Poll: Which Thunderbird? (10/10/2026)

I'd give my eye teeth for either one. But my vote goes to the cleaner, better-proportioned 55. 

Really beautiful automobiles and in a great exterior color. I am happy to have some replicas of the 1956 edition in several colors.

The ‘57 is a beauty, but I much prefer the original, in Thunderbird Blue please. One of my prized DM’s.

One of my favorite Photos by John Merritt. 

I voted for the '57.  It amazes me how a grill and bumper change gave the car a whole new look.  Of course, the rear had to change to reflect the style of new-for-1957 big Fords. The more upright deck lid also increased the trunk space.  The new hooded dashboard is a big improvement over original.  And let's not forget the iconic portholes on the removable hardtop!

This choice, for me, couldn't be worse John. I have been in love with the Baby Birds (exclude the butt-warted '56 please) since I was a baby bird in 1955; age 8.

It all depends on whether you like fins or not. In '57, we all did; it was the new norm. I still like them today - on certain cars and the '57 T-Bird is definitely one of those to carry the banner.

It was slightly more powerful and drove better. I note the pic for the '57 is an Amos Minter car. They drive and handle better than when they drove off the factory floor. But that '55 is pure; the first one, the standard for two seat fun, if not drag-strip competition for the Vette.

Only comparison worse than this would be which I like better on the Baby Birds, skirts or no skirts!

Going with the '55.

I like the sharper pointed design of the 57.

1957 for me too.

The '55 will always have the cachet of being the first of the breed, and over the years many attempts to "improve" on an original design have backfired, but in this case I find the '57 an improvement. Unlike JK I see it as better proportioned than the '55 and nicely matured in various little styling details. It makes the '55 look just a little dumpy in comparison. '57 for me.

I love all the baby birds, just not the buttwart on the '56. The '57 has ALWAYS been my favorite though.💯

LOVE them both, but prefer the '57.  Other than looking beautiful and being the first, the '55 is out done by just about everything in the '57.

I prefer the original from 1955 but would enjoy owning any of the three years of production.

I have owned a 55, 56 and 57 and the 55 was the best handling of the three and, as could be expected, the 56 was the worst. The 6 volt electrics on the 55 was, at times, aggravating and the lack of ventilation made driving them quite hot in summer temperatures. My favorites are both the 55 and 57. The continental kit on the 56 shifted quite a bit of weight behind the rear axle which caused the steering to become lighter and somewhat squirrely. The 55 is my choice over the 57 by the smallest of margins.

My heart led me to the ‘57. 
steve