Thunderbirds are a staple of the old car community. Like Model Ts, ’57 Chevys, and Cadillacs with tail fins, they are beloved around the world, even by non-car people. In short, everyone loves a 2-seat T-Bird. They’ve been immortalized in film, you can find photographs of your favorite ‘50s celebrities behind the wheel of their own Thunderbirds, and no car show or auction is complete without a dozen or so of them showing up to play. Why are they so popular, year-in and year-out? Surely due to charismatic good looks, V8 power, and an ideal combination of comfort and performance. And quite honestly, it’s impossible not to look like a million bucks when you’re behind the wheel of an early ‘Bird.

This awesome 1957 Thunderbird wears a recent, high-quality restoration that addressed all the major aspects of a collector vehicle and presents in what is probably better than new condition. Code A Raven Black is the car’s original color and it gives the finned Thunderbird a grown-up look that’s elegant and stylish rather than playful like its pastel-hued siblings, and that’s perfectly OK with me. Paint and bodywork are extremely well done, and you know what a challenge it can be to get a black car to look this good. There are undoubtedly hundreds of hours tied up in the restoration of the body itself and the quality shows. For ’57, the ‘Bird grew a bit in almost every dimension, moving the spare tire back inside and adding the distinctive tail fins that were the defining styling element of the ‘57s. As a result, there’s quite a bit of sheetmetal to get right and as far as we can determine, this car has all of its original body panels and no signs of major surgery in the quarters or floors. You’ll note that this car wears an unusual deck lid-mounted antenna, which is likely a dealer-installed accessory and we suspect that this car was ordered new without a radio for some reason. It gives the car a unique but correct look that stands out in a subtle way. The chrome is all completely restored or replaced and is ready for show save for one of the ‘Thunderbird’ script emblems on the front fenders, where part of one of the “T”s has broken off, but replacements are readily available. Other than that, however, this car is easily the nicest Thunderbird we’ve ever featured.

The two-tone black and white interior is also entirely new and a very inviting place to spend some time. It’s cozy for two, but once you’re behind the wheel you’ll find that it’s comfortable for long drives, which really is the Thunderbird’s strong suit. The door panels are artfully designed with Thunderbird logos embossed in their upholstered surfaces and an engine-turned insert that blends into the instrument panel to sweep across the entire dashboard. The gauges appear to be original and a bit faded, but they all work except the clock, which is typical of any old car. There’s a newer AM/FM/cassette stereo radio fitted and what appears to be speaker wires in the rear top area for auxiliary speakers, although it works just fine through the single dash speaker. The carpets are new and protected by rubber Thunderbird-logo floor mats and there’s a correct “curtain” behind the seats concealing the brand new white convertible top, which provides striking contrast on the black ‘Bird. The trunk is also nicely outfitted with a reproduction mat set and full-sized spare tire, and peeling back the floor coverings reveals glossy black floors in excellent condition.

Most ’57 Thunderbirds received the D-code 312 cubic inch V8 with 4-barrel carburetor, and with 245 horsepower, it’s a very good performer. It has been beautifully detailed with correct red engine enamel and an optional engine dress-up kit that includes the chrome air cleaner assembly and perhaps the most beautiful valve covers ever made. The finishes, hardware, and other components are all quite correct and while it has a few miles since the restoration was completed, it’s still quite fresh. A correct 12-volt generator still charges a reproduction tar top battery, the car keeps its cool while idling in traffic, and the transmission shifts without issues. These cars are not sports cars and are most at home on your favorite 2-lane road where the burbling V8 engine and gentle breezes are part of the experience. You’ll note that the underside of the car is extremely clean with nice detailing, although it’s no longer perfect, although it could be easily prepped for show. The exhaust system is new, the brakes are firm and responsive, and with fresh 205/75/14 Coker wide whitewall radials, it rides and handles rather well (these tires are notorious for being a bit noisy, however).

This is an above-average 2-top Thunderbird in awesome colors that is delightful to drive and show. It isn’t perfect, but if you’ve been watching the T-Bird market, perfect costs a lot more. Instead, this is a very high-quality car that is ready for anything you want to do, as long as you want to do it in high style.