1957 Ford Thunderbird

INTRODUCTION DATE:

TOTAL PRODUCTION:

WEIGHT:                                 2,980 lbs

PRODUCTION:                     21,380 units

MSRP:                                     $2,944

Value 2020:                            $27,410

Body Code:                             M6/P4   40A

Model Name:                          2 Dr convertible

 

 

Production: September 17, 1956-December 13,1957 (1957 production held over due to delays in the introduction of the new 1958 models)

Serial Number: *D7FH151996

Body       Color       Trim        Production Code

40             NN           XA              28L240082P

CODE EXPLANATION:

Serial Number:

D= Engine Type (Super V-8)

7= 1957 model year

F= Assembled in Dearborn, MI

H=Model (Thunderbird)

151966= conseutive unit number (among all Ford products)

Data Plate:

40= Body Type

NN=Graphite grey body/Graphite grey hard top

XA=Interior color white /Black carpet/soft top

28L= Production date (28 November 1956)

24= Shipping Destination (Jacksonville, FL)

0082= signifies 82nd car shipped to Jacksonville

P= regular Production model as opposed to special order

TRANSMISSION CODE

TRANSMISSION DESCRIPTION

1 - Manual

2 - Overdrive

3 - Automatic

Standard: 3-speed Synchromesh with helical gears
Ratios: 2.32:1 (first); 1.48:1 (second); 1:1 (third); 2.82:1 (reverse)

Optional Overdrive: Planetary overdrive with planetary gears
Ratio: 0.70:1
Cut-In Speed: 27 mph
Cut-Out Speed: 21 mph

Optional Automatic: Ford-O-Matic torque converter with planetary gears
Ratios: 1.48:1 (drive); 2.44:1 (low); 2.0:1 (reverse)

REAR AXLE CODE

REAR AXLE RATIO

1     3.56:1 (Conventional)

2     3:70:1 (Overdrive)

3     3.10:1 (Ford-O-Matic)

TIRE SIZE

BRAKES

7.50 x 14 4-ply BSW Tubeless
Wheels: 5 inch
Wheel studs: 5.5 inch
Wheel stud circle: 4.5 inch diameter

Front: 11 inch hydraulic drum
Rear: 11 inch hydraulic drum
Total Swept Area: 176 sq. in.

WHEELBASE

DIMENSIONS

102 inches
Front Tread: 56 inches
Rear Tread: 56 inches

Original Tire Brand: Firestone and Goodyear
Optional Whitewall Width: 2-1/8"

Length: 181.4 inches
Width: 72.8 inches
Height: 49.6 inches
Trunk: 63.4" long x 58.4" wide
Ground Clearance: 5.9 inches
Height to Top of Door: 34.2 inches
Height to Top of Hardtop: 51.6 inches
Height to Top of Convertible Top: 51.8 inches
Front Leg Room: 44.9 inches
Front Shoulder Room: 53.3 inches
Front Hip Room: 58.8 inches
Front Headroom: 33.1 inches (Hardtop); 33.6 inches (Convertible Top)   

STEERING / CAPACITIES

STEERING

Turning Diameter: 36 ft.
Turns Lock-To-Lock: 4.5
Steering Ratio: 23.0:1
Steering Wheel Diameter: 17 inches
Weight Distribution (%; F/R): 50/50

CAPACITIES

Fuel Tank: 20 gallons
Cooling System: 19 quarts

SPECIAL NOTES:   1957 was the third and final year for the original two passenger Ford Thunderbird. In 1958, the Thunderbird would grow to accommodate four passengers. In 1967, it would introduce the first four door personal luxury car. In 1968, a standard front bench seat allowed for six passengers for the first time ever.

A retro-styled two passenger Thunderbird would debut in 2002, and would be built in limited numbers through 2005.

1957 changes:

• Wheel/tire size changed from 15" to 14"
• Restyled front and rear bumpers, doors, and rear fenders
• New tail lamps
• New instrument panel
• New seat and door panel upholstery designs
• First year for supercharged engine
• Dial-O-Matic Power Seat option
• Town and Country Radio option
• All-White (trim code XK) interior trim
• Round, reflective yellow "Lifeguard Design" decal added to driver's door rear edge to warn oncoming cars
• Heavier-duty door hinges