1957 was the last year for the first generation Thunderbirds. Many vintage Ford enthusiasts like the 1957 Model as the best of the three built of this body style.
This Thunderbird is heavily modified in all areas. this car can qualify as a "Pro-Touring" type vehicle due to the fuel injected engine, four wheel disc brakes and oversized wheels and tires. The vehicle has an NSRA Safety inspection sticker dated 2012 and a Street Rodder Top 100 Award in 2015, as displayed on the left side windshield. these two dated stickers prove that this car is a proven modified vehicle.
The rear bumper has been removed for some unknown reason and is with the car.
Engine/Engine Compartment: The engine is a ford Dual Over-head Cam V8 modular engine with 4.6 liters and 650 horsepower and has high performance heads. this engine was originally in a 2004 Mercury Marauder. the engine has custom chrome valve covers with engraved chrome coil covers that state "Red Bird". the top of the engine including the intake/plenum is all custom chrome plated. Mounted low on the engine is the A/C compressor and the power steering pump. On top of the engine is a "VMP" blower which is painted red. the cold air induction tube appears to be 4" polished stainless steel with a coned shaped air filter from K&N. The engine is cooled using an aluminum radiator with a 16" electric fan that is mounted on the engine side.
Interior: The interior has all Red leather. The two front seats are the bucket seat type with an adjustable lean back. the bolsters are large for additional comfort. A full console is installedwith two stainless steel cup holders. A polished gauge cluster is installed with cream colored Omega analog gauges. In addition an Autometer 7K tachometer is installed on the driver's side of the instrument panel. A 2013 Mustang shifter is mounted in the center of the console. Power operated side windows are installed. the tilt steering column is chrome or stainless with wood and leather wrapped outer wheel. A high quality red broadcloth style red carpet covers the floor.
This heavily modified 1957 Ford Thunderbird has so many engine and chassis modifications that I would estimate at minimum a 35% higher value when compared to any other modified Thunderbirds that have recently sold or are currently offered for sale. this 35% accolade is realistic when compared to other 1957 Ford Thunderbirds if any vehicles can be found on the internet for sale or have sold at auction in the past 12 months. "These Resto-Mod Thunderbirds" are also collectible but become a little harder to find a buyer due to the components used in the build process verses the preferred components desired by potential buyers. One not of confidence: the 1957 Ford Thunderbird described in this appraisal is modified using ALL FORD "State of the art" components that are refurbished/detailed/chrome plated or new and have been professionally installed in this automobile.
Most 1957 Ford Thunderbirds that are completely restored to #1 "Original" condition grade are selling for $95,000 to $1000,000. These cars are highly collectible and car enthusiasts want to purchase them.
