245 bhp, 312 cu. in. V8 engine, single four-barrel carburetor, three-speed Cruise-O-Matic automatic transmission, independent front suspension with coil springs, live rear axle with leaf springs, four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes. Wheelbase: 102"
Two years after Chevrolet began deliveries of its Corvette, Ford introduced the Thunderbird at the 1955 Detroit Auto Show. While the Corvette and Thunderbird were both two-seaters based on production sedan components, the Thunderbird was a sporty two-seater for cruising and personal transportation, with no pretensions of being a sports car. In fact, that proved to be exactly what the market wanted and in 1955, Ford sold 16,155 Thunderbirds -- a ratio of 23 Thunderbirds for every Corvette built.
In 1956, the Thunderbird received detail changes only, but Ford gave its two-seater a complete makeover for 1957, which included a clean, open grille and extended rear fenders. Handling was greatly improved, thanks to the relocation of the spare tire to the newly expanded trunk area. The "high-canted fenders" of full size Fords also appeared on the Thunderbird, accenting its longer trunk and fenders. Other features included a radio, which automatically increased its volume as the car's speed increased, and the Dial-O-Matic seat that provided a memory setting for the driver's seat position. Buyers responded enthusiastically, and Thunderbird sales rose by 37 percent over 1956 levels to 21,380 units.
The 1957 Thunderbird offered here has travelled a mere 400 miles since the completion of its frame-off restoration in 2006 and it remains in show-quality condition. Attractively finished in Torch Red, the Thunderbird is fitted with a white convertible top, a white interior, and an optional red hard top. A 312 cubic inch V8 engine, featuring the optional dress-up kit, provides 245 horsepower, and is combined with a three-speed Cruise-O-Matic automatic transmission. Other desirable features include Kelsey-Hayes chrome wire wheels, wide whitewall radial tires, and power steering. The Thunderbird is also equipped with seat belts, air conditioning and a Town & Country radio, ensuring a comfortable driving experience.
Ford's interpretation of the two-seater concept has proven to be correct, both in the 1950s and throughout the following decades. The original two-seat Thunderbird models remain timeless, and this example is as eye-catching today as when it was new. Flawlessly and accurately restored, then sparingly enjoyed, it will be an outstanding addition to any collection, and a very fine example of the last production year of the two-seat Thunderbird.
Auction House
RM Auctions 5 West Forest Ave Ypsilanti, MI United States 48197 519.352.4575
Important Notice
RM Auctions usually auctions automobiles at the rate of 20 lots per hour. On some occasions, eBay Live bid software or the Internet may not be able to keep up with the pace of the auction. RM recommends placing a realistic absentee bid now, as insurance to help avoid disappointment. Occasionally the auctioneer may eliminate or reject an eBay Live bid, and the auctioneer may also re-open a lot after the close of the eBay live bidding (usually because of a missed audience bid), and may reject your bid even if it shows you as the winning bidder. By bidding via eBay Live, you agree that RM Auctions may award the lot to another bidder at its sole discretion under the circumstances described above, or under any other reasonable circumstances. Since eBay bids are not shown to us until we open the lot on the floor, we treat those bids just like floor bids. In most cases the floor responds before the eBay bid is presented to us, due to Internet lag time, so for consistency we have made it a policy that floor bids are always considered first over tying eBay live bids. Also please note that all RM Auctions lots purchased through eBay Live carry a 13% Buyer's Premium. Please make sure you read the Terms and Conditions before you bid. This lot is being auctioned in conjunction with a live floor auction by RM Auctions, Inc. All final auction and invoice information will be supplied by RM Auctions, Inc., and all other information should be considered preliminary. Winning Notification and Billing: After the FINAL session in this auction is complete RM Auctions will send e-mail invoices. This process normally takes up to two days. All final auction and invoice information will be supplied by RM Auctions, Inc., and all other information should be considered preliminary. This auction will be conducted on a live auction floor and over the Internet through eBay Live. If you choose to place an absentee bid, please take a moment to learn how eBay Live absentee bidding works by visiting eBay's website.
Terms & Conditions
Please ensure that you have read and understood these terms and conditions prior to bidding at this or any other RM sale.
1. All sales are final. No bidder may retract a bid made during the sale for any reason.
2. Final bid price does not include 13% buyer's premium or applicable taxes on each lot purchased. Proof of tax exemption is buyer's responsibility.
3. All payments must be in the form of cash (In House Only) or certified funds unless other arrangements have been approved in advance. Cash (In House Only) payments will be reported according to Federal government requirements.
4. All sales are "as is" and "where is". Bidder is responsible for inspections and verification of condition, authenticity, and completeness of any item purchased. No warranties or representations of any type whatsoever are made by RM. Buyers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own evaluation and inspection. Any announcements made at the time of sale supercede any earlier printed information.
5. Bidder authorizes RM Auctions, Inc. to authorize the credit card number provided for $2000. Should a bidder default on payment in any manner whatsoever, without limiting any recourse RM Auctions, Inc. may have, bidder agrees to pay RM Auctions, Inc. all lost auction fees (which is the maximum published rates for (1) the seller's commission, (2) the buyer's premium, and (3) the entry), this amount is due and payable without relief.
6. Person bidding online must be 21 years of age or older. No minors are allowed to bid.
7. If Buyer is picking up items or using a shipping company other than the RM recommended company, Buyer is responsible for removing items from the auction location by Monday, August 4th at 12:00 noon. Buyer is responsible for paying for the removal of items from the site, packing, shipping, handling and insurance of any items purchased. If Buyer is unable to provide RM with the name of a transportation company within 24hrs of the purchase, RM will release the lot to "Intercity Lines Inc". Buyer will pay RM directly for the lots, buyers fee and any applicable taxes and pay "Intercity" directly for their services.
8. The auctioneer reserves the right to rearrange, separate, exclude or withdraw any lot without giving a reason.
9. If buyer sues RM Auctions, Inc. and does not prevail, Buyer will reimburse RM Auctions, Inc. for all legal fees and expenses in connection with said suit.
10. All terms of sale posted on the auction premises, printed in sale brochures or forms, publicly announced, communicated via the eBay bidding applet or otherwise published are incorporated herein by reference.
Shipping
If Buyer is picking up items or using a packing/shipping company other than the RM recommended company, Buyer is responsible for removing items from the auction location by Monday, August 4th at 12:00 noon. Buyer is responsible to pay for the removal of items from the site, packing, shipping, handling and insurance of any items purchased. If Buyer is unable to provide RM with the name of a transportation company within 24hrs of the purchase, RM will release the lot to "Intercity Lines Inc". Buyer will pay RM directly for the lots, buyers fee and any applicable taxes and pay "Intercity" directly for their services.
Buyer's Premium
13%
Payment
Cash (In House Only), Money Order, Certified Check or Bank Wire Transfer. NOTE: RM DOES NOT ACCEPT PAYPAL AS A FORM OF PAYMENT. Any questions, please email.
Taxes
Local 6% tax applies when picking up items or shipping within the state of Michigan.
Contract
Your bid is a contract. Place a bid only if you're serious about buying the item. If you are the successful and winning bidder, you have entered into a legally binding contract to purchase the property bid on from the seller. You should contact the seller to resolve any questions before bidding.
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