WORLD CLASS RESTORATION - POWER WINDOWS, SEAT, BRAKES, BOTH TOPS / 122 PHOTOS

1957 Ford Thunderbird 1 OWNER 23 YRS - ORIGINAL COLD FORD A/C

SCROLL BELOW FOR122INCREDIBLE PHOTOS!

1957 Ford

Thunderbird Roadster

Only 3 Owners in 62 Years

In MY Garage Last 23 Years!

Try to Find a Nicer One!

(About me: I am a car lover and collector, not a dealer. This car is titled in my name.

The description is mine, not that of a third party.)

This 1957 Ford Thunderbird Convertible, ID# D7FH309622, was built at Ford's Dearborn assembly plant in June of 1957and wasdelivered to Bill Austin Ford, Inc. in Miami, Florida. It was purchased new by Eastern Airlines Pilot Bob Klein, who owned and maintained the car in Miami for the next 7 years. Mr. Klein sold the car in 1964 to another Eastern Airlines Pilot, Edward Rordam of Miami, FL. Rordam and his wife, May, kept the car for the next 31 years. I purchased it from Mrs. Rordam in 1995 and have enjoyed and maintained it ever since.

The Rordams kept and gave to me records and documentation representing their entire 31 year ownership. In addition tokeeping records ofregular service and maintenance, Mr. Rordam also kept the original 1957 Thunderbird owner's manual an original 1957 Thunderbird brochure. The Rordams had maintenance records on the car dating back to the early 1960's.

While the car was rust-free and in excellent condition when I bought it in 1995, I decided to restore it to show car condition shortly after my purchase. I began an intensive world class restoration. This car has never been out of South Florida, thus it has never been subjected to bad roads, salt or snow.Nevertheless,it was disassembled,stripped and repainted in its original Flame Red and Colonial White (hardtop) factory colors. In addition, I obtained and had installed, an ALL new factory correct interior. The original 312 V8 and the original Ford-O-Matic automatic transmission were also rebuilt to factory specifications.During the restoration process, I chose to add correct and original Ford Factory power windows and power seat. I also had the original Signal Seek AM Radio converted to an AM-FM radio. It's a hidden conversion, so everything looks stock.

The true test of any restoration is not what the car looks like when it is restored, BUT what it looks like 20+ years later!This car looks today almost exactly like it came out of the restoration shop. This vehicle has never had rust, having spent it's life garaged in Miami. But to view it today, 20 plus years AFTER being restored, is a testamentto the quality of the restoration work.The shop that did the work (A-Auto Tech of Coral Gables) is still in operation today and has done several more of my cars over the years.

Paint is still magnificent, far better than what the factory ever produced, with a shine so deep you feel as if you could ‘dive’ right into it.The pure white convertible top is like brand new and the correct interior shows almost no wear.

The original factory invoice on this car shows an MSRP of $3,048.68, which included the optional Town and Country Signal Seek Radio and Ford-O-Matic Transmission as well as the factory telescopic steering wheel. I was lucky enough to be able to obtain the original factory invoice for this Thunderbirdshortly after my purchase (please see photo).

In 1957, Ford did not offer FACTORY air conditioning for the Thunderbird. As a factory option, A/C was only available for Ford's full size passenger cars. However, Ford Polar-Aire Conditioning WAS a available as a DEALER installed option, and the original owner, Bob Klein, haditinstalled by Bill Austin Ford followinghis purchase.

I am a 30 year member and 7-term past President of the AACA (Antique Automobile Club of America - South Florida Chapter). In all my years judging classic cars, I have never seen another '57 Thunderbird with original Ford Polar-Aire Conditioning. This is truly a 'rare bird!'

As you browse the122 photos of this gorgeous and rare Thunderbird, remember that it is a driven car. I personally have driven this T-Bird a little more than 5,900 miles since its restoration. The car is riding on correct BF Goodrich bias ply white wall tires, which were purchased and installed at the time of restoration.

FYI, both tops were included in the restoration and are included in the sale. The Hardtop is kept covered and garaged, but I haven't re-installed it since the car was restored. Too much of a hassle, plus there's no need. I like the looks of the car more with the convertible top up :-)

Final notes: The car starts right up every time, runs well and shifts perfectly. Everything works at it should - power windows, power seat, radio, etc. The original AC blows ICE COLD and still runs on R-12 Freon, but the compressor has developed a leak. I am taking care of that in the next week. The compressor is being rebuild by Eagle Air Conditioning and the system will be recharged prior to the new owner taking delivery.

Questions?

PLEASE CALL ME AT

305-389-7666

or email me through ebay's system

CHECK MY EXCELLENT FEEDBACK AND BID WITH CONFIDENCE!

PLEASE NOTE:
This vehicle is being sold without a warranty; it is sold AS IS and WHERE IS. The seller has made a diligent effort to accurately describe this vehicle, but bidders and prospective purchasers are advised to conduct their own due diligence, including a physical inspection in person or through a qualified third party inspector or appraiser, before contemplating a purchase or making a bid on this vehicle. I invite you to look at this car, and will make every effort to make it available at a time convenient to you or anyone looking at the car for you.

***IF YOU WANT TO HAVE THE CAR INSPECTED, PLEASE DO SO BEFORE THE AUCTION ENDS! ***

VEHICLE INSPECTION:

Arranging for an independent third-party inspection is a great way to validate a seller's claims about a vehicle's condition.

TERMS OF AUCTION:
Winning bidder agrees to the following terms: 25% payment via cashier's check or bank wire transfer within 48 hours of auction close. Balance to be paid within 7 days of auction close (by cash, cashier's check or wire transfer). NOTE: No PayPal deposits. Neither the car nor the title will be released until all funds have cleared (Cashier's Checks take up to a week to clear in Florida). Car must be picked up within 30 days of auction close, unless other arrangements are made prior to sale.

SHIPPING:
In the event shipping is needed, BUYER will make the arrangements and pay ACTUAL shipping charges directly to the shipper. I will be glad to assist in getting quotes or making recommendations, but shipping is the responsibility of the BUYER. SELLER cannot be responsible for any shipping delays or damage caused by shippers.

Please don’t hesitate to ask questions. You can e-mail any questions through eBay’s message system or contact me directly by phone or email

Call 305-389-7666

Or email through eBay's system

1957 THUNDERBIRD ROADSTER - BOTH TOPS PLUS A/C AND ORIGINAL FACTORY INVOICE

click to enlarge

• Condition: Used
• Make: Ford
• Model: Thunderbird
• SubModel: 1-OWNER 23 YRS
• Type: Convertible
• Trim: 1 OWNER 23 YRS - ORIGINAL COLD FORD A/C
• Year: 1957
• Mileage: 5,900
• Color: Flame Red
• Engine size: 312
• Power options: Air Conditioning, Power Windows, Power Seats
• Fuel: Gasoline
• Transmission: Automatic
• Drive type: RWD
• Interior color: Red
• Vehicle Title: Clear
Want to buy? Contact seller!