Ertl 1:18 1957 Ford Thunderbird

When Johnny came marching home from Europe after WWII, he’d been exposed to more than German and Italian troops - everything “Euro” had made an impression - especially women and cars. The girl next door just seemed a little plain Jane now and the latest DeSoto looked and felt ponderous after experiencing the wind rush through your flat top haircut in a nimble MG, Alfa or Drophead Jag. While many brides came home with the boys, cars were just not as readily available for shipping. The folks in Dearborn – pretty good at the plain Jane game (have you really looked at the early 1950 Fords?) figured they could give Johnny the sportiness he craved, the luxury he deserved and do it all for a price he could afford. Thus was born the fabulous Thunderbird.

A sensation at 1954 Detroit Auto show, the T-bird began production in 1955. The 1957 T-bird is probably the most popular of the early so called “Little Birds” as it was small, yet stylish and more powerful than its predecessors. And it was, and still is, a babe magnet. The 1957 version is modeled by RC2 (ERTL) under the American Muscle Authentics banner. The model re-animates one of the best of the legendary Precision 100 molds. The 1957 T-bird took on a more streamlined look and Ford dressed it up in its wildest colors (well, wild for Ford). The RC2 (ERTL) exterior is sheathed in Flame Red, a color that positively dances in the light. The white, chrome framed hardtop with famous porthole window was metal on the real thing and is on the model as well. Thoughtful inclusions are the top lock downs on the body – not just naked holes as we’ve seen on some other more expensive models. As a color combo, the red and white (or red/black chase car) shimmer.

The model has just over 200 separate parts (no spoke wheels to drive the piece count here). Fit and finish are superb with the minor exception of the rear panel which mounts awkwardly at the top of the fins. Impressively everything needs a final tug or push to snap closed – you can even see by one of the photos that the trunk this took some getting used to on my part. That’s not a bad shut line – just an unintentionally lazy closure on my part. The fuel door and unique side vents, which are functional. The aerial is retractable (actually it arrives retracted). Quarter windows are fixed, looking a bit odd with the top on but perfectly at home with the top down.

The 1957 front end had a completely different front end arrangement that was more aesthetically appealing. The brilliantly crafted grille is a delicate, open piece which gives life to some strange angular shadows on it in a given light. I love the hood scoop with its vented cowling and remember when opening the models hood the pivot here is on the front, not the back. RC2 (ERTL) has made this gem portraying the optional 312 V-8 capable of a Corvette hammering 340 horsepower. Not only is the engine wired it features soft hoses, diecast tranny and oil pan plus GMP-like details such as logo chrome valve covers and battery labels add realism. The trunk also has several features such as a full size spare, separate jack and labels.

The interior is probably the best part of the whole model – the two tone pleated PVC bench seat slides forward and back easily and folds down forward easily. Sun visors are pose-able as is the gear shift (!). The chrome inlaid dash with the key in the ignition a P100 hallmark that still blows away the competition. The rear view mirror on the sample had an unnatural bent to it, but that’s nothing you’re likely to notice. Other treats? How about big white sidewall tires surrounding color keyed wheels? How about mint- quality chrome or the deft replication of enameled insignia? How about an intricate chassis, functional front suspension and working drive train including rotating drive shaft?

In 1958 The T-bird adopted a more squared design and the car began a steady growth of horsepower, size and weight which continued into the 1990s. So the 1957 was the last – and maybe the best – of breed. Priced around $3500 for the Thunderbird never was not then or ever meant to be a pure sports car – but a personal luxury car – but one the average guy could aspire too. Priced around $60, this excellent RC2 (ERTL) model is true blue to that mission. Limited Edition of 1,085 pieces (1,302 total pieces made, 1,085 with white top and red/white interior and 217 with black top and black/white interior).

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