Project 1959 Ford Thunderbird Hardtop

Description

OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE

While GM designed the Chevrolet Corvette to emulate European-style sports cars, Ford decided to lean in the other direction with the second-generation Thunderbird, instead embracing its true nature as a luxurious cruiser. The new “Square Bird” had a longer, more dramatic design featuring quad headlights, low-slung grille, and a rocket-like character line running from the rear bumper along the doors. Out back, the T-Bird continued to feature pronounced tailfins, and quad taillights were housed in their own pods with mesh bezels. The 1959 Thunderbird also shifted from a two-seat to a four-seat configuration in an attempt to appeal to a broader market. 

The new-look ’59 T-Bird was available in both hardtop and convertible versions. Under the hood, the car was equipped with a standard 352 cubic-inch V8 engine producing 300 horsepower, which was quite impressive for the era. The Thunderbird also featured advanced options such as power steering, brakes, and windows, and the introduction of the Ford Selectaire air conditioning system. 

This 1959 Ford Thunderbird Hardtop ran when it was parked, but it has been sitting outside for nearly a year and should be considered a project car. 

Highlights 

• Finished in Driftwood paint over tan and white vinyl interior 

• Powered by a 352 cu-in V8 engine rated at 300 horsepower and 381 lb-ft of torque 

• Three-speed Cruise-O-Matic automatic transmission 

• The chassis number (H9YH140900) decodes as: 

  • H – 352 cu-in V8, 300 hp 

  • 9 – 1959 model year 

  • Y – Wixom, Michigan, assembly plant 

  • H – Thunderbird two-door hardtop 

  • 140900 – Sequential production number 

• The data plate decodes as: 

  • Body: 63A – Two-door hardtop 

  • Color: M – Royal Maroon (now Driftwood) 

  • Trim: 2Y – Hickory Tan 

  • Date: 01E – May 1 build 

  • Tran: 4 – Three-speed Cruise-O-Matic automatic transmission 

  • Axle: 1 – 3.10:1 rear axle ratio 

Features 

• Interior has been redone 

• Power steering, brakes, windows, and seats 

• Center console 

• Ford Selectaire air conditioning 

• AM radio 

• 140 mph speedometer 

• 14-inch steel wheels 

• Hankook Optimo H724 P215/75R14 whitewall tires 

Known Imperfections 

• Multiple paint imperfections, including chips, cracks, and light surface rust 

• Pitting and light surface rust on front bumper and badges 

• Marks on headliner and driver’s sun visor  

• Scuffs on base of driver’s seat near power adjustment toggle switch 

• Cloth trim is pulling away from driver’s rear door well and passenger front door well 

• Light surface rust in engine bay 

• Paint chips and rust on wheels 

• No hubcaps 

• Dead battery 

Included 

• Car cover 

• Carpet underlayment 

• Spare interior parts 

Ownership History 

The Texas seller of this 1959 Ford Thunderbird Hardtop says the car belonged to her father, and she admits that she doesn't know much about it. It has been titled in her name since June 2024.