Vehicle Description
After years of living in the first-generation Thunderbird's shadow,
the first of the 4-seater 'Birds are finally getting some serious
respect. No longer bargain-basement specials, dialed-in cars like
this gorgeous white-on-white and black 1960 Ford T-Bird hardtop are
seriously hot collectables that are also exceptionally nice to
drive.
The classic combinations never go out of style, and the Thunderbird
wears white paint better than most of its contemporaries. It's not
bright refrigerator white, of course, but a creamy soft white that
nails the Corinthian White that Ford intended. The 1960 'Bird's
many scoops and creases are subdued a bit with white, making this a
handsome car that doesn't look fussy. Paint and bodywork are well
done and while it's not a show piece, it does look fantastic
heading down the road or at your local cruise-in. Delightful chrome
details abound on the second-generation Thunderbird, including the
little ornaments atop each front fender, the Thunderbird script on
the rocket-shaped body side moldings, and the bright chrome "gills"
on the rear quarters, again reinforcing Ford's fondness of
rocket-inspired design. The chrome probably cost as much as a new
Cadillac to restore, and the glass has a lovely soft greenish-blue
tint that's totally authentic. A set of dual headlights up front
and set of triple rocket-style taillights out back finish the look,
and we have to say, this is one great looking 'Square Bird'.
Code 56 on the door tag means black and white vinyl, and there's no
doubt that the guy who originally ordered this car knew exactly
what he was doing. Dolled up like a Lincoln, it has infinitely more
style and just as much luxury thanks to the beautifully finished
buckets that are fresh and crisply presented, a factory center
console, plush new carpets, and a gorgeous cockpit-style dash. The
off-white faced instruments are fitted into a shiny aluminum panel
that looks like a high-end clock face, with secondary controls just
underneath. Power windows with switches on the center console are a
nice feature on any luxury car, and with a power seat, tilt wheel,
and a heater that works, this big 'Bird is nicely appointed. The
original AM radio is still in the dash, but like so many of its
contemporaries, it's sadly not working. The back seat likely hasn't
had a passenger since it was refinished, and out back the trunk is
properly presented with a new plaid mat set, full-sized spare, and
jack assembly.
Under the hood you'll find a Y-code 352, which offered a factory
rating of 300 horsepower thanks to a 4-barrel carburetor on top.
It's plenty for the stylish 'Bird, which moves through traffic with
an effortless ease that makes the driver feel like a million bucks.
The engine bay is tidy and detailed to show-off, and includes the
original air cleaner painted to match the bodywork, bright yellow
Ford-logo valve covers, and high-mounted expansion tank for the
cooling system. Things like power steering and brakes are standard
equipment and there's an astounding amount of room under the hood
that makes service easy. It's backed by a 3-speed Cruise-O-Matic
automatic and a set of 3.10 gears out back, meaning that this white
hardtop will cruise all day at highway speeds without breaking a
sweat. An upgraded dual exhaust system has a great sound that's
appropriate for a luxury car like this and the undercarriage is
shockingly clean for a car this old and original. Simple hubcaps
are fitted inside a set of 6.00-14 Remington bias-ply wide
whitewall tires for a proper look.
The days of cheap, high-quality 'Square Birds' are gone, and this
slick white hardtop will always find an enthusiastic audience. Call
today!