In 1957 Ford modified the Thunderbird with new front and rear ends as well as a more powerful V8 engine. This more powerful model was met with great enthusiasm by consumers who purchased over 20,000 units that year.

Upgrades to the 1957 model year included larger 14-inch wheels, increased chassis rigidity, a new suspension, larger brakes.

Five distinct V8s were offered. On the lower end was the 292 in³ and a D-code 312 in³, called the Thunderbird Special V8, with a single Holley carb. Higher spec cars included the E-code which used dual Holley four-barrels to produce 270 bhp or 285 with a racing kit which had 10.0:1 compression large port heads, dual 4 barrel carburettors, 290 degree cam and reworked distributor. At the top end was the F-code McCullough-Paxton supercharged model which offered 300 horsepower.