1957 Ford Thunderbird

Last updated on September 19, 2021

Today’s car is a 1957 Ford Thunderbird and it is finished in Flame Red with a Flame Red interior, White convertible top and a Flame Red hard top with Port Holes. The owner of this car is Bruce Zellmer. This car has been in the family since 1957 when purchased by Bruce’s Aunt Jeanne and Uncle John from Lindt-Wilson Motors Inc, Ford Dealer in South Gate CA. The restoration was completed in 1981 with family participation.

It is powered by a 312 cu in, 5.1 liter V8 engine, with a four barrel Holley carburetor producing 245 hp and transferring that power through a 2 speed Ford-O-Matic transmission. Delivering that power to the rear wheels through 3.10 t0 1 rear end gear ratio. Slowing it down are Swift-Sure Power Brakes with 11 inch hydraulic drums. The original invoice price $3,264.59. The total number of 1957 Thunderbirds produced was 21,380. That is 6,934 more Thunderbirds built in 1957 than all of the 1953 – 1957 Corvettes that were built in those years.

Wow. Restored in 1981 and it is driven!!! This car looks like it just came out of the restoration shop. I have seen this car at Cars and Coffee and Car Shows. Great Car! Thanks for riding along. Frank

Restoration Shot
Dealer Post Card Circa 1930 – 1945.