The image's are part of the description, factory Hot Rod, one of 675 built, three speed stick, fresh air induction, 3;70 gear, 300 horse power 390 ft. lbs. of torque "Thunderbird Special". Please view in expanded view to see the fine details , of this amazing Thunderbird! Seasoned car buffs , may not realize the inaugural Daytona 500 was won by Johnny Beauchamp in a controversial photo finish, at the wheel of a 1959 Thunderbird, @ 135.5 mph AVG. SPEED, in its first time out ! That success, catapulted Thunderbird, and the famed Holman and Moody C/P '"Competition Proven" race shop, into a legendary name in NASCAR . light weight, super strong, single unit body construction, the lowest profile American hardtop ever ! 4.5" lower than the competition , the low center of gravity, flat bottom, and shorter wheelbase, insured stability on the banking , a force to be reckoned with on the track , the stock car wins piled up, until its BAN from NASCAR for the aforementioned reasons. This rare standard shift example , one of 675 produced 62 years ago , a large percentage of which were campaigned in stock car events, some being driven to the track and back home ! As a consequence very few exist today . Built to run, with three speed standard transmission , 3:70 performance gear , powered by the stout 352 FE , 300 H.P. "Thunderbird Special", producing 390 ft. lbs. of torque @ 2900 rpm in stock trim. Fresh air induction through the OEM Autolite 4100 625 cfm carburetor , factory functional hood scoop, and dual free flow mufflers , will put a smile on the face of any enthusiast. A truly outstanding largely correct, show or drive ready #2 condition example ,once part of a multi car private collection , after receiving a spectacular (read expensive), detailed professional restoration in 1999 at 21,545 miles , including engine rebuild, suspension , high quality interior ,show quality chrome, ultra slick black, correct code A, Raven Black urethane paint, and thoughtful upgrades to brake, (front vented power disc) cooling, and charging system's. Panel gaps ,and finish are spectacular! The images tell the story. Expect all details to function properly ,including , original Thunderbird tube radio , with center console speaker, clock, "Aqua Matic" windshield washers ,heating , ventilating, window regulators, down to the courtesy lamp in the center console ashtray .
New American Classic tire's and powder coated, period steel wheels , were carefully selected to provide just the right width in the rear to accommodate 235/75 14"( rear rims are 1/2" wider then fronts, ) OEM diameter, to maintain correct speedometer function, increasing the rear track slightly , providing improved stability. Offered at a fraction of what it would cost to duplicate today, without a 3 plus year wait to restore, documented with a 19-page detailed professional appraisal completed in 1999, a 2+ show condition vehicle at that time, concourse show / road ready today ! Purchased new, at Ron Saxon Ford on University Ave. St. Paul MN. to a 50-year-old who was interested in the performance aspect's of the Thunderbird, If you want one of the BEST, this is it! Not for everyone to be sure, the person that "gets it", will be rewarded with a gratifying rare, asset class , mid century performance, classic! OEM fender skirts, OEM wheel covers, a beautiful set of Kelsey Hayes ,styled chrome wire wheels complete with correct 2 1/4 " white wall tires ,and other extras, included! Feel free with any questions comments, , thank you for your interest in this amazing piece of mid century automotive history!
