1959 Ford Thunderbird Convertible

Description

Where General Motors 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, a 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. June of 1958 saw the convertible body style return to the Thunderbird lineup, now with a fully automatic top that stowed neatly into the luggage compartment when not in use. Further improvements aimed at increasing comfort and personalization came in the form of rear coil springs and a Hotchkiss drive, as well as optional full leather upholstery from 1959. Paired with a 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 1959.      

Highlights

• Powered by a 352 cu-in V8 engine paired with a three-speed automatic transmission

• Refinished in Sea Reef Green in 2003 as per the consignor

• Two-tone interior with Dark Green vinyl bolsters and White vinyl seat inserts 

• Desirably upgraded with disc brakes, rewired engine electrical system, and 12-volt alternator conversion

• Power-operated white convertible soft top

• This Thunderbird Convertible is offered with the five-digit odometer currently showing just 14,929 miles at the time of listing; however, the true mileage is unknown 

Features

• 14-inch steel wheels with polished covers

• Chrome bumpers, front and rear

• Chrome driver’s side exterior rearview mirror

• MagicAire heater

• Three-spoke steering wheel with steering knob

• Custom Autosound AM/FM radio with Bluetooth, USB, and AUX input

• Polished aluminum interior trim accents

• Manual windows

• Vent windows

• Color-keyed carpeted floormats

• Rear seats

• Dual sun visors

• Lap seatbelts

• Locking glove box

• Back-up lights

• Dual exhaust outlets

Known Imperfections

• Paint bubbles present on driver and passenger rocker panels

• Cracks in steering wheel rim

Included

• Three keys, four additional blank keys

• Original push-button radio

• Additional pair of white sun visors 

• Spare tire

• Owner’s manual

• Assorted Thunderbird shop and restoration manuals

Ownership History

The consignor reports acquiring this Thunderbird Convertible in 2002 from a private owner in New Jersey.

Optional vehicle service contract available for $750. Learn more about the program here. *Sales tax may be applicable.