The first-generation Ford Thunderbird went out in 1957 with its head held high, thanks to refreshed styling and a host of new performance options.

The most impressive of these was the magical “F-Code” supercharged engine.

So named for the first letter of the Thunderbird’s chassis number signifying the car’s factory powerplant, “F-Birds,” as they affectionately became known, sported the Thunderbird Special 312-cubic-inch V-8 engine fitted with a McCulloch/Paxton VR57 centrifugal supercharger, pressure-sealed Holley four-barrel carburetor, and reinforced cylinder heads.

Questionably factory-rated at 300 horsepower, period tests and even Paxton Products themselves put the figure closer to 400.

All that horsepower added over 10% to the Thunderbird’s base price and was thus reserved for only the most discerning, performance-minded customers.

While 21,380 Thunderbirds were produced in 1957, only about 200 of those were delivered with the F-Code engine package.

Confirmed by both its “F”...