1957 Ford Thunderbird E-Code Convertible
One of the longest sports cars built in the 1950s.
Despite 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. 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. 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. Larger tail fins rounded “jet engine” styled taillights, and a bigger front grill were part of the model year restyling in 1957. 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.
Like the Corvette, the 1st generation Thunderbirds came with a retractable soft roof and was available with an optional a convertible hardtop. The 1957 was the only year with the now iconic "port” style side windows. 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. Superior engine power came with 3 different V8 options offered to buyers on the Ford. 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. These made up the vast majority of the 21,380 cars sold in 1957. 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. In the top range “F” models, a centrifugal supercharger boosted performance to over 300 hp but only 500 were made.
Ford fitted 1957 models with wire-spoked wheels with white sidewall tires along with rear fender skirts, giving the appearance of a bigger more luxurious car. Power-assisted steering made the car more friendly for casual and city driving. Despite having bench-style seats, only 2 adults fit in the Thunderbird. As the baby boom continued, by 1958, the Thunderbird grew to include a back seat on an all-new frame and body style, making the 1957 model the final 2-seater Ford for the next 25 years.
Specifications:
Engine: 312 cu in V-8, dual Holley 4-Barrel carburetors
Transmission: 4-speed manual with overdrive
Power: 272 hp
Torque: 338 ft lbs
Length: 181.4 in
Width: 71.3 in
Height: 51.6 in
Wheelbase: 102 in
Weight: 3350 lbs
Speed: 0-60, 7.8 sec
Top Speed: 121 mph
Fuel Economy: 16.1 mpg