Home Archive 1957 Ford Thunderbird

1957 Ford Thunderbird Thunderbird (2-Seat Hardtop / Convertible)

1957 was the final year of the original two-seat Thunderbird, offered as a removable-hardtop or soft-top roadster and, in rare supercharged 'F-code' 312 form, one of the fastest American cars of its day.
D7FH122246
8 Cyl. 312 C.I. Thunderbird Special V8 (D)
Engine
Thunderbird (2-Seat Hardtop / Convertible)
Body
Dearborn, MI (F)
Plant
Post-War Era
Era
1957 Ford Thunderbird Thunderbird (2-Seat Hardtop / Convertible)

VIN Breakdown

PositionValueDecoded
Engine Code D 8 Cyl. 312 C.I. Thunderbird Special V8 (D)
Year Code 7 1957
Plant Code F Dearborn, MI (F)
Body Code H H
Serial Number 122246 Production #122246

Basic Information

MakeFord
ModelThunderbird
Year1957
Body StyleThunderbird (2-Seat Hardtop / Convertible)
ManufacturerFord Motor Company
EraPost-War Era

Engine & Details

Engine8 Cyl. 312 C.I. Thunderbird Special V8 (D)
Assembly PlantDearborn, MI (F)
Plant CodeF
Pattern SourceFord
Confidence90%

Original Specifications

Width72.8
Wheelbase102
Height49.6
Length181.4
Weight3134 / 3299

Source: Historical automotive documentation (1960-1972)

Specifications

Engine

Engine8 Cyl. 312 C.I. Thunderbird Special V8
Cylinders8
Displacement312 cu in
Horsepower245
Carburetor4 BC
Compression9.7:1
Torque332 lb-ft @ 2600 rpm
Bore & Stroke4.00 × 3.50 in

Dimensions

Production21380
Rear Tread56
Width72.8
Wheelbase102
Height49.6
Length181.4

Drivetrain

AxleSemifloating
Rear Axle Ratio3.8
Transmission3.25
Clutch TypeSingle plate dry disc
Differential Ratio3.56
DifferentialHypoid
Steering GearWorm & roller
Gears3
DriveRear wheel drive
Reverse Ratio2.86

Suspension

Rear SuspensionLongitudinal leaf spring
Front SuspensionIndependent ball joint with coil springs
Tire Size7.5 x 14

Brakes

Service Brakes4 wheel hydraulic drum
Brake Drum Size11
Parking BrakeRear service brakes

Fuel & Electrical

Fuel Capacity20
Oil Capacity5
LubricationPressure to all bearings excluding wrist pin
Battery12
ExhaustDual
IgnitionDistributor and coil
Fuel TypeRegular
Cooling19 Quarts / 20 Quarts / Centrifugal pump with thermostat
RadiatorCorrugated fin and tube

Equipment

EquipmentFordomatic automatic transmission / Power brakes / Power steering

Colors

Exterior ColorsBronze Metallic / Dusk Rose (Pink) / Enamel

Pricing

MSRP$2,995 - $3,158

Other

Doors2
3gear1
2gear1.49
1gear2.4
Weight3134 / 3299

Specifications are for this body style. The 1957 VIN resolves model year, body style, and engine; trim series is not VIN-encoded, so values that vary by series are shown as distinct options/ranges.