SLICK BLACK BABY BIRD, BOTH TOPS, STRONG 312 V8, FORD-O-MATIC, PWR STEERING, A/C

Two-seat Thunderbirds like this 1957 model hold a unique spot in enthusiasts' hearts. One, hey're perhaps the ultimate expression of 1950s style and two, hey are some of the most stable automotive investments you can make. Name another car you can buy today, njoy for 10 years, nd sell for pretty much what you have in it, r even turn a profit. Not many cars can make that claim, ut Thunderbirds are rock solid that way.This striking black-on-red 'Bird is one of those great cars that is always ready for a show or a cruise. Code AA Raven Black is its original color and you know it'll never go out of style, o that's another point in this car's favor. The '57s have their share of fans, nd as the most modern and distinctive of the early 'Birds, t delivers on the promises its looks make. It was restored in 1993 and driven quite a bit since then, ut the smooth, hiny paint is holding up well (although certainly not perfect) and looks far fresher than you'd expect. You can credit first-rate workmanship and attention to detail for that feat, nd everything still lines up right and fits tight. All the chrome was refinished during the restoration and it has held up quite well, ith no notable blemishes even around the exhaust ports in back, nd that deck lid mounted antenna is an interesting feature that usually means the dealer installed the radio back in the day, elping this one stand out even more. As far as driver-grade Thunderbirds go, his one is presents very well.Bright red upholstery with dark red carpets emphasizes the flashy look, nd with careful ownership this one looks years younger than you'd expect. The bench seat is still supportive and comfortable, he carpets are good, nd gorgeous door panels don't show so much as an indentation from the driver's elbow on the armrest. A matching steering wheel has been neatly wrapped in red leather, ffering a classy look that blends right in. The gauges are probably original but they show well with clear lenses and bright pointers, lthough the odometer isn't functioning, o we don't know the exact mileage. Upgrades include the under-dash A/C unit which is both effective and period-correct, n AM/FM/cassette stereo radio with digital tuning in the original dash slot, nd a modern alternator to power it all. A black canvas convertible top stows behind the seats, ust in case, nd looks great with a crystal clear rear window, nd you also get a matching porthole hardtop that's a trademark T-Bird look. The spare tire moved back into the trunk for 1957, o this one carries a matching spare wheel and tire assembly as well as a reproduction plaid trunk mat.The rebuilt 312 cubic inch V8 was rebuilt by Bob's T-Birds in Florida and looks great wearing the dress-up kit that virtually every Thunderbird eventually receives. Finned valve covers, chrome air cleaner, nd bright red engine paint really pop against the shiny black bodywork, nd you can tell that this one was built to drive. Power steering is a nice find on any early 'Bird and the A/C system fits so neatly in the engine bay that it could almost pass for OEM. A 3-speed Ford-O-Matic automatic transmission is unobtrusive and the right choice in an early 'Bird and with 3.00 gears out back, t's a superlative highway cruiser. Gorgeous chrome wire wheels really sparkle against the black paint and wear proper BFGoodrich Silvertown 7.50-14 bias ply wide whites for a perfect period look.If you've never owned a Thunderbird, ou're in for a treat, nd for those of you who already know how great they are, his one is ready to drive and enjoy without worries. Call today!