1957 Ford Thunderbird

2dr Convertible

8-cyl. 312cid/300hp SC

#1 Concours condition#1 Concours
#2 Excellent condition#2 Excellent
#3 Good condition#3 Good

$94,700*

+13.7%
#4 Fair condition#4 Fair

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Value Graph07/2410/2401/25$20k$40k$60k$80kApr 2025
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1955-1957 Ford Thunderbird stats
Highest sale
$3,360,000
Lowest sale
$1,120
Most recent sale
$198,500
Sales
602

Photos

41 photosImages may not reflect selected vehicle.

1957 Ford Thunderbird 2dr Convertible Courtesy of AutoBarn Classic Cars
1957 Ford Thunderbird 2dr Convertible Courtesy of AutoBarn Classic Cars
1957 Ford Thunderbird 2dr Convertible Courtesy of AutoBarn Classic Cars
1957 Ford Thunderbird 2dr Convertible Courtesy of AutoBarn Classic Cars
1957 Ford Thunderbird 2dr Convertible Courtesy of AutoBarn Classic Cars
1957 Ford Thunderbird 2dr Convertible Courtesy of AutoBarn Classic Cars
1957 Ford Thunderbird 2dr Convertible Courtesy of AutoBarn Classic Cars
1957 Ford Thunderbird 2dr Convertible Courtesy of AutoBarn Classic Cars
1957 Ford Thunderbird 2dr Convertible Courtesy of AutoBarn Classic Cars
1957 Ford Thunderbird 2dr Convertible Courtesy of AutoBarn Classic Cars
1957 Ford Thunderbird 2dr Convertible Courtesy of AutoBarn Classic Cars
1957 Ford Thunderbird 2dr Convertible Courtesy of AutoBarn Classic Cars
1957 Ford Thunderbird 2dr Convertible Courtesy of AutoBarn Classic Cars
1957 Ford Thunderbird 2dr Convertible Courtesy of AutoBarn Classic Cars
1957 Ford Thunderbird 2dr Convertible Courtesy of AutoBarn Classic Cars
1957 Ford Thunderbird 2dr Convertible Courtesy of AutoBarn Classic Cars
1957 Ford Thunderbird 2dr Convertible Courtesy of AutoBarn Classic Cars
1957 Ford Thunderbird 2dr Convertible Courtesy of AutoBarn Classic Cars
1957 Ford Thunderbird 2dr Convertible Courtesy of AutoBarn Classic Cars
1957 Ford Thunderbird 2dr Convertible Courtesy of AutoBarn Classic Cars
1957 Ford Thunderbird 2dr Convertible Courtesy of AutoBarn Classic Cars
1957 Ford Thunderbird 2dr Convertible Courtesy of AutoBarn Classic Cars
1957 Ford Thunderbird 2dr Convertible Courtesy of AutoBarn Classic Cars
1957 Ford Thunderbird 2dr Convertible Courtesy of AutoBarn Classic Cars
1957 Ford Thunderbird 2dr Convertible Courtesy of AutoBarn Classic Cars
1957 Ford Thunderbird 2dr Convertible Courtesy of AutoBarn Classic Cars
1957 Ford Thunderbird 2dr Convertible Courtesy of AutoBarn Classic Cars
1957 Ford Thunderbird 2dr Convertible Courtesy of AutoBarn Classic Cars
1957 Ford Thunderbird 2dr Convertible Courtesy of AutoBarn Classic Cars
1957 Ford Thunderbird 2dr Convertible Courtesy of AutoBarn Classic Cars
1957 Ford Thunderbird 2dr Convertible Courtesy of AutoBarn Classic Cars
1957 Ford Thunderbird 2dr Convertible Courtesy of AutoBarn Classic Cars
1957 Ford Thunderbird 2dr Convertible Courtesy of AutoBarn Classic Cars
1957 Ford Thunderbird 2dr Convertible Courtesy of AutoBarn Classic Cars
1957 Ford Thunderbird 2dr Convertible Courtesy of AutoBarn Classic Cars
1957 Ford Thunderbird 2dr Convertible Courtesy of AutoBarn Classic Cars
1957 Ford Thunderbird 2dr Convertible Courtesy of AutoBarn Classic Cars
1957 Ford Thunderbird 2dr Convertible Courtesy of AutoBarn Classic Cars
1957 Ford Thunderbird 2dr Convertible Courtesy of AutoBarn Classic Cars
1957 Ford Thunderbird 2dr Convertible Courtesy of AutoBarn Classic Cars
1957 Ford Thunderbird 2dr Convertible Courtesy of AutoBarn Classic Cars
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Model overview

Model description

For 1957, the Ford Thunderbird underwent some visual changes. Most notably, the front bumper was reconfigured, removing the large chrome nacelles, and adding fog lights to the corners. This opened up the grille visually, and made it seem more like the luxurious boulevard cruiser that it was.

