Built to directly challenge Chevrolet's Corvette, the iconic Thunderbird debuted in October 1954. Introduced as a two seat sports car, the Thunderbird was intended to appeal to younger customers, and it beat the Corvette for sure in the sales war thanks to its powerful V8 engine and greater refinement. For 1958 a larger, four-seat 'Square Bird' version was introduced, this being the first of the Thunderbirds to adopt unitary construction. The innovative unibody construction allowed the new T-Bird to maintain an exceptionally low stance with an overall height of only 52.5 inches and only 5.3 inches of ground clearance making for a very good looking, sleek looking, but usable car.
New for 1960, Ford added an elaborate sliding sunroof to its option list. The sunroof was produced by Golde and Company of West Germany. These cars were referred to as "Gold Birds" by Ford personnel and the option was extremely high-priced at $212.40. However that high price has resulted in extreme rarity today: of the only 2,536 produced, one Thunderbird expert estimates only around 200 remain in existence today.
Offered here is one of these very rare 1960 Sunroof Thunderbirds that was originally built for and sold to Ford employee Harold L. Wisnieski of Michigan who would own the car for his entire life. His name is proudly displayed on the dash of the car on a custom plaque supplied by Ford with the Thunderbird emblem alongside it. The car was finally purchased by its second owner in 2016 making only two owners from new. Finished in its original colors of Arctic white with a two tone blue interior which is an extremely sharp color combination. An extremely original example even retaining its original upholstery and headliner. Very highly optioned this car is complete with not only the German "Golde Sunroof", but it also was ordered with factory air conditioning, power windows, power seats, power brakes, power steering and both driver and passenger power front bucket seats. It also is equipped with original Kelsey Hayes chrome wire wheels. Mechanically it runs and drives very well. Equipped with the 352 cubic inch V8 and automatic transmission. The undercarriage and engine compartments are very clean as well. This is a car that can be driven in all seasons and show with pride. A really beautiful example in a stunning color combination.
