1957 Ford Thunderbird - ROXANNE -

1957 Ford Thunderbird (custom roadster)


--Show-winning custom roadster
--All hand-formed steel of ’57 T-bird with body modifications
--High-performance 351-CID Ford V8 engine
--Diamond-pleated white Naugahyde vinyl interior
--One-off custom show car
--1961 Chrysler glass dome gauge cluster
--Interior features finished in 14-karat gold paint

MotoeXotica Classic Cars proudly presents this one-of-a-kind, one-off custom show car with this award-winning 1957 Ford Thunderbird custom roadster and its nickname “Roxanne.” This is one far-out car that portrays the futuristic fantasy vibes of the late ‘50s. It is all-steel construction with all components welded in and skim coated smooth — an amazing feat!

The body is all hand-formed steel of a ’57 Ford Thunderbird with a variety of body modifications. Tom Culberston of Culberston’s Customs (Indianapolis) originally built Roxanne. The inspiration for this radical custom came from the show cars built by Ed “Big Daddy” Roth and George Barris in the ’50 and ‘60s. Finished in a brilliant gold metallic paint, this custom roadster definitely plays off a golden motif. The large rear tailfins give the iconic cult look, helping this car look like a rocket ship! Other exterior modifications to this roadster include 1959 Lincoln headlights, 1959 Buick taillights, shaved door handles, custom grille and tail panels and a chopped windshield. There is a hairline stress crack inside the right headlight, barely noticeable but there. This astounding custom sits on four five-spoke wheels wrapped in whitewall Dimension All Season tires measuring P205/75R14.

A striking feature is the fully-custom white Naugahyde vinyl seen not only on the interior but also the wheel wells, engine bay and even the hood pad! These details set apart a show car from a cruiser. This vinyl encases the seats and is also diamond-pleated. The seats show no wear or tear as is expected from a show-winning vehicle. Another custom feature is the Chrysler glass dome gauge cluster. This bubble dome appears as if it came right out of a science fiction comic book from the same era. The steering wheel is a ‘60s Plymouth Aero wheel; there is also a custom shifter and — surprisingly — a retro rotary phone attached to the center of the floorboard. The trunk has been equipped with a restored 1950s Admiral TV and matching accessories, and according to previous accounts, the interior features have been finished in 14-karat gold.

Under the hood, this show car features a high-performance 351-CID Ford V8 engine mated with a Ford C4 automatic transmission — both were rebuilt before installation. Even as a show car, Roxanne runs fantastically. Known issues are the horn and speedometer are currently inoperable. This engine sits in a show-prepared engine bay, and there is a custom air cleaner and Mickey Thompson rocker covers with T-bar fasteners and gold detailing. The car comes with a custom-made toneau cover but has no hard or soft top.

This custom car is unique and will serve well as a show car for any collection. Awards for Roxanne include: Oakland Roadster Show, Sacramento Roadster Show and Lead Sled East among more in the radical custom class.

  

Roxanne was built in 99/2000 in the vein of George Barris and Big Daddy Roth by Tom Culbertson using all hand-formed steel starting with a 1957 Thunderbird. The windshield was chopped and '58 Lincoln headlights were fitted along with '59 Buick tail lights installed. Large rear tail fins lend a rocketship appearance and alot more. The interior is diamond pleated white naugayhyde and a 1961 Chrysler glass dome dash installed, 60 plymouth aero wheel. The door handles are shaved and custom front grille and rear tail panel installed. A high performance 351 Ford engine and Ford C4 automatic transmission were rebuilt prior to installation. The engine bay is show prepared with diamond pleated naugahyde trim and the trunk has a retro 1950s television and matching accessories. The paint is 14k gold. This car has won every major show entered in the Radical Custom class including The Oakland Roadster Show, Sacramento Roadster Show and Lead Sled East. Fantastic radical custom car. Awards not included.