Casting : Classic '57 T-Bird
Years of Production:
1970-1971
Country of Origin:
US Only
Casting Variations:
Gas Tank Size
Interior and Glass:
Two different colored interiors.
* White
* Dark
Clear Glass
Paint Colors and Variations:
| US COLORS: |
COMMENTS: |
| aqua |
common |
| blue | common |
| gold | common |
| green | common |
| lime | common |
| red | common |
| olive | uncommon |
| orange |
uncommon |
| rose |
uncommon |
| purple |
uncommon |
| yellow |
hard to find |
| antifreeze |
hard to find |
| light blue |
hard to find |
| brown | hard to find |
| magenta |
very hard to find |
| copper | very hard to find |
| hot pink |
rare |
Other versions of same Casting:
None
Discussion:
The Classic '57 T-Bird, released in 1969 is one of the four new models of classic cars released as the "Classics" series.
Classic '57 T-Bird
The Hot Wheels rendition of the '57 T Bird is based on the Ford 1957 Thunderbird, Ford's answer to the Chevrolet Corvette. Introduced in
1955 as a two-seater "personal luxury car". The car came standard with a removable fiberglass top; a cloth convertible top was a popular
option. The '55 T-Bird featured a 292 c.i. V-8 engine. For 1957, the T-Bird was re-designed with a larger drop-down grille and front
bumper, more prominent tail fins, and large round tail lights. The spare tire, which had been externally mounted for '56, moved back inside
the trunk. Also, because Ford raced the T-Bird in '57, more powerful engine choices were available, including supercharged versions of the
312 c.i. V-8. More than 21,000 '57 T-Birds were sold. The '57 T-Bird was the last two-seater Ford would build until the '82 EXP.
Hot Wheels Classic '57 T-Bird in Yellow
The Hot Wheels rendition of the T Bird is an accurate replica of the actual car with customization limited
to the raised section behind the driver's seat, fog lights in the grille and the reshaped windshield.
Hot Wheels Classic '57 T-Bird V8 Engine
The hood of the T Bird opens to reveal a detailed engine compartment with a V8 engine.
Classic '57 T-Bird Bases
The base of the T Bird has two distinct variations, long and short gas tanks. The long version is the later standard production version.
Classic '57 T-Bird, Front and Rear
The only standard detail paint on the car is the orange/red paint on the tail lights.
Classic '57 T-Birds with White Interior
Aside from their colors, white and brown interiors also differ in that the catch piece that forms the center console is wider in white interiors whereas all brown
interiors have the narrow catch. However, at least two white interior T-Bird with a narrow console has been found, and they are both pre-production pieces.
Classic '57 T-Birds with Narrow Type White Interior
Classic '57 T-Bird, Blacked Out Grille
Some T Birds have been found with blacked out grilles but it is likely a preproduction feature as it has only been found on cars with other pre-production attributes.
Classic '57 T-Bird, Painted Detail on Hood Scoop and Headlights
'57 T Birds have been found with silver painted head lights and one with a black hood scoop
These may be simply details added by the original owner and not a rare production feature.
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Classic '57 T-Bird in Colors
Classic '57 T-Bird in Brown and Copper
Classic '57 T-Bird Blue Trio
Classic '57 T-Bird in Cheetah Blister
Some collectors believe that the Classic '57 T-Bird was one of the first castings of the 1969 line up to be produced as they have been found on the "Cheetah" blister pack
cards that were printed in late 1967. An early run car such as the rare creamy pink T-Bird with dark interior shown below would certainly be consistent with this theory.
Classic '57 T-Bird in Blister
Prototypes
Several examples of pre-production '57 T Birds exist. All three feature short gas tan and narrow catch white interiors.
Unpainted Classic '57 T Bird
Hand Painted Aqua Classic '57 T Bird,
This piece came from the infamous Room 1111 at the Irvine Convention
Hand Painted Gold Enamel Classic '57 T Bird
Reproductions
The '57 T-Bird was reproduced by Mattel in the "Redline Club" line. These are easily distinguished from original redlines but still confuse the newbys.
RLC Version of the '57 T-Bird
Credits: Text and photos by Jerry Schmitt, Rick Wilson and Ted Gray
Additional photos provided by the Redlines Online community
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