This 1957 Ford Thunderbird was previously owned by Magnum P.I. actor Larry Manetti and acquired by the seller on BaT in September 2018. Power is provided by a 292ci Y-block V8 paired with a three-speed manual transmission with overdrive and it is finished in Raven Black over Colonial White vinyl. Equipment includes a Raven Black-finished removable hardtop with porthole windows, a black soft top, aftermarket air conditioning, power steering, power windows, an AM/FM radio, an analog clock, chrome bumpers, and parking lights. This Thunderbird was listed on BaT in May 2024 and is now offered again with Larry Manetti-autographed photos, service records, and a Washington state title in the seller’s name.
The car is finished in Raven Black and is said to have undergone rust repairs and a partial repaint circa 1992. Details include a black removable hardtop with porthole windows, a black soft top, a Thunderbird hood emblem, shaped and chromed front and rear bumpers, fender vents, bumper-mounted auxiliary parking lights, a fixed antenna, and slanted tail fins. Paint and top blemishes are displayed in the gallery.
The 14″ steel wheels wear turbine covers and are mounted with older Uniroyal Tiger Paw white-stripe tires. The car is equipped with power steering, and braking is supplied by drums at each corner. Rust is noted in the driver-side door jamb.
The cabin features a bench seat trimmed in white vinyl and is accompanied by a color-coordinated dashboard and door panels. Equipment includes aftermarket air conditioning, a digital cassette stereo, a floor-mounted shifter, power windows, and a locking glovebox. The shifter boot is torn and the windshield wipers and clock do not work.
The telescoping three-spoke steering wheel frames a centrally mounted 140-mph speedometer, a tachometer, and gauges for coolant temperature and fuel level. The five-digit odometer indicates 26k miles, approximately 300 of which were added under current ownership. Total mileage is unknown.
The C-code 292ci Y-block V8 is equipped with a two-barrel carburetor and was factory rated at 212 horsepower. The generator has been replaced with an alternator.
Power is routed to the rear wheels via a three-speed manual transmission with overdrive.
Decoding the data plate reveals the following production information:
- C – 292ci V8 with a two-barrel carburetor
- 7 – 1957 model year
- F – Dearborn, Michigan, assembly plant
- H – Thunderbird
- 159510 – Consecutive unit number
- Body 40 – Thunderbird convertible
- Color AA – Black Raven paint
- Trim XK – Colonial White vinyl trim
A collection of pictures autographed by actor Larry Manetti will accompany the vehicle along with a workshop manual and service records.
The Washington state title has an “Antique” brand.