1958 Ford Thunderbird

Description

Breaking cover as “America’s Most Individual Car," the second-generation Ford Thunderbird was developed with a focus on improving the vehicle as a luxurious cruiser which resulted in a longer, more dramatic design that could now accommodate four passengers. Built using unibody construction, second-generation “Square Bird” examples were among the first Ford models to employ this method allowing for full-size luxury features to be introduced to a mid-size layout. At almost a foot longer than its predecessor, quad headlights, a low-slung grille, pronounced rear fins, and quad taillights protected by mesh bezels evolved the styling of America’s most popular luxury boulevard cruiser. Paired with a new FE-Block V8 making 300 horsepower as the base engine, Ford would continue to outpace Corvette sales with the second-generation “Square Bird” with the best sales years of the Thunderbird at that point recorded in 1958.

Highlights

• Acquired in May of 2001 from a local T-Bird collector, remaining in long-term single-family ownership ever since

• Equipped with a replacement 390 cu-in V8 believed to have been sourced from a later 1967 Thunderbird as per the consignor

• Finished in a White exterior with a Black hard top and two-tone matching interior

• Restored under previous ownership to the current specification

• Currently displaying 208,890 miles at the time of cataloging

Diligently serviced and tastefully upgraded under current ownership including:

• Engine rebuild performed around 10k miles ago with a top-end rebuild and new seals installed 300 miles ago

• Transmission rebuild performed around 10,000 miles ago

• Dropshop spindles with inches lower

• All bearings and bushing replaced

• New alternator

• Rechromed bumpers

• Installed matching interior kit

• Rebuilt steering column

• Rebuilt clock and gauges

• Rebuilt heater control unit

• Upgraded fifteen-inch American Racing Torq Thrust wheels

• Upgraded disc brake kit with ABS 8-inch booster (original is rebuilt and under dash, but not in use)

• Upgraded aluminum radiator

Features

• Three-speed Cruise-O-Matic automatic transmission

• Power steering

• Power brakes

• Power front bucket seats

• Power windows

• Tachometer

• Autometer gauges

• Lifeguard padded instrument panel

• Sun visors

• Automatic dome light

• Cigarette lighter

• Coat hooks in the rear compartment

• Dual horns and turn signals

Known Imperfections

• Minor paint imperfections consistent with vehicle age and usage, most significant on the driver’s side front quarter panel as pictured

• Rip on the driver’s side seat bolster

• At the time of cataloging the wiper motor is non-operable

Included

• Detailed service records

• Books and repair manuals

• Matching skirts

• One set of keys

• Original air cleaner assembly

• Car cover

• Original floor mats

• Original jack

• Spare tire

Ownership History

According to the vehicle trim tag, this Thunderbird was built on 21 March 1958, at the Wixom Assembly Plant originally finished in Casino Cream with a Black and White vinyl interior. It was acquired in 2001 from a local Thunderbird collector and has remained in single-family ownership ever since.

Additional Notes

A Broad Arrow Group Car Specialist is working as an agent on behalf of the owner for this vehicle.

Contact: Jeff Inglis Phone: 503.318.0620 email: jeff.inglis@broadarrowgroup.com