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Forum 43
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Topic starter
14/06/2021 6:38 am
I was impressed by the blue on this Ertl; I have the black and white top version which I never really was enthused about although it is a 57 Tbird.
Azure Blue
Because the all-new 1958 Thunderbirds weren't ready for production in time to be introduced with the rest of the new Ford models, it was decided to hold over production of the 1957 models longer than usual to keep new Thunderbirds in dealer inventory. When the changeover to the 1958 models occurred at the factory, new 1958 colors were sprayed on the '57 T-birds to prevent any delays on the assembly line.
57 T-bird color options:
Interesting page:
🎶
Frank Reed
Chesapeake, VA
14/06/2021 9:17 am
So at the start of the 1958 model year Ford was still selling '57 T-birds, but in '58 MY colors, along side the new '58 Fords. I wonder how long these "rare Birds" were produced, and I suppose they are interesting to classics buyers. Have others been made in 1:43? It's a fascinating bit of automotive history, plus I like those 1958 colors.
Beautiful Azure on the model and it looks like a good match to the color chart.
Frank Reed and Frank Reed reacted
Topic starter
14/06/2021 10:43 am
@mark-lampariello. I have a very nice Corgi 57 (when I first started collecting) but not 143; It’s closer to 1:36. Brooklin has and I’m sure others brands made 57s but I have not seen any when out looking. I recently (last month) found the blue one new in the box for 10 USD.
Frank Reed
Chesapeake, VA
Harv Goranson and Harv Goranson reacted
14/06/2021 12:01 pm
Conquest made a '57. I wish I had bought one years ago.
Frank Reed and Frank Reed reacted
14/06/2021 12:03 pm
So at the start of the 1958 model year Ford was still selling '57 T-birds, but in '58 MY colors, along side the new '58 Fords. I wonder how long these "rare Birds" were produced, and I suppose they are interesting to classics buyers. Have others been made in 1:43? It's a fascinating bit of automotive history, plus I like those 1958 colors.
Beautiful Azure on the model and it looks like a good match to the color chart.
Mark, FYI, The introduction of the 4-seat 1958 model was delayed and Ford continued the production of the 2-seat version through the 1957 calendar year.
Mid-year color replacements were used on all late year production: "Azure" Blue for "Starmist" Blue; "Seaspray Green for "Willow" Green: "Torch" Red for "Flame" Red and "Sungold" for "Incagold"
The '58 convertible model was delayed due to production issues and not introduced to the public until May, 1958. Hence only 2134 were made.
Late year production '57s have no monetary worth over earlier cars.
Topic starter
14/06/2021 12:24 pm
Conquest made a '57. I wish I had bought one years ago.
Frank Reed
Chesapeake, VA
14/06/2021 5:33 pm
Here is a photo of my Conquest 1957 Thunderbird. I bought this in 2016, and it was the first model I purchased from Buz. In the background of the photo is a picture of the Grand canyon.
Ed Davis
Inverness, Illinois, USA
Frank Reed and Frank Reed reacted
Topic starter
14/06/2021 5:36 pm
@ed-davis very nice. Must be the Starmist Blue.👍
Frank Reed
Chesapeake, VA
15/06/2021 3:32 pm
Those Conquest '57s are magnificent. I don't own any Conquest pieces [yet].
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