57 Specs

1957 Ford Thunderbird
Complete Specifications

Some major styling changes took place on the 1957 Ford Thunderbird from previous years. Inside, the instrument panel was redesigned with clustered dials plus new designs to the all-vinyl upholstery and trim combinations. Outside the spare tire went back into the trunk, which didn't occupy too much room in the 5 feet by 5-1/2 feet space. The standard top for the '57 Thunderbird, made of glass-fiber, was removable and had stylish port windows (also available without port windows). A manually operated soft top was also an option but at an extra cost. Tops were available in black, blue, tan or white and comfort-sealed against the weather. The rear boasted rear fins which were growing in populartity by automakers.

The Thunderbird's optional engine choice for 1957 contained 312 cu. in with 285 hp while the standard engine has 212 hp. Also available was 3 choices of transmission including a new 3-speed manual.

1957 Ford Thunderbird Production and Specifications

Model Number	Body/Style Number	Body Type & Seating	Factory Price	Shipping Weight	Total Production
Thunderbird
C7/D7/E7	40	2 dr Convertible - 2P	$3,408	3,134 lbs	21,380

Chassis Data

Model	Wheelbase	Overall Length	Overall Height	Front Tread	Rear Tread	Tires
Thunderbird	102 in	181.4 in	51.6 in	56 in	56 in	7.50 x 14 four-ply tubeless

Vin Number Decoding - 1957 Ford Thunderbird

Location: Installed on the dash panel in the engine compartment.

First Symbol - Engine

D= V8 OHV 312 cu. in.

F = V8 OHV 312 cu. in. Supercharged

Second Symbol - Model Year
7 = 1957	6 = 1956

Third - Assembly Plant
A = Atlanta, GA.	M = Memphis, TN.
C = Chester, PA.	N = Norfolk, VA.
D = Dallas, TX.	P = Twin Cities, WI.
E = Mahwah, NJ.	R = San Jose, CA.
F = Dearborn, MI.	S = Pilot Plant
G = Chicago, IL.	T = Metuchen, NJ.
H = Lorain, OH.	U = Louisville, KY.
J = Los Angeles, CA.	W = Wayne, MI.
K = Kansas City, MO.	Y = Wixom, MI.
L = Long Beach, CA.	Z = St. Louis, MO.

Fourth Symbol - Body Style

H = Thunderbird

Last Six Symbols - Production Sequence

Starting at 100001

Body Type Code

40 = Thunderbird

Body Color Code
A = Raven Black	N = Gunmetal Gray / Seaspray Green
E = Colonial White	Q = Thundrbird Bronze
F = Starmist Blue	R = Torch Red
G = Sun Gold	V = Flame Red
H = Gunmetal Gray	X = Dusk Rose
J = Willow Green	Y = Inca Gold
L = Azure Blue	Z = Coral Sand

Trim Code
XA = Raven Black & Colonial White Vinyl	XK = Colonial White Vinyl
XH = Flame Red Vinyl	XL = Dresden (med. Blue) & Starmist (lt. Blue) vinyl
XJ = Bronze (Copper) Vinyl	XM = Cumberland (med. green) & Willow (lt. green) vinyl

Date Code (example - 17 K - 17 = day of month; K = month
A or N = January	G or U = July
B or P = February	H or V = August
C or Q = March	J or W = September
D or R = April	K or X = October
E or S = May	L or Y = November
F or T = June	M or Z = December

Transmission Codes
Code	Transmission Type
1	3-Speed Manual Shift
2	Overdrive
3	Fordomatic 2-speed

Rear Axle Code
Code	Ratio
0	4.11
1	3.10
2	3.56
3	3.70
4	3.89
5	2.91
6	2.69