Photo: Bogdan Popa/autoevolution/eBay seller junkyardbub
1957 was the best year for the first-generation T-Bird, paving the way for a new model that pushed the lineup to new heights.
The yearly output jumped from 15,631 units to 21,380 cars, though it is worth knowing that the Thunderbird benefitted from three more months of production. Ford started the production of the 1958 successor later than originally planned, so the 1957 model enjoyed its time with increased numbers.
However, the 1957 model year also witnessed big changes in terms of the engine lineup. The car was now available with significant upgrades for the 312, the V8 originally added as optional in 1956. Ford offered the 312 in two more powerful versions, namely 300 and 340 horsepower.
A 1957 T-Bird convertible that's been sitting for decades made its way to eBay this week, hoping that someone understands its strong desire to return to the road despite a horrible look and shape.
The car is rough, and eBay seller junkyardbub says the vehicle "has been neglected for many years." You can easily tell this is true, especially when checking out the body. The rust has already invaded every sheet of metal, and despite the frame still looking solid, you should inspect it thoroughly because the likelihood of similar problems is very high.
The T-Bird was last on the road in the mid-'90s, but it appears to be mostly complete, though its current condition makes it hard to figure out if anything big is missing. You should inspect it in person, but you'll spend a lot of time removing all the parts that are currently inside to determine if everything is there.
However, bringing this Thunderbird back to the road isn't an easy mission, and it's very clear it's not a project aimed at the faint of heart. The engine is probably seized, but we're not getting any other details, so it's probably safe to assume it's a wreck, too.
Despite its horrible shape, this Thunderbird won't sell cheaply, and I guess this makes sense, considering nearly everything is there. However, I don't expect too many people to attempt a full restoration but rather get this T-Bird as a donor and use it for parts. The interior, in particular, looks good, so it could eventually make its way to another Thunderbird that sports a more solid body and a spotless frame.
The owner believes $6,500 is a fair price, but they also enabled the Make Offer button to discuss other offers with interested buyers. The best way to tell how much the car is worth is to visit the owner. The car is currently sitting on a trailer in Gardiner, Maine, so you can also inspect the rough undersides if you hope to come across a better shape in there.
However, the 1957 model year also witnessed big changes in terms of the engine lineup. The car was now available with significant upgrades for the 312, the V8 originally added as optional in 1956. Ford offered the 312 in two more powerful versions, namely 300 and 340 horsepower.
A 1957 T-Bird convertible that's been sitting for decades made its way to eBay this week, hoping that someone understands its strong desire to return to the road despite a horrible look and shape.
The car is rough, and eBay seller junkyardbub says the vehicle "has been neglected for many years." You can easily tell this is true, especially when checking out the body. The rust has already invaded every sheet of metal, and despite the frame still looking solid, you should inspect it thoroughly because the likelihood of similar problems is very high.
The T-Bird was last on the road in the mid-'90s, but it appears to be mostly complete, though its current condition makes it hard to figure out if anything big is missing. You should inspect it in person, but you'll spend a lot of time removing all the parts that are currently inside to determine if everything is there.
However, bringing this Thunderbird back to the road isn't an easy mission, and it's very clear it's not a project aimed at the faint of heart. The engine is probably seized, but we're not getting any other details, so it's probably safe to assume it's a wreck, too.
Despite its horrible shape, this Thunderbird won't sell cheaply, and I guess this makes sense, considering nearly everything is there. However, I don't expect too many people to attempt a full restoration but rather get this T-Bird as a donor and use it for parts. The interior, in particular, looks good, so it could eventually make its way to another Thunderbird that sports a more solid body and a spotless frame.
The owner believes $6,500 is a fair price, but they also enabled the Make Offer button to discuss other offers with interested buyers. The best way to tell how much the car is worth is to visit the owner. The car is currently sitting on a trailer in Gardiner, Maine, so you can also inspect the rough undersides if you hope to come across a better shape in there.
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