 | The “F-Code” supercharged engine was named for the first letter of the Thunderbird’s chassis number signifying the car’s factory powerplant, “F-Birds,” as they became known, sported the Thunderbird Special 312-cubic-inch V-8 engine fitted with a McCulloch/Paxton VR57 centrifugal supercharger, pressure-sealed Holley four-barrel carburetor, and reinforced cylinder heads. Factory-rated at 300 horsepower, period tests and even Paxton Products themselves put the figure closer to 400hp. | |
 | 21,380 Thunderbirds were produced in 1957, but only 196 were delivered with the F-Code engine package. Options listed on the dealer invoice include the F-Code supercharged V-8 engine, three-speed manual transmission with overdrive, tinted glass, signal seek radio, and rear fender skirts. A 3.70:1 rear axle, the highest gear ratio available, rounded out this F-Bird’s details. This car is cloaked in its factory-correct finish of Raven Black over Flame pleated vinyl upholstery with a matching black hardtop. A similar example made $175k in 2015. Here. | |
Hugely collectible, this example appears at
RM Sotheby.
