Chassis No. E7FH169124

In 1951, while visiting the Grand Palais in Paris, Ford Motor Company's Louis D. Crusoe and George Walker paid close attention to Europe's sportier automobiles. Soldiers returning home after the Second World War had sparked demand for sports cars, and by the early 1950s, both Ford and General Motors had enacted plans to manufacture one. General Motors was first with the Corvette in 1953, but Ford soon followed, introducing its Thunderbird in 1955.

"Baby Birds," produced from 1955 to 1957, have always been sought-after collector cars, but the 1957 "E-Code" is near the top of the list. Not only was the Thunderbird redesigned for 1957, it was the only model year the "E-Code" was available. Approximately 1,499 "E-Codes" are said to have been produced, these high performance models featuring a higher compression version of the 312 cu-in 16-valve OHV V8 that produced 272 horsepower. Twin Holley four-barrel carburetors fed the engine resulting in increased horsepower, mated to either three-speed manual or automatic transmissions.

The Fleischman Collection's 1957 E-Code Thunderbird is a "rare bird" indeed. While most Thunderbirds were equipped with automatic transmissions, this one boasts the rarely seen three-speed manual transmission with optional overdrive. Coupled to the E-Code's twin-carbureted V8, it makes for a sporting combination, and proved exciting during a brief test drive by a Broad Arrow Group specialist.

Approximately ten years ago this "E-Code" was entrusted to Prestige Thunderbird of Santa Fe Springs, California for a considerable mechanical overhaul. Receipts on file show that Prestige performed over $16,000 of restorative work, including significant repairs to the cooling system, electrics, brakes, replacement of numerous seals and gaskets, along with many other maintenance items. An original power steering kit was installed as well as a new white vinyl convertible top.

Appearing to have received a high quality restoration prior to its time in the Fleischman Collection, the Thunderbird is attractively presented in Bronze over Colonial White and is complemented by Kelsey-Hayes wire wheels, a porthole hardtop (in addition to aforementioned soft top), and rear fender skirts. It is surely one of the most exciting specifications we have come across in a 1955-1957 Thunderbird, and presents a stylish and perhaps unlikely prospect for vintage rallies. In fact, these early Thunderbirds are eligible for the Mille Miglia, proving that T-Birds are not all "show" but have the chops to "go" as well.

With rear fins curving outwards, portholes integrated into the car's hardtop, and rear wheels covered by chrome-accented side skirts, the '57 Thunderbird was the epitome of sophisticated styling. The Fleischman Collection's example ups the ante, propelling the Thunderbird into driver's car territory with the unusual, enticing E-Code engine and a manual transmission.