The 1957 Ford Thunderbird saw the first major restyling of the model. The T-bird was graced with a new front grille, and was as pretty going as coming; the style of the day mandated fat tailfins, and tailfins it had.

1957 also saw new, stronger engines, as it was the first year that Ford raced its new luxury mobile. A 312-ci V8 rated at 245 horsepower was available, and the "F-Code" had a 312-ci V8 rated from 325 to 340 horsepower.

Among the most collectible of all the Thunderbirds, the first generation, 2-seater "Bullet Birds" remain admired to this day.