Vehicle Description
Building on the success of its two-seater predecessors, this 1960
Ford Thunderbird Convertible was a member of a generation whose
seemingly endless style and spaciousness set new sales standards
for the model and even garnered Motor Trend "Car of the Year"
honors in the process. It's propelled by what's almost certainly
the very same period correct drivetrain it rolled out with and
proudly wears its original colors both inside and out.
Just a couple of years before this drop top's debut, Ford equipped
its groundbreaking personal luxury car with an expanded form to
accommodate a backseat that combines with some inspired body
contours and an overall more futuristic appearance to create a
classic that really stands out from the T-Birds debuting both
before and after it. Up front, quad headlights loom over a bold,
ornate grille that's integrated into the front bumper, while in
back, the more prominent tailfins reflected the more flamboyant
styling sensibilities of the era. It's wearing Monte Carlo red
paint, just as it did when it rolled out nearly six decades ago and
while it's looking pretty darned solid just as it is, a trip to the
paint booth for some freshening up will optimize this T-Bird's
already magnetic curb appeal. Below, the foundation is in good
order - even at close range you won't find any telltale waves or
other signs of body damage. For those occasions when shelter from
the elements is called for, there's a black vinyl convertible top
on hand that's in clean condition to rise into position for
protection.
It's pretty likely that the interior this vintage Ford is sporting
is not only in its original configuration but has yet to see the
inside of an upholstery shop and yet it remains in impressive
shape. You can find subtle signs of wear here and there, but
overall, this is a sharp-looking driving environment. The red vinyl
covers over the front buckets and rear bench seat still have plenty
more miles to provide and the carpet below them is nice and fresh -
take a glance in back and you'll see the substantial legroom
created by this T-Bird's enlarged wheelbase. By the time this '60
debuted, Ford was getting pretty adventurous with the designs of
their dashes, and the one on display is a fine example of their
efforts, with its factory gauges encircled by protruding bezels and
recessed into a textured chrome instrument panel matched by accents
at the center and over the glove box door.
Everything appears to be convincingly authentic beneath the hood
where a 352 cubic inch resides - the product of a power upgrade
that came with the advent of the model's second generation. The
engine sits in a spacious engine compartment, with a 4 barrel
perched on top and is running in solid form - it was rated at an
even 300 horsepower when it was released back in the day, so it's a
very capable powerplant that teams with a period correct 3-speed
Cruise-O-Matic transmission. Power steering makes this classic easy
to maneuver as it turns heads on its set of show-stopping 14" wire
wheels with red branded centers wearing BF Goodrich tires that have
plenty of tread still left. A look below will reveal that this
vintage Ford is riding on a solid undercarriage.
Comfortably familiar yet distinctive at the same time, this 1960
Ford Thunderbird Convertible captures the model at a pivotal stage
in its development and promises plenty of fun-filled, open air
driving enjoyment. Call today!