, everything looks impressively clean and totally solid, and the frame is straight. There is a minor drip from the transmission pan where the filler tube connects, and this is the only leak we can find. The chassis and insides of the body look fantastic:By any sane definition, this is a rust free car. Please see all the detail pics on the Flickr link.

The chromed and stainless steel brightwork is mostly excellent. The chrome fender 'louvers', the hood scoop grille and some of the badging look new, while most of the trim appears to be original pieces with some areas of light oxidation. The steering wheel horn ring has typical light pitting that comes with age. While there are some small spots of pitting or peeling on portions of the bumpers, they are straight, with no dents, and generally are really nice. The overwhelming impression is of gleaming bright chrome everywhere you look. Pictures tell the story best here: We have MANY close-ups on the photo link. The wire spoke wheels are excellent and straight (set of five, including one brand new spare wheel and some extra "spinner" centers still in bags).

The panoramic windshield is free from pitting and scratches. It could be considered perfect other than a one inch area that has some bubbles in the inner laminate, down low and back on the driver's side (close-up picture on the Flickr link). The door glass is good, as is the glass window in the hardtop.

The hardtop is excellent. It fits securely, and the clips and hardware are complete and in good shape. It has a scratch in the paint on top (approx 6") and it has a very nice, clean headliner inside. (See detail photos on Flickr). There is no soft top and no folding assembly currently fitted or included in the sale, but no reason they cannot be installed by the next owner.

Tires are tubeless Denmans, which have a very authentic 50s style. These tires are still fine for cruising, but they have some cracks from age, and the next owner will want to think about replacing them for any high speed or long distance drives.

The clock and original radio do not work. There is a 'modern' AM/FM radio in the glove box that does work. The "Seat-O-Matic" is installed and looks complete, but it is not hooked up.

The rare Seat-O-Matic option is a very interesting gadget: This was a clever means of encoding memory settings for the power seat adjustments. Though quite a common feature today, in the 1950s it was a futuristic luxury. This mechanical system, situated behind the seats, was borrowed from Mercury. It was offered on the original 2-seat T-birds only towards the end of the final 1957 model year production run. It is seldom seen today, and is considered a very desirable item.

Overall, this is a really beautiful car, very nicely optioned, and with "matching numbers". It is even better looking in person than in pictures. It goes down the road almost like a new 1957 model. It could be brought up to competitive show standards with some attention to detail, or it can be enjoyed right now just exactly as it is. The next owner will not be disappointed.

Included in the purchase price will be a large amount of extra parts collected by the owner. These new and used components can be seen in the final picture, and include a new spare spoke wheel (never on the road), two new "spinner" wheel centers (still in their bags), lenses, emblems, various assemblies, misc. mechanical parts, manuals and books - Some treasures for sure!

OVER 200 MORE PHOTOS:

Please copy and paste this Flickr photo link into your browser:

https://flic.kr/s/aHskXhvkqh

Please note: The car's owner is an old family friend, now in an assisted living facility. His beloved T-Bird is being sold by his estate (under approved power of attorney) to help finance his continuing care in his final years. The family has asked us to handle the sale. The vehicle will be sold with clear Iowa title in the owner's name, with notarized signature by the family member granted power of attorney for the estate. Deposit to be made through PayPal, and final payment will be made directly to the estate of the titled owner, in his name. We sold another of his cars from his estate last year under the same circumstances: Straightforward, honest and legally correct.

VIN and Data Plate Decoding, D7FH321392:

D = 245 HP 312 V8 ; 4-barrel ; 9.7 C.R. ; Ford-O-Matic

7 = 1957 model year

F = Dearborn, Michigan final assembly

H = Thunderbird

Numbers = Chassis# ("consecutive number")

Trim Codes: F (Starmist Blue paint); XL (Med. Blue / Lt Blue)

Build Date: 26 F (June 26, 1957)

Transmission Code 3 = Ford-O-Matic ; Rear Axle Code 1 = 3.10:1

And Now... if You're Serious About Bidding, Please Read....

The Fine Print:

GOOD LUCK! Please bid to the value this vehicle may hold for you. Please feel free to ask questions or add comments. Please ask questions BEFORE you bid. We will respond quickly and honestly. This vehicle is parked in Plymouth, Minnesota 55441, about ten minutes west of downtown Minneapolis. Inspections are invited and encouraged!
CONDITIONS: Winning this auction constitutes a legal and binding agreement between the Buyer, the Seller (MM1000auto), and the Owner. Please bid sincerely and sensibly. Zero-feedback bidders must contact us first before bidding to establish some level of seriousness-of-intent: It's nothing personal, just business: We, and many others, have been stung on eBay Motors by too many dead-beat auction winners.
Vehicle is sold "As-Is and Where-Is". No warranty is expressed, implied or offered. Seller cannot and will not take any responsibility for this car after it leaves the premises.
PAYMENT: Buyer must make a $1000 DEPOSIT by PayPal within 24 hours of the Auction Close. The Deposit will secure the Deal for all Parties involved. Failure to make Deposit within 24 hours will risk Cancellation of the Sale at Discretion of the Seller and the Owner. BALANCE MUST BE PAID within 7 BUSINESS DAYS of sale by SECURE PAYMENT. Accepting US FUNDS via WIRE TRANSFER, CERTIFIED BANK CHECK, or CASH at PICK-UP. Deposit is NON-REFUNDABLE except under circumstances deemed fair and appropriate by the Seller and the Owner.
Deposit will be payable to this eBay Seller, via PayPal, and the final balance will be made directly to the titled Owner of the Vehicle (wire transfer preferred, but certified bank check or cash at pick up is also acceptable), after which CLEAR TITLE in the Owner's name will be sent to the Buyer.
TRANSPORT: Buyer is responsible for all transportation arrangements and costs. This vehicle is parked in Plymouth, Minnesota 55441 about ten minutes west of downtown Minneapolis. We do not offer quotes on shipping. Fast, competitive shipping quotes are a few keystrokes away on eBay and on Google. If you like, we will be happy to recommend some preferred carriers with whom we have had direct experience. ALL EXPORT SALE DETAILS MUST BE ARRANGED BY THE BUYER, though we can recommend an excellent overseas vehicle shipping specialist if you like.
We are happy to work with any vehicle transport company you send, and we are happy to cooperate with overseas expediters in terms of delivering documents, etc.
STORAGE: While the Auction Winner sorts out pick-up or transport arrangements, Seller can offer, free of charge, dry outdoor storage for up to 30 days after auction termination. Longer periods can be arranged at extra cost if necessary. Seller cannot accept any liability during this storage period.
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