Classic/Antique Car Repair: My 57 Tbird Dataplate and codes, classic thunderbird club, detroit auto show

Question
QUESTION: Hi Robert,
I have decoded the information correctly, however the codes between The colour and the trim headings reads:
40 EE6 XA 21Y 3 1  What does the E6 stand for?
I have searched sites but can not find and finish my decoding.
Thanks you and awaiting your reply.
Charles

ANSWER: Hello Charles,

I've drawn a blank also. Judging by its location on the tag, The E6 could be a special trim or
color combination. Also, since you're in Australia, was this car exported to your car when new or did it get there in subsequent years? Just as a wild guess, "E" for "Export"?

To get a more definitive definition, I suggest you consult the experts at the Classic Thunderbird Club of America. You may have a special car there!

Best of Luck,

Bob

 

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hello Bob
The car arrived here to Australia in April 2011 previously it lived in Nevada for over 50 years.
My unconfirmed conclusion is the E6 could be the Hard top colour and the soft top colour. Only because where these codes are located. As you know Ford loved mixing and matching colour combinations. What do you think of my conclusion? Possibility?
PS. Bob,you are right, she is definitely a special car.
Charles

Answer
Hello Charles,

Charles,

Your deductions make sense to me as far as they go. As you know, manufacturers in the 50's concentrated on getting the VIN numbers right, less so on the build information. However, I must say that the T-Bird body tag information, particularly for '57, is about as good at it got for that time.

What still runs through my mind though is if your extra numbers may have indicated a "show" as like the Detroit Auto Show type show, with special paint or to indicate to factory assembly extra care. Or, maybe a magazine or photo shoot car where everything needed to be flawless. We do know that all the manufacturers had special handling designations for the assembly line, single out car for special handling intended for celebrities, TV shows, etc. I can't confirm whether my theory holds any water but the extra stampings are factory. In any case, it would be fascinating to investigate, in essence making your "special" car even more unique!

Best of luck on this, like many others, '57 are my favorite 'Birds also!

Bob