1957' Ford Thunderbird

No
solicitations please - I don't need any assistance selling.For
sale is a professionally restored (documented restoration) matching-numbers
"D" code 1957 Ford Thunderbird convertible with original California
black plate in Thunderbird Bronze paint with Colonial White Top and White
Interior. This is a matching-everything car. The engine, transmission are the
original ones from the factory with this car. The t-bird bronze color and white
interior are as specified on the firewall plate QE = Thunderbird Bronze with
Colonial White Top, and XK = White Interior. This is a private party sale with
the California title immediately on hand and ready for transfer. Odometer is
showing 92,840. Miles are original and has not turned. Not a single dent
or ding on body and zero rust on body or frame. Stick your head underneath the
car and you won't find any rust anywhere. The body is absolutely perfect. The
chrome on the front and rear bumpers looks beautiful and shiny with no rust,
dings/dents, or pitting. A Southern California original car from day one when
it was first sold in the San Diego area. It has power windows, power brakes
(front brakes had a documented conversion showing the parts/labor breakdown
from drum to disc brakes during restoration to help with stopping, see below),
and power steering. It has only had two owners and has been owned by the same
family since 1959. It has been passed on from one generation to the next. It
was built on October 20, 1956 in Dearborn, Michigan and shipped after being
built to be sold at City Motors Ford in National City, CA in the San Diego area
(later renamed Colonial Ford in the late 1960s). It has resided inside a garage
with a car cover to protect its interior/exterior and bumper chrome throughout
its life, being driven only occasionally in dry Southern California weather.
The dealer it was sold to is documented in the original (not a photocopy) 1956
sales invoice showing the options breakdown which I will provide the new owner.
Total sales price according to the invoice in 1956 for this t-bird was
precisely $3,305.70 including dealer charges. All four tires are in good shape
and do not show cracking or age fatigue. Both windshield wipers have been
tested and work great. The blower/heater have been tested and work great. The
steering wheel horn has been tested and works.This
is a “D” code car that has a 312 CID V8 245 hp engine with Ford-O-Matic
automatic 3-speed transmission. The engine and transmission are “matching
numbers” and are the ones that came originally with the car and have never been
swapped out. This t-bird is immediately ready for long distance trips and is a
good driver. It starts right up every time as soon as the key is turned and is
regularly driven to avoid problems. It was recently driven from the San Diego
area to Los Angeles, 120 miles, without any problems. The chrome bumpers look
wonderful and are very shiny and attractive with no rust or pitting anywhere.
It comes with the rare porthole delete option in the hardtop (the porthole was
a zero cost option when new) and has the T-bird insignia in its place, which
matches the insignia on the steering wheel. Note that this is a hardtop only
with no soft top, although it includes the original tonneau cover (with
original slip case) to protect the interior during bad weather with the top
off. In
2012 it underwent a documented $11k+ professional restoration by Hilltop
Classics in Escondido, CA. Due to the condition of the paint and body, a
frame-off restoration was not needed and work during this light restoration was
left to mechanical and interior work. There was an extensive amount of work
that was done to get in running after it was sitting for a number of years,
with a parts and labor list that is several pages long. The fuel system from
the tank to the carburetor was rebuilt. The cooling system was rebuilt. The
seats were re-upholstered including with new foam, and installed to factory
original specs and colors. The interior dash padding was replaced during
restore to factory original spec and color. The side door panels were replaced
with original spec parts, the carpets were replaced to factory spec, etc. Too
many things to list, but I have the paperwork showing what was done. There are
two documented functional improvement modifications done to it during this
restoration; the original front drum brakes were converted to disc brakes and
the neutral safety switch was modified to allow for it to start more easily in
the modern park "P" gear, instead of in neutral. Lap belts were also
been added for safety. During the restoration a new exhaust was installed along
with muffler and new rear tail pipes, a new fuel tank, new fuel pump, new
radiator, new starter, and a large amount of other work done and parts
replaced. Numerous bushing parts in the suspension were also installed. All of
this work described previously is fully documented and readily available for
review and split into parts/labor costs.In
addition to the sales invoice and the restoration documentation and receipts, I
will also include the original owner’s handbook/manual. Includes a spare tire.
Also included is the original 3 key set with the Thunderbird logo engraved on
each key. Includes the original tonneau cover with original pocket which the
cover folds into. This cover goes over the entire interior of the car when the
hardtop is off to protect it in case of unexpected poor weather. Also included
is a custom car cover which fits tightly over the entire body. Also included is
a hardback full color book on the history of the Thunderbird as well as a small
box of spare parts. I
am more than happy to answer any questions from interested parties and show the
car to serious buyers, but please no tire kickers.