Chassis No. F7FH336976
Block Casting No. ECZ6015C

For 1957, Ford's hot-selling Thunderbird got a fresh new look. The wildly successful boulevardier was conceived just two years prior as a relaxed, softer alternative to the sportier Corvette. But some buyers longed for more performance, and Ford was listening. In 1957, FoMoCo VP of Operations Robert McNamara proposed a high-performance Thunderbird to homologate it for NASCAR competition. To achieve this, the 312 cubic-inch V8 gained a Paxton-McCulloch supercharger and four-barrel Holley carburetor, along with a high-pressure fuel pump, new camshaft, revised combustion chambers, and dual-point ignition resulting in a 300-horsepower output in road trim. A minimum of 100 cars were required, but demand was enough to double that number. Nicknamed for its engine code, the so-called “F-Bird” sits at the top of the food chain for 1955-1957 Thunderbird enthusiasts.

A copy of the original invoice on file verifies this 1957 F-Bird as one of the approximately 200 factory-built examples. Invoiced to Louisville Motors of Louisville, Kentucky, chassis number F7FH336976 was completed on 19 July 1957, at the Dearborn plant. Options include a soft top only (hard top delete), signal seek radio, heater/defroster, the 312 cu-in 4V supercharged engine, and what truly sets this car apart—a three-speed manual transmission with overdrive. The overwhelming majority of F-Birds were equipped with automatics, making this sporting example a particularly rare find.

Previously in the care of an East Coast-based enthusiast for over 30 years, it joined the vendor's collection in 2023 and was quickly treated to a photo-documented bare-metal repaint and engine-out service, reseal, and detail. Originally finished in Colonial White over Pleated Flame Red Vinyl (code XH) trim, it was refinished in striking Gunmetal Grey, complementing the interior and highlighting the body's dramatic fins and creases. Receipts also show the engine was fully detailed, re-sealed, fitted with a new clutch, new gear-reduction starter, and rebuilt ancillaries. Looking splendid following its extensive refurbishment, this beautiful Thunderbird presents an exceptionally rare opportunity to acquire one of the most sought-after 1950s Fords.