How many 1957 Thunderbirds are there?
About 21,380 Thunderbirds were produced in 1957, the final year of Ford's original two-seat Thunderbird generation.
The question seeks the production tally for the 1957 Thunderbird—a model produced from 1955 to 1957 that helped define Ford's personal-luxury niche. This article explains that production figure and offers context on its significance for collectors and historians.
Context: The 1957 Thunderbird in Ford history
The 1957 Thunderbird marked the last year of the first-generation lineup that began with the 1955 model. It retained the two-seat roadster design but received styling updates that sharpened its look and solidified its position as a stylish, performance-minded personal luxury car. The figure 21,380 is frequently cited in Ford archives and Thunderbird registries as the year’s official output.
Design and market position
In 1957, Ford offered refinements to the Thunderbird's exterior and interior, with a powertrain lineup that continued to emphasize performance while keeping the car approachable for buyers seeking a high-end driving experience. The model helped establish the Thunderbird as a bridge between performance and luxury in Ford's lineup.
Production figure
The following single-item list presents the official annual tally for the 1957 Thunderbird.
- 1957 Thunderbird production: 21,380 units
This production figure is the widely cited annual total for 1957 and is used by historians and registries to benchmark the model’s market presence during its final year of the original generation.
Survivorship and collector interest
Despite a production run of tens of thousands, the number of surviving examples today is far smaller due to age, wear, and eventual restoration or loss. Collectors prize well-preserved originals and expertly restored cars, and registries and clubs play a key role in documenting provenance and ensuring lineage tracking for enthusiasts and potential buyers.
Summary
In summary, Ford produced 21,380 Thunderbirds in 1957, the last year of the two-seat first generation. This figure, combined with the car’s status as a design icon and its year-to-year changes, contributes to the Thunderbird’s enduring appeal among collectors and automotive historians.
