57 Values today

[RAVEN]

I came across a recently restored 57 Bird for sale. Being a Flair Bird guy, I am not up to grade for current market values on the Baby Birds.
What is the range in Dollars of number one cars go for today?
I am thinking of going to see the car, but want to have a base number to start with. I am looking for a car with fit and finish quality and drivable.
So what is a fair value number?

[ButWhatDoIKnow]

Check Haggerty
https://www.hagerty.com/apps/valuationt ... ?id=119655

[Daddio]

For my reference on values, I use https://www.nadaguides.com/Cars/1957/Ford/Thunderbird

[CSPIDY]

Really depends on the model code, wether it’s C, D E or F code.
Obviously rarity plays a big part. Although engine size does play a factor wether it’s a 292 or a 312.
I have seen very nice drivers go from $25 to $35k. They may need some work but usually not a lot unless you wish to modify or upgrade.

[MarkR]

As CSPIDY advised....there are a lot of variations affecting the price for any bird. Keep in mind prices are way down and there are plenty on the market right now.
Mark

[1957Birdman]

I would check Ebay to see what has actually sold and for what price. There are a lot of factors that go into valuing a T-Bird and it seems to me that the price guides are usually off on the high side. Where they are correct is putting a greater value on a car with both tops and higher values on E and F code Birds. The C code Bird is considered to be a "Plain Jane" model with its smaller engine and 3 speed stick shift. The D code automatic is the one that had the highest number produced.
If you are serious about buying one I would suggest that you find a member of VTCI or CTCI and look it over and drive it, if possible. There are plenty of cars out there for sale. Many of them may be cosmetically "restored" but drive badly. My car is not perfect and does not have a great paint job, but I drove it from Maryland to Knoxville, TN in 2018. It was over 1100 miles with no break downs and averaging 70 mph on the highway. Anyway, do your homework. It will pay of in the end.
Lew Bachman
1957 Colonial White, Flame Red Interior

[RAVEN]

Thanks to all. I am well versed in cars, fit, finish and codes. Having a Best of Show Flair Bird, and an active poster on this FORUM, plus a better than 35 year playing with our cars, I feel comfortable with observing the cars.
The information provided, has given a level of satisfaction to go forward with today's price levels.
Will be viewing car tomorrow, with 2 others off stage, to access.

Again, thanks for the feed back.

RAVEN

[MarkR]

Raven, I know from your previous posts here that you know classics and the market very well. Classic Bird prices haven’t been this low in years. Your timing to add to your collection is perfect. Wish I could have done the stock market that well.
Let us know what you found if you would.
Mark

[ICON 1956]

Hello Raven, I wanted to add my 2 cents into this post. I had been looking for a Sage Green 1956 Baby Bird for sometime. I was looking at cars from E Bay. Then One day I found my car posted on E Bay near a car dealer by me. I did go to see it. Yes this was exactly what I have been looking in a "turn key" car.
Long story I manage to pay a lot less . I did find the same car listed on two different web sites. The first listing the car was selling for $75.000 then after I found it selling for $65.000. The dealer ship near my home had the same car listed for $58,000. I had a 1965 6 cylinder Mustang and a 1961 Bullet Bird. and a 2003 Harley Davidson Motorcycle. The dealership was starting to become a "Classic Car" dealership and needed inventory. So with negotiations I only paid $3000.00 out of my pocket for taxes. Keep on hunting you may find the car you want. FYI I did receive all of the paper work including the original build sheet along with the receipts from Jewel 's restoration body shop. The previous owner paid nearly $80,000.

[mike3121]

I did a quick Hagerty's price check on my D Code 1957 and it was $34,500. Actually I've got my 2018 Infiniti Q50 and my 57 T-Bird through USAA and my 1930 Chrysler Series 70 Roadster through Hagerty's.

[eboose7]

In general, prices of 1950's cars are down. That is because there is a shrinking demographic of interested buyers. Vintage car buyers crave the cars of their youth. Baby boomers are aging and looking to sell their cars. Younger buyers are not interested in these cars. They don't care about owning cars, especially cars made long before they were born. As owners age, there isn't a shortage of cars for sale. Buyers can be selective. The retro craze of the 90's failed in part for this very reason. I think prices for the '55-'57 Thunderbird will remain steady or decline for the foreseeable future.