1959 Ford

Thunderbird SOLD

SOLD

1959 Ford

Thunderbird

Description

The Ford Thunderbird (colloquially called the T-Bird) is a personal luxury car produced by Ford from model years 1955 until 1997 and 2002 until 2005 across 11 distinct generations. Introduced as a two-seat convertible, the Thunderbird was produced in a variety of body configurations. These included a four-seat hardtop coupe, four-seat convertible, five-seat convertible and hardtop, four-door pillared hardtop sedan, six-passenger hardtop coupe, and five-passenger pillared coupe, with the final generation designed again as a two-seat convertible.

Ford targeted the two-seat Thunderbird as an upscale model, but the 1958 model year design introduced a rear seat and arguably marked the expansion of a market segment eventually known as personal luxury cars. This class of cars was positioned to emphasize driving comfort and convenience features over handling and high-speed performance.

Although the 1955–57 Thunderbird was a success, Ford executives—particularly Robert McNamara—were concerned that the car's position as a two-seater limited its sales potential. As a result, the car was redesigned as a four-seater for 1958.

The new Thunderbird began a sales momentum previously unseen with the car, selling 200,000 units in three years, four times the result of the two-seat model. This success spawned a new market segment, the personal luxury car. It was the first individual model line (as opposed to an entire company) to earn Motor Trend "Car of the Year" honors.

It was offered in both hardtop and convertible body styles, although the latter was not introduced until June 1958, five months after the release of the hardtop. The new Thunderbird was considerably larger than the previous generation, with a longer 113.0 in wheelbase to accommodate the new back seat. The increased size also increased the car's weight by 800 lb. Along with a new, more rigid unibody construction was new styling, including quad headlights, more prominent tailfins, a bolder chrome grille, and a larger, though nonfunctional, hood scoop. The engine was the new 300 hp 352 cu in FE V8 available with a three-speed manual or automatic transmissions. The 1958 model sales were 37,892 units an increase of 16,000 over the previous year.[13]

For 1959, the Thunderbird featured a new grille and a newly optional 350 hp 430 cu in MEL V8 engine. Sales increased to 67,456 units.

For the 1960 model year, the grille was again redesigned along with minor styling changes. A new option was a manually operated sunroof for hardtop models. The dual-unit round taillights featured on the 1958 and 1959 were changed to triple-units. Sales increased again with 92,843 sold for 1960.

This very nicely Restored Example is finished in the very desirable Red/White Color Combination and Runs and Drives perfectly. Featuring the 352 V8 and Automatic Transmission the car has a lot of Power Options including Brakes, Steering. Windows, and Top. A modern Stereo Player has been discreetly added in the Glovebox.

This very nice "Squarebird" is just the thing for long distance touring, Top Down Summer Cruises, and really anything one wishes. This lovely car will provide years of Driving Enjoyment to the lucky new caretaker.

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Specs

Basic

Year
1959
Make
Ford
Model
Thunderbird
Miles
85,944
Vin
H9YJ138001
Stock
288

Engine

Engine Size
352 V8
Engine Type
Gasoline
Transmission Type
Automatc

Body

Body Color
Red
Body Style
Convertible

Interior

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