They saw that British sports cars, such as the MG and Jaguar, drew lots of attention and sold relatively well here. car producers, such as Nash and Kaiser, built a limited number of sports cars in the early 1950s to enhance their image. The 1955-57 "T-Bird" was America's second mass-produced sports car from a large domestic automaker, right behind the Chevrolet Corvette. The mass media often has mistakenly called any sporty looking car, such as the Ford Mustang, a "sports car." It's given the 1955-57 Thunderbird the same description, although Ford stressed from the get-go that its new baby was a "personal car."įord knew that the sports cars market was very limited and that calling the Thunderbird a "personal car" would give it much broader appeal. It's been put in television shows, movies and print advertisements, not to mention being pictured on a U.S. While this car is not totally stock, the rare color combination, excellent condition, and desirable features surely make it well-bought and an absolute bargain at the asking price.The 1955-57 two-seat Ford Thunderbird is among the most recognized iconic American cars. According to Hagerty, a 312ci/245hp 1957 T-Bird ranges from $31,400 for a #4 “Driver” with some issues, to $135k for a #1 Concours specimen. First-generation T-Bird values have been range-bound for years, with the highest amounts assigned to the 1957 cars and to those equipped with both hard and soft tops, with further segmentation due to engine. Today, these first-generation Thunderbirds are great weekend show and touring cars with plenty of comfort and cruising performance, never failing to draw admirers anywhere they appear, and this stunning example looks like a great candidate to show, drive, and enjoy. Today, the two-seat 1955-1957 “Little Birds” stand out as automotive and cultural icons, and they were even celebrated in 2005 as part of a popular USPS commemorative stamp issue for the model’s 50th Anniversary. Very well-kept, this Thunderbird is reported to be an original California car. In addition to the original “Town and Country” AM radio, an aftermarket Sony AM/FM radio includes Bluetooth and Sirius XM satellite radio capability. New items include the battery, Whitewall tires, a 6-blade cooling fan, hard top liner, and original wheel covers. Highlights are many, including Master Guide power steering, back-up lights, and power windows. Mildly updated for 1956 and further refined for 1957, the Thunderbird saw rising sales to 21,380 units for 1957, the last model year for the two-seater until 2002.įinished in a rare and striking bronze-on-bronze color combination, this 1957 T-Bird is reported by the seller to run and drive great with a 312ci V8 engine mated with a Ford-O-Matic automatic transmission. Confirming the model’s successful formula, 16,155 were sold for 1955, versus just 700 Corvettes. Low, sleek, and sporty, the T-Bird includes a powerful V8 engine, available automatic transmission, removable hardtop, and wide array of standard and optional features. While somewhat similar to Chevrolet’s Corvette, the Thunderbird offered a more sophisticated and powerful, steel-bodied alternative to Chevrolet’s fiberglass bodied competitor. When Ford’s Thunderbird debuted at Detroit in February 1954, this stylish, sporty, and well-equipped two-seater created an all-new “personal car” market, one that continues strongly today.
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