1957 Ford Thunderbird Facts: Resources

Equipment or products directly related to this car. Click to view:

1957 Ford Thunderbird Facts – Body Paint Color Mix Codes

Click on the Paint Code Name to See the Mix Codes for the appropriate color:

1957 Ford Thunderbird

1957 Ford Thunderbird Facts and Specifications

General Year Information – 1957 Ford Thunderbird

The Thunderbird was revised for 1957 with a reshaped front bumper, a larger grille and tailfins, and different style tail lamps. The instrument panel was restyled using the instrument panel from full-sized 1956 Fords – with round gauges in a single pod, and n engine-turned insert dressing up the panel. The rear of the car was lengthened to allow the spare tire to be re-positioned back into the trunk.

The 312 CID V-8 was rated at an increased 245 HP via the addition of a more aggressive camshaft and a larger 4-barrel carburetor. Other, more powerful versions of this V-8 were available, including one with two four-barrel Holley carburetors allowing 270 HP, and another with a Paxton VR supercharger rated at 300 HP. Racing versions of these engines were rated at 285 and 340 HP, respectively. Surprisingly, the 3-speed standard transmission version still sported the 292 CID V-8 as standard, though now all the 312 CID engines, from 245 to 300 HP were optional. The automatic and the overdrive transmission models had the 245 HP engine as their base powerplant.

The Ford Thunderbird had done everything Ford intended for it to do. It captured the hearts of America. It was considered by many as it was the car to own and be seen in. As such, it brought people into Ford showrooms so they could see it first hand, and then the sales teams could convince the potential customer to buy another Ford model if the Thunderbird wasn’t right for them.

Though Ford was pleased to see sales of the Thunderbird rise to a highest ever 21,380 units for 1957, a newer, 4-seat ‘Bird was in the works. it would respond to the one major complaint – the car only had space for one passenger. While many would complain that the planned 4-seat “Square-Bird” was not the car that the ’55-57 was, sales numbers would  decry that by a large margin.

1957 Ford Thunderbird Facts – Powertrains

• Three Speed Automatic Transmission Ratios
  • All: 1st – 2.40:1, 2nd – 1.46:1, 3rd – 1.00:1, Reverse – 2.00:1, Shifter on floor. (2nd obtainable only by WOT).
• Three Speed Manual Transmission Ratios
  • 1st – 2.40:1, 2nd – 1.49:1, 3rd – 1.00:1, Reverse – 2.86:1, Shifter on floor.
• Three Speed Overdrive Manual Transmission Ratios
  • 1st – 2.40:1, 2nd – 1.49:1, 3rd – 1.00:1, Overdrive – 0.72:1 Reverse – 2.86:1, Shifter on floor.
• Rear Gear Standard Ratios
  • 3-Speed SMT – 3.56:1, Optional 3.70:1.
  • 3-Speed SMT with Overdrive – 3.70:1, Optional 3.91:1.
  • 3-speed AMT – 3.10:1, Optional 3.70:1.
• Engines
  • 292 CID 212 HP V-8 was standard with 3 Speed Manual Transmission.
  • 312 CID 245 HP V-8 was standard with 3-Speed Overdrive Transmission and Automatic Transmission.
  • 312 CID 270 HP Dual 4-barrel carburetors V-8 was available with all transmissions as a factory option.
  • 312 CID 300 HP Supercharged V-8 was available with all transmissions as a factory option.

1957 Ford Thunderbird Facts – Powertrain Options

• Transmissions
  • Three speed manual was standard equipment.
  • Three-speed with automatic overdrive was optional. Approximate drive ratio: 0.70:1. Manual control below instrument panel. ($110).
  • Ford-o-Matic automatic transmission was optional.
• Engine Options
  • 292 CID 212 HP V-8 was standard with Three Speed Manual Transmission.
  • 312 CID 245 HP V-8 was standard with Three Speed Overdrive Transmission and Automatic Transmission
  • 312 CID 270 HP Dual 4-barrel carburetors V-8 was available with all transmissions as a factory option.
  • 312 CID 300 HP Supercharged V-8 was available with all transmissions as a factory option.
  • 312 CID 285 and 340 HP Race V-8s were only available to selected race teams and NOT to the general public.

1957 Ford Thunderbird Facts – Significant Options

• • Automatic transmission ($215).
  • Back-Up Lights ($8.50)
  • Engine Dress-Up Kit ($25)
  • Ford-O-Matic Drive ($178.20)
  • Front and rear bumper guards.
  • Full Wheel Covers ($12.75)
  • Full-Flow Oil Filter ($9.15)
  • Heater ($85).
  • Life-Guard safety equipment.
  • Outside Rear View Mirror ($5)
  • Overdrive transmission ($146).
  • Power brakes ($38).
  • Power seat ($60).
  • Power Steering ($68)
  • Power windows ($70).
  • Radio ($100).
  • Rear Fender Shields ($26.60)
  • Thunderbird Special V-8 245 HP for Standard transmission ($125).
  • Tinted Safety Glass ($23.13)
  • White Sidewall Tires ($30)
  • Windshield washers ($10).
  • Wire wheel covers ($35).