1957 Ford Thunderbird Model F Convertible

Named for a bird from Native American mythology representing power and strength, the Thunderbird was Ford's successful challenge to Chevrolet's Corvette. It was unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show in February of 1954. Approximately 4.4 million Thunderbirds were produced from 1955 until 2005, but only 21,380 were produced in 1957 - and of those, just 205 were delivered with the F-Code engine package.

This example is one of those cars. It sports a 312 cubic-inch overhead valve V8 engine producing 300 horsepower, with a McCulloch/Paxton VR57 supercharger, a Holley four-barrel carburetor, three-speed manual transmission with overdrive, independent wishbone front suspension, live rear axle, and four-wheel drum brakes.

That 300 horsepower would cost you an extra $340, but for those 205 owners who chose the expense, it was probably worth it: the 1958 Thunderbird became a four-passenger 'personal luxury car' and the supercharged engine was no longer offered.

Prior to its acquisition by the current owner, this example has been in the hands of Thunderbird enthusiasts such as Jim Weatherly, Robert Cheadle, and Amos Minter for the majority of its life. It has also passed through the collection of noted auto enthusiast Don Davis.