Vehicle Description
In 1958, Ford doubled the number of seats and double the number of
sales with their all-new Thunderbird. For the final-year run of the
2nd generation car, the year this handsome 1960 Corinthian White
T-bird was built, sales were even stronger, and it's quite likely
that without this trailblazing car the Thunderbird would not have
survived. With 2-seat 'Bird prices stagnating, the 4-seater 'Square
Birds' are seeing some very nice gains, suggesting that what worked
then is working just as well today.
Known as the 'Square Birds' due to their angular styling, these are
extremely handsome cars. This one has been nicely restored, showing
great attention to detail and a lot of effort spent on getting
everything straight. Despite the nickname, the cars actually have a
lot of intricate shapes that were surely a challenge to stamp
properly when they were new and doubly challenging to restore
properly. Note the peaked tailfins, the pointed side trim, and the
graceful body line stretching from the headlights down through the
door. Ford's obsession with the jet age continued, and this
Thunderbird features triple-unit round taillights that give the
'Bird a very distinctive look similar to Chevy's popular Impala.
Code M Corinthian White is this car's original color, and the
modern finish accurately captures the creamy white hue that's a
little softer than your basic refrigerator color. All the chrome is
beautifully restored, including the massive front grille/bumper
assembly that was redesigned for 1960 and which probably cost
thousands all by itself. This is one of those cars that will show
you something new every time you look at it.
Inside, the lovely black and white bucket seat interior offers a
full-sized back seat, so you aren't limited to just two occupants.
The seats feature correct patterns and materials, along with a
center console that houses the radio speaker and climate controls,
including factory A/C. Matching door panels seem to echo the
sweeping body line on the outside sheetmetal, along with an
interesting embossed design along the bottom edges. Black carpets
show minimal signs of wear, and the dash continued Ford's cockpit
theme. A complete array of gauges is housed in a brightly polished
panel and dig how the numbers on the speedometer flip between 120
and 130, as if you'll need to assess your speed at a glance. This
one also include an AM radio in the dash, although it's due for an
upgrade if you're looking to pump some tunes into the cabin.
Perhaps most importantly, the insanely complex power top is fully
functional and remains in very good condition and the trunk is
outfitted with correct plaid mats throughout and still carries its
original spare tire and jack set.
This car received Ford's Y-code 352 cubic inch V8, which was rated
at a nice, round 300 horsepower from the factory, a significant
jump over the 2-seater 'Birds. The neatly finished engine bay has a
very industrial look to it, but I suspect the effect is
intentional, with a background of a white firewall and inner
fenders framing a Ford engine. The original white air cleaner is
still fitted, as are the original valve covers which are bright
yellow and adorned with simple stampings that suit the engine just
fine. It starts quickly and easily with a pleasantly muted rumble
from the H-pipe dual exhaust and the Ford-O-Matic transmission
clicks through the gears with authority. Highway-friendly gears in
the 9-inch rear make this an effortless cruiser, power steering and
power brakes greatly improve the ride experience, and it's quite
tidy underneath with newer shocks at the corners. Standard steel
wheels wear full wheelcovers that are a rare find in their own
right, all of which are wrapped in a set of 8.00-14 whitewall
bias-ply tires.
The market seems to have rediscovered the 4-seater Thunderbird, and
there are few better ways to travel than Ford's upscale personal
luxury car. Call today!