Vehicle Description
1960 Ford Thunderbird Convertible
The country was aghast when the new for '58 Thunderbird was
stretched into a four-seater. Everyone, it seemed, loved the cute,
cozy styling of the small T-Birds that preceded it. For the era,
they were sensational-looking cars-they still are today-but not
everyone who lusted after a 1955-'57 Thunderbird could justify
buying one due to their limited seating capacity. And so, many
didn't. Adding those two extra seats in the back changed
everything. Sales skyrocketed, and the all-new, bigger, roomier and
more practical Thunderbird became the must-see car in Ford
showrooms that year. It was the talk of the town, and Americans
everywhere wanted to be seen driving one.
For consignment a square bird from 1960, the last year for this
design, and they had it all right by this year. With 64,033
original low miles, this car presents beautifully. From its deep
end of the pool red paint, to the white canvas convertible top,
room for 4, and all its trappings of design for this year, you are
looking at one of the best of the best. A fresh engine rebuild,
along with the transmission, not only does it look fabulous, but
runs and drives this way as well. A Thunderbird says action
everywhere it goes, just like the TV ads of the day said.
Exterior
Chiseled and smoothed steel undulates in and out and forms the
exterior of this car like no other. Dual headlights snugly fitted
under the red visors and floating over the big chrome bumper with
lower egg crate grille smiling as it leads the way, we blend the
front quarters next to the hood and gaps are near perfect. A scoop
in the center of the hood, and gun sight toppers in chrome for the
front tops of the fenders, along with dual chromed side view
mirrors hanging off the backs of the quarters the front of this car
is screaming you've arrived. A wrap around big edge chromed
windshield with just a slight rake frames the white canvas top
which presents as new. On the sides curved insets and spear shaped
outcroppings shape the sides of this car. All of this in and out
ends in a small tasteful fin, rear wheel fender skirts just below.
The rear of the car with its "Owl-like" appearance blends more
chrome with metal, and inset panels with a wraparound bumper,
triple round taillights and egg crate backgrounds in ovals. Center
a flying board badge right on the trunk lid and we have design
perfection. On this car all red paint is beautiful with very few
faults to be noted. Chrome is also as nice, all shiny and bright.
Highly polished wire wheels with center knockoff hubs and wrapped
in wide whites complete the perfection.
Interior
For the interior someone went wild with the french curve and a
pencil on this drawing board, and exaggerated swooping lines to the
hilt. Door panels use white vinyl with buttons which has a trim
spear-esque aluminum door pull in a field of wrap around red vinyl.
Futuristic would best describe this jet age inspired design, and we
are just on the door panels! The dash also picks up on this
curvaceous line and forms dual squared off eyebrows, all padded in
red vinyl and these surround the instrument cluster on the driver's
side, and a glovebox on the passenger's side. Aluminum inserts go
with the line flow and house the instruments and create the glove
box door. In the center a console reaches upward to meet the dash
and has a tamboured slider for plenty of storage and also the power
window toggles. White inserts and red bolsters all smooth for the
front seats (drivers' side is power) and same for the 2 plus 2 rear
bench. In our example a red convertible rare tonneau cover,
converts this car to a two seater and creates headrests while
perfectly surrounding the uppers of the buckets, and enclosing the
rear bench with the top down. This can be removed to allow rear
passengers to enjoy the sun if need be. Pristine red carpet for the
floors, and in front of it all a white rimmed and center chromed
steering wheel to grab on to contain yourself from all this
interior excitement.
Drivetrain
Under the hood a gloriously preserved and totally rebuilt 352ci V8.
With the 4-barrel carburetor atop and the Cruise-O-Matic (gotta
love those 60's transmission names) this car can put out a hefty
300 horses. No corrosion, no real rust, just nicely aged surfaces
yellow valve covers and a white air cleaner housing. Muuuuah!
Undercarriage
Showing some surface rust it is very sound underneath. Good solid
floorpans and rockers, and a newer fuel tank. Power drum brakes are
all around.
Drive-Ability
A quick starter, and after a slight warmup period she ran smoothly.
Good acceleration, handling and braking. I noticed a tap coming
from the top end and our in-house mechanic stated it is most likely
in need of a new pushrod on one of the cylinders. The horn button
has been moved to the column, and the radio is in-op. The top has a
"helper button" next to the seat to aid the top up and down
operation.
All over a great car, with beautiful paint, and sexy interior for
4. The convertible works with the assistance of the helper button
circuit, and mechanically it is sound. "And she'll have fun, fun,
fun, till her daddy takes the T Bird away!!
VIN DECODE
0Y73Y157162
0-1960
Y-Wixom, MI Assy Plant
73-2 Door Convertible
Y-352ci V8 4bbl
157162-Sequential Unit Number
WARRANTY TAG
BODY 76A-Thunderbird Convertible
COLOR A-Raven Black
TRIM 55-Red & White
DATE 11A-May 11th
TRANS 4-Cruise O Matic
AXLE 3-Ford 9" 3.10 Locking
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia
on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is
www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914.
Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the
vehicle in person.