55, 56, 57 Thunderbird
 

Question: On the tri-5 T-birds, the prices vary from $20,000 to $60,000. If they are of equal quality in restoration or say in very good condition, why the big difference. I realize some are outfitted with more power options than others, but that shouldn't affect the price that much. It doesn't on other cars. Most have 312 cu. in motors and A/T. Some few have power steering and brakes. Even fewer with power windows. Most appear to be about equal until you look at the price. Any help will be appreciated.

Re: 55, 56, 57 Thunderbird
 

I doubt that a 20,000 Bird vs a 60,00 Bird would be anywhere near equal. Pictures hardly tell the story. What may look good may not be that good under examination hence the lower price. A good example would be a fair paint job vs a really good one. In pics they may look the same. Then there are different restorations - One may be a frame off while another could be a frame on without a full restoration underneath.

For 57's you have the option of four different engines. The most powerful (E and F Birds) bring a premium price, but usually more than the 60,000 you mentioned. However, if not in the best of condition, these two could be priced much lower.

Then you my have the scenerio that the seller either needs to sell under duress or does not really know the value of it. Or the situation that the seller thinks the car is worth more than it really is.

Lots of variables

Re: 55, 56, 57 Thunderbird
 

I think Paul said that very nicely. Old birds often have some rust problems, and a skim coat of filler covers it nicely for a couple years. A well restored car will have plenty of photos in bare metal. Primer shots don't count.

Re: 55, 56, 57 Thunderbird
 

Engine, trans, suspension and steering may or may not have been rebuilt.

The previous comments from Paul & Miker are quite correct.
Esp. about body/paint work quality and the thoroughness and 'correctness' of any restoration work.

Caution:
As a side note... Folks selling a car with a y-block engine, major parts of, or a y-block engine will often say it's a "Thunderbird 312". Sometimes it's not true.
Determining which engine it actually is, is complicated by the fact that all the basic engine block castings '54 to '64, 239 to 312, look 99% the same. Only some bolt-on pieces are noticeably different.
You have to check the engine block casting number. Even then you can't 100% confirm a 312 unless you can see the appropriate marks on the rear flange of the crankshaft, the main bearing caps, or measure the bore & stroke (if the heads are off but not the oil pan).

see these links...
http://ford-y-block.com/Block%20identification.htm
http://ford-y-block.com/identify312.htm
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Re: 55, 56, 57 Thunderbird
 

Yeah, you have to do your 'Bird homework to know what you're looking at. $60k should put you in a nearly-concourse level ride. $20k may be a nice driver. I'd never buy one unless I could crawl through it and under it and take someone with me that knows them. I know one guy who deals in them, he'd be the guy.