Ford introduced its 1957 models on October 1, 1956, including the new Thunderbird, which was 6.1 inches longer and featured updated styling, with features like canted fins to make it look more like the rest of the Ford lineup. The lengthening allowed Ford designers to return the spare tire to the trunk, and it received 14-inch wheels, which gave it a lower riding stance. The interior was given a new dash and updated upholstery treatments, in addition to a Volumatic radio that rose in volume as the car’s speed increased and the Dial-O-Matic power seat that returned to its rearmost position when the ignition was turned off, allowing for easier entry and exit, and then returning to its pre-set position when the ignition was started. Base price was $3,408, although nicely optioned cars were well over $4,000.

In addition to the new-for-1957 styling, the big news that really caught buyers’ attention was a choice of four powerplants. Among them was the optional 312-cubic inch E-Code variant, producing 270 horsepower through a modified Holley dual four-barrel setup borrowed from the 1956 Lincoln. The final ’57 was produced on December 13th of that year. It was arguably the most attractive of the “tri-five” Thunderbirds, with 21,380 examples rolling off production lines during the extended model run.

Just 977 were produced with the vaunted E-Code option, including this example in the highly desirable Thunderbird Bronze Iridescent with a matching interior. This Thunderbird is the recipient of a high-quality, two-year restoration in the late 1990s. Attesting to the quality of the restoration, it received an AACA National Senior First Prize and a Grand National First Prize in 2000. The stunning E-Bird scored an impressive 299 out of 300 points, and additionally, it has been awarded numerous Best in Class prizes, including at the Louisville Concours d’Elegance, the Festival of Speed Orlando, and the Sarasota Concours d’Elegance.

It was later retired to a prominent Ford museum, where it was garage-kept and properly maintained. More recently, it has been properly serviced by a renowned Thunderbird expert in Nashville, Tennessee, and it remains in exceptional condition. According to the consignor, a recent test drive showed that this exceptional example continued to perform as if it were new. Equipped with a Wonderbar radio, a desirable three-speed manual transmission, and the rare “porthole delete” hardtop, it is an excellent and necessary addition to any collection of ’50s American automobiles.