1957 Ford Thunderbird custom restomod
- Engine
- 6.0L V8 OHV Chevrolet LS2, approx. 500 bhp, six-speed manual
- Colour
- Custom metallic mocha brown
A heavily customised 1957 Ford Thunderbird built by prominent American collector Wayne Davis as a personal showcase of modern craftsmanship applied to a classic body. The original T-Bird shell was subtly reshaped and finished in a bespoke metallic Mocha Brown, while the interior — trimmed by renowned upholsterer Paul Atkins — reimagines every detail in red leather. Beneath the body sits a custom chassis carrying a 'Thunderbirdized' Corvette LS2 V-8 producing approximately 500 bhp, driving through a six-speed manual gearbox. The car won the Kenny Davis Builder's Choice Award at the 2014 Goodguys Lone Star Nationals and placed second in class at the Carmel Concours on the Avenue during Pebble Beach week.
Ownership
- —Auction saleSold US$181,500
- Date unknownAcquisition unknownWayne Davispartial documentation
Prominent collector who commissioned and built this extensively customized Thunderbird through his own private shop, using bespoke modern components throughout. Drove the car personally on a 3,000-mile road trip and to Monterey during Pebble Beach Concours week.
Competition
- 2014Goodguys22nd Goodguys Lone Star NationalsKenny Davis Builder's Choice Award
Car was displayed by its builder and received a builders' recognition award at the event.
- —Carmel Concours on the Avenue2nd in class
Vehicle attended during Pebble Beach Concours week while also serving as daily transportation around the Monterey area.
Maintenance & restoration
- —RestorationWayne Davis private shop
Ground-up custom build using an original 1957 Thunderbird body, a bespoke chassis with four-wheel disc brakes, a modified Corvette LS2 V-8 producing around 500 bhp mated to a six-speed manual gearbox, flared fenders, one-off 19/20-inch wheels, full power equipment, air conditioning, and a high-end stereo system.
Interior trimmed in red leather by Paul Atkins; virtually every interior detail was redesigned rather than replicated from the original.
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