This Ford Thunderbird was manufactured on March 19, 1957 and is one of fewer than 1,500 E-code versions produced for the model year.
The replacement 312ci V8 was sourced from Tennessee and rebuilt by Haas Machine Company.
The cylinders were bored .030″ over and the crankshaft ground .010” under, and the rotating assembly was balanced.
Induction is via overhauled twin Holley four-barrel carburetors that draw from a refreshed fuel system.
Modifications include an electric fuel pump and a PerTronix electronic ignition module.
The three-speed Ford-O-Matic transmission was also rebuilt, while the rear end was disassembled, cleaned, and resealed.
The frame was repainted along with suspension and driveline components.
This example was repainted in its factory Inca Gold (Y) with a matching hardtop during the restoration.
Later-style 14” wire wheels wear Coker Classic wide-whitewall tires, and a body-colored steel spare is housed in the trunk.
The four-wheel hydraulic drum brake system was rebuilt during the 2010s work.
The steering and suspension were also refreshed with a rebuilt gearbox and repainted components as well as replacement shock absorbers, ball joints, and bushings.
The interior was reupholstered using Colonial White (XK) vinyl over the seats, doors, and dash.
The steering wheel and column were also overhauled. Black carpeting lines the floors, and engine-turned trim accents the dash.
Amenities include white lap belts and a Town and Country radio.
Instrumentation includes a 140-mph speedometer flanked by a tachometer, fuel level gauge and coolant temperature gauges, and a clock.
The five-digit odometer shows 9k miles and has turned over.
