In 1957, Ford wanted to get a little jump on the Corvette performance wise, so they introduced a couple of nice engine options. Known by their production codes, E and F, they are among the rarest and most collectible Thunderbirds. The E code sported two four barrel Holley carburetors borrowed from Lincoln and produced 270 horsepower. The F code was powered by a McCulloch / Paxton supercharger and was advertised at 300 horsepower in standard form, or 340 horsepower with an optional Nascar kit. Approximately 210 F code birds were ordered, 15 of which are said to have been 340 hp versions. 12 supercharged models were built with a D code serial number. F code below. 

McCulloch's Paxton Products division, based in Los Angeles, California, signed a one year contract with Ford to supply its variable ratio, oil cooled, centrifugal VR57 supercharger exclusively for the 312-cu.in. Ford V8 in 1957. 

Paxton delivered between 100 and 125 VR57 Phase I superchargers to Ford in December 1956 to meet NASCAR's homologation rules, according to Moody. Twelve D code Thunderbirds and an unknown number of passenger cars built in January 1957 received the Phase I superchargers, identified by the large clamp used to hold the two halves together. 

Because the Phase I superchargers proved sensitive and unreliable (though reportedly more powerful), Paxton revised the design for the superchargers destined for the general public. The VR57 Phase II supercharger went into the now famous F code Thunderbirds (between 208 and 211 total production) and passenger cars (as many as 1,500 total), which didn't come out of the factory until later in 1957. Ford claimed 300hp from the supercharged engines, and Paxton claimed 360hp, though actual output, depending on the camshaft, peaked at 325 and 340hp. One of 7 retractables with the F code engine below. Below that, Skyliners being built in Dearborn.

Below, pix of some of approx 40 F codes known to exist today.

These were fast cars, with 0-60 in the six second range and a top speed of 130 mph.

E code 312 engine below

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