A larger grille set off the restyle, while lower bumpers and a switch from fifteen to fourteen-inch wheels gave it a more low-slung look. More prominent tailfins and larger taillights on the lengthened rear end came from drawings by Bill Boyer. The spare tire, which had been moved continental-style outside to the rear bumper in 1956, was moved back inside, but now with extra luggage space. New round instruments and new upholstery combinations woke up the interior. It was a sales record for Thunderbird at 21,380 for 1957, of which as few as 1,499 were E-Codes.

This example is refinished in its original Coral Sand color. It’s well optioned with the “Thunderbird 312 Super V-8” with dual Holley four-barrel carburetors. Other options include the Dial-A-Matic seat, which automatically rolls back when the car is shut off for an easier exit; it has a memory feature to return the seat its last selection upon restart. Noted marque expert Phil McCurdy completed a concours restoration in 2012, after which it received several prestigious national awards. It joined the collection in 2017.