Chassis No. D7FH229336

For 1956, changes to the popular Thunderbird were subtle but significant—distinctive porthole windows were added to the removable hardtop, and the electrics moved from a 6-volt to a 12-volt system. After just three years of the original two-seat design, Ford would reshape the Thunderbird into a larger four-seater for 1958. Despite its brief production run, the early "Baby Bird" vastly outsold the Corvette, and the Thunderbird model would continue to be a popular collectible in the decades since.

This 1957 Baby Bird was completed on the 25th of February 1957 at the Dearborn, Michigan plant and dispatched to the New York area for sale. Extensively equipped from the factory, it features the “D-Code” 312 cu-in V8 producing 245 horsepower, a Fordomatic automatic transmission, Master-Glide power steering, Swift Sure power brakes, Power-Lift Windows, a four-way power front bench seat, back-up lights, and engine dress-up kit, along with both the hard and soft convertible tops. The car was the subject of a nut-and-bolt, rotisserie restoration in its original factory livery of Corinthian White over Pleated Flame (red) vinyl upholstery, paired with a matching body-color hard top and a black canvas soft top. The restoration also included the tasteful addition of VintageAir air conditioning and an upgraded AM/FM vintage radio for modern touring comfort.

Throughout, the car presents beautifully with no detail overlooked, displaying tidy brightwork and chrome Kesley Hayes-style wire wheels with spinner hubcaps, a vibrant interior, and a spotless engine compartment complete with the chrome engine dress-up kit. With the odometer showing a scant 92 miles traveled since its restoration, this Thunderbird is poised to be a standout on the concours field, a favorite at local cruises, or a cherished centerpiece in a collection focused on the most iconic designs to emerge from the American Jet Age.