Ford Thunderbird

With so many classic T-Birds restored to concours perfection, this mildly modified 1957 Ford Thunderbird strikes a more liberating stance, with hot-rod upgrades that suggest it's ready for a night of cruising more than blue-ribbon judging. There's a four-speed-backed 302 Windsor small-block V-8 under the hood, along with a custom-trimmed interior, a custom dark red paint job, a lowered stance, and, setting off the whole visual package, a set of timeless Torq Thrust wheels. I have reportedly owned the car for the past decade, noting it drives like new, with less than 3,000 miles on its complete rebuild. - Under the hood is a Windsor 302-cu.in. OHV V-8 engine that's paired with a classic top-loader four-speed manual gearbox. The engine is topped with an aluminum intake manifold and a Holley four-barrel carburetor, along with COBRA-script finned aluminum valve covers and air cleaner. The engine is said to start easily and run well, without any reported smoke or leaking. No leaks from the four-speed, either, which the sell notes is the best I've ever shifted. Reportedly restored on the chassis and custom-painted on a perfect, unmolested, and rust-free Arizona body, the dark red paintwork on this classic T-Bird is described as being in excellent condition . There are no reported blemishes in the finish, while the glass is also said to be in excellent condition and the seals are new. The nose and fender badges have been removed for a smoother appearance and the factory skirts on the rear fenders have been removed to provide room for wider rear tires. Additionally, the car comes with a porthole hardtop and a tonneau cover for the folding convertible top, which reportedly works well. - Inside, the T-Bird's two-place cockpit was re-trimmed with black leather on the bench seat, along with complementing black soft trim on the door panels and dashboard. The carpet is reported as new, and the original gauges have been replaced with upgraded instruments from Classic Instruments.- the door panels and kick panels are original, and they appear to show some wear, while other details of the dashboard, including the engine-turned trim, show some age-related wear, as well. There's also an aftermarket steering wheel that appears to be in very good condition, while the seller reports the heater and original radio are nonfunctional. - - the chassis, suspension, and braking components are in good condition, with no known issues or needs. Recent service includes new stabilizer-bar bushings, and the brake system has been upgraded with front discs. The car also has power steering that is reported to work well, with no leaks, and the suspension has been lowered 2 inches via dropped spindles. That lowered stance is complemented with the timeless hot-rod look of 15-inch American Racing Torq Thrust wheels. They're matched with new Firestone radials that appear to show essentially all of their tread remaining. There are also no reported blemishes or curb rash with the wheels. It's a vintage 1957 Ford Thunderbird with a mild custom makeover that runs and shifts well ' and a car that may just be able to steer itself to the nearest A&W on cruise night.