1957 Ford Thunderbird
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1957 Ford Thunderbird Restomod | 700HP Supercharged Cobra V8 | $250K+ Build -WOW

This is "Redbird," a no-compromise, quarter-million-dollar ground-up build that transforms the iconic 1957 Thunderbird into a modern supercar wrapped in timeless American styling. Every nut, bolt, and body line on this car was meticulously crafted with a single goal: perfection. Built over several years and completed around 2012, this stunning red-on-red-on-red Restomod earned recognition as a Street Rodder Magazine Top 100 car and an NSRA (National Street Rod Association) award winner. Acquired from the builder's estate, we've invested nearly $13,000 in comprehensive mechanical sorting to ensure this rocket ship runs and drives as spectacular as it looks. To reproduce this level of craftsmanship today would easily cost $400,000 to $500,000. This is one of the finest custom Thunderbirds in existence.

Performance & Powertrain:
Ford 4.6L 32-valve DOHC SVT Cobra V8 with VMP supercharger
Cold air intake
Producing approximately 700 horsepower (600+ to the rear wheels)
Automatic transmission
Full custom tubular front suspension
Power rack and pinion steering
Four-wheel power disc brakes
Adjustable air ride suspension
Polished aluminum radiator with electric cooling fan
Polished intake manifold
Chrome valve covers
Dual exhaust with chrome tips
Billet steering column with tilt
Cruise control
Recently serviced and tuned (nearly $13,000 invested), runs and drives phenomenally

Exterior:
Stunning custom red exterior paint with flawless finish
Full custom frame, smoothed and color-matched
Custom body modifications with smoothed lines
Chrome bumpers
Custom grille
Custom door handles
All chrome re-done to show quality
Custom lighting throughout
Retractable license plate
Rocket Racing chrome alloy wheels
Michelin tires
Both soft top and removable hardtop included

Interior:
Full custom red leather interior with alligator skin-style accents on seats and console
Custom bucket seats with seat belts
Billet wood grain dash
Custom wood grain and leather steering wheel
Tilt steering column
All custom gauges
Power windows
Cruise control
Hidden Bluetooth custom stereo system
Vintage Air air conditioning

Condition:
The odometer shows just over 3,000 miles, reflecting limited use since completion. The previous owner did enjoy the car on occasion, participating in hot rod tours and cruise events. This was built to be driven, not just displayed. Following its time in the estate, we invested nearly $13,000 in a comprehensive mechanical service to bring everything back to peak operating condition. The car runs, drives, and performs beautifully. It sounds absolutely menacing, accelerates like a modern muscle car, and handles with precision thanks to the tubular suspension, power rack and pinion steering, and four-wheel power disc brakes. Fast is an understatement.

The only issue to note is that the speedometer is not functioning and will need to be rebuilt or replaced. This is the sole negative on an otherwise impeccable build.

Exterior Cosmetic Condition:
The custom paintwork is simply flawless with deep, rich red showing mirror-like clarity and stunning depth. Every chrome piece, including the bumpers, grille, and exhaust tips, was refinished or custom fabricated during the build. The custom bodywork is seamless, the door gaps are tight, and the overall presentation is pure show quality. This car has earned national awards for good reason.

Interior Condition:
The custom red leather interior with alligator skin-style accents on the seats and console is in excellent condition, showing minimal wear consistent with the low mileage. The billet wood grain dash, custom gauges, and leather-wrapped wood grain steering wheel all present beautifully. Everything functions as it should including power windows, tilt column, cruise control, Vintage Air climate control, and the hidden Bluetooth stereo system.

Mechanical Condition:
Following our recent $13,000 service, this Thunderbird runs and drives like new. The supercharged Cobra V8 pulls hard and smooth through the automatic, the adjustable air ride suspension provides both show stance and comfortable cruising, and the power rack and pinion steering is precise. Four-wheel power disc brakes provide confident stopping. This is not a trailer queen. It is a fully sorted driver that just happens to be show-winning gorgeous.

Underside & Trunk:
The underside reflects the quality of the build with a custom frame that is fully smoothed and painted, detailed suspension components, and everything clean and well-presented. The trunk area is finished to match the overall quality of the car.

Closing Statement:
"Redbird" represents the pinnacle of what a classic American Restomod can be: timeless 1957 Thunderbird styling combined with modern supercar performance, ride quality, and reliability. With nearly 700 horsepower, a 6-speed automatic, adjustable air ride suspension, four-wheel power disc brakes, and a level of craftsmanship that would cost half a million dollars to replicate today, this is a rare opportunity to own a true show-winning, street-capable work of art. The pictures speak for themselves. This is simply one of the nicest custom Thunderbirds you will ever find.

Contact Us:
For questions, please call Bobby at 480-226-4018. We can assist with shipping connections. International buyers are welcome. The car is located in sunny Scottsdale, AZ.

Engine

Engine Type
Gasoline
Engine Size
4.6 Liter DOHC 32 Valve V8
Fuel Specification

Body

Body Color
Red
Body Style
Convertible
Doors
2
Paint Type

Basic

Year
1957
Make
Ford
Model
Thunderbird
Miles
3,368

Interior

Interior Color
Red
Secondary Interior Color
Seating Type
Bucket
Seat Material
Leather
Shifter Type
Center Console
No
Engine Size
4.6 Liter DOHC 32 Valve V8
Transmission Type
Automatic
Body Style
Convertible
Miles
3,368
Vin
D7FH143802
Stock
345345842
Figure based on a stock vehicle with OH rates with $100/$300k Liability/UM/UIM limits. Rates vary depending on the state, coverage selected and other factors. Policies underwritten by Essentia Insurance Company. Some coverage and discounts not available in all states. Call 877-922-9701 to speak with a representative or apply online. Get Quote

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Contact Details