The “Thunderbird” inscription was moved from the rear quarter to ahead of the front quarter panel vent. Out back, the spare tire was moved back into the trunk, and the rear fascia was revised. The fins were thinned out and more pronounced, and the rear bumper featured a new design. At the corners of the bumper, the once-subtle exhaust outlets were replaced with wider integrated outlets.

Inside, the 1957 Ford Thunderbird was available with new “Dial-O-Matic” four-way power seats. They performed the clever trick of sliding back when the ignition was turned off to make it easier to climb in and out.

Engine options continued to feature the base 292 cid V-8 and 312 cid V-8. Buyers could also get the 312 V-8 in 245-hp and 270-hp variants, as well as a Racing Kit version with twin four-barrel Holley Carburetors. That third version of the 312 put out 285 hp and 343 lb-ft of torque.

For 1957, Ford added a high-feature version of the 312 V-8. The supercharged engine put out a claimed 300 hp and 340 lb-ft of torque when new.

Transmission options continued to be a 3-speed manual, an overdrive transmission, and a Ford-O-Matic automatic transmission.

Ford sold 21,380 examples of the 1957 T-Bird, making the most successful year of the T-Bird’s early three-year run. It would be replaced by a larger, more spacious Thunderbird in 1958, leading to the first generation cars being referred to as “Baby Birds.”

Vehicle specifications

  • Shipping Weight3134 lbs
  • Vehicle Length181.4 in
  • Wheelbase - Inches102 in

Equipment

  • StandardOptional
  • Transmission3-Speed Manual TransmissionAutomatic Transmission
  • BrakesPower Brakes
  • Power SteeringYes
  • TiresWhite Sidewall Tires
  • EntertainmentAM
  • WindowsPower Windows
  • Comfort Equipment Heater/Defroster
  • SeatsBucket Seats
  • TachometerYes
  • Roof DescriptionRemovable HardtopSoft Top-Fabric
  • Restraint TypeSeat Belts

Equipment

Standard

  • Transmission3-Speed Manual Transmission
  • SeatsBucket Seats
  • TachometerYes
  • Roof DescriptionRemovable Hardtop

Optional

  • TransmissionAutomatic Transmission
  • BrakesPower Brakes
  • Power SteeringYes
  • TiresWhite Sidewall Tires
  • EntertainmentAM
  • WindowsPower Windows
  • Comfort Equipment Heater/Defroster
  • Roof DescriptionSoft Top-Fabric
  • Restraint TypeSeat Belts
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Common Questions

The value of a 1957 Ford Thunderbird can vary greatly depending on its condition, mileage, options, and history. Typically, you can expect to pay around $191,500 for a 1957 Ford Thunderbird in good condition with average spec.

The highest selling price of a 1957 Ford Thunderbird at auction over the last three years was $3,360,000. The highest prices are usually reserved for rare or exceptionally well-maintained examples with desirable features or modifications and excellent history.

The lowest selling price of a 1957 Ford Thunderbird at auction over the last three years was $1,120. The lowest prices are usually paid for examples that have extensive maintenance needs, differ greatly from their original configuration, or have accident histories or title problems.

In the last three years there have been 391 1957 Ford Thunderbirds sold at public auction.

The most recent auction sale of a 1957 Ford Thunderbird was $198,500 on March 25, 2025 by Bring a Trailer.

Many factors can increase a car's value including excellent condition, exceptional originality, a recent restoration, low mileage, unique provenance, desirable options, popular or unique color choices, and excellent maintenance records. Upgrades and modifications that enhance performance or aesthetics can also add value.

Factors that can decrease a car's value include unusually high mileage, poor maintenance history, visible wear and tear, accidents or damage, title issues, and gaps in ownership history. Additionally, less popular color choices and extensive modifications that don't appeal to a broad audience can reduce value.

Mileage plays a significant role in a classic car’s value. Lower mileage usually increases value because it indicates a higher degree of originality, is rarer, and suggests less wear and tear. However, cars with exceptionally low mileage may also have maintenance needs due to lack of use. Whether someone should pay more for a vehicle with lower miles will depend on how they plan on using it, and the vehicle's specific condition.

The value of modified cars differs widely based on the type and quality of modifications. While some modifications can significantly increase value, especially performance enhancements and high-quality custom work, others may not add much or could even detract from the car’s value if they appeal to only a limited audience.

All prices shown here are based on various data sources, as detailed in About Our Prices. The Hagerty Price Guide is for informational purposes only and is not intended as financial advice. More information on how forecast models are calculated can be found on Forecasted Values page. For additional information and a complete description of benefits, visit hagerty.com/legal. Purchase of insurance not required for membership in HDC. Hagerty, Hagerty Valuation Tools & Hagerty Drivers Club are registered trademarks of The Hagerty Group LLC, ©2025 The Hagerty Group, LLC. All Rights Reserved. The Hagerty Group, LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hagerty, Inc.

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