Vehicle Description
1960 Ford Thunderbird Hardtop
Lay aside everything you've heard in condemnation of the four-seat
1960 Ford Thunderbird - all that stuff about forsaking the sports
car, substituting glitz for function, adding the hated back seat.
It is all immaterial because it misses the point: Despite its
deviation from the original concept, the first four-seat
Thunderbird was simply a masterpiece of design.
For consignment, the timeless design of the 1960 Squarebird,
deviating from the original concept with a back seat...Gadzooks and
stone the crows! Yes, it has a back bench in addition to those
front buckets. This one has been under the care of our consignor's
husband since his purchase at a Carlisle event in 2013 until his
passing last year. Our consignor's husband was the only driver
during his tenure of ownership and he always kept the square flyer
safely tucked away in his garage. It has had a respray of the
original Raven Black paint, and the interior is just immaculate,
the engine was gone over, the radio repaired, and the brakes
relined along with the car being regularly inspected for any
mechanical faults. You'll hear and see the word original a lot in
the following description, so don't ignore it, as I'm trying to be
, well.....original!
Exterior
Stylish yet contemporary, it would fit into any driveway today and
look nearly modern. This was the bestselling Thunderbird by far,
and everyone was complaining about the back seat, but it did not
matter. It only made things better. This beauty with straight
rust-free panels minding their gaps very well, is all bathed in a
respray of Raven Black that is looking very special. Now dual
headlights are protected by an upper "visor" and float above the
big open egg crate chromed smiling grille, all neatly inserted
within the bumper. A single gunsight oval adorns the tops off the
front fenders which frame wide white wrapped steel wheels and their
turbine style wheel covers, all in sexy polished chrome form. On
the hood a small scoop is in the center and is a homage to the
first-generation Thunderbirds. This fronts some very clean front
wrap around glass swept clean by stainless wipers. On the doors
begins the arrow styled bump-out which will eventually grow to
become the rear fin. This fin, angled perfectly to the outside, is
above the triple round taillights, wrapped below by the chrome
bumper and floating in a field of square chromed eggcrate. These
tail lights remind the writer of an almost "owl like" appearance
but don't ask me why! A somewhat squared off roofline with a nearly
vertical rear glass, and the 3 vents on the back of the rear
quarter add to the look of the square bird. No sign of any lower
rocker trimming or wheel trimming, however a nice stainless less
ribbed panel is on the B pillar just above the rear fender, as well
as the iconic bird badge.
Interior
A swing of the doors and one begins to appreciate the complexity of
the design, and use of various colors and materials to nearly the
point of overwhelming. Buttoned light gray stitched cord square
panels mix with black smooth vinyl and interplay with aluminum and
chrome to create a futuristic look. Inside sleek two tone low
rounded back buckets with gray cord button inserts and black vinyl
bolsters and backs work to create the look for the interior. A back
bench uses the same color and pattern. A black and chrome trimmed
center console with bakelite power window switches, a speaker and
the obligatory ash receptacle runs through the buckets up to the
dash which uses dual squared off "eyebrows" to house the
instruments and glovebox. Nice white faced gauges with chrome and
gold trim sit within a ribbed shiny dash plate, and the original
steering wheel showing light wear is in front of the dash. A black
carpet now covered with white thunderbird badged floor mats is
below and a tight white headliner is above. A shout out to the
trunk with its plaid liner, plaid spare tire cover and factory jack
assembly.
Drivetrain
Under the hood in a lightly restored engine bay sits the correct
352ci V8 with its painted yellow valve covers and cream air cleaner
cover. Our consignor notes that her husband had the engine gone
over during his ownership tenure. This looks fab in the black
engine bay, an unusual place to find a play of colors. A 4-barrel
carburetor is atop and on the back a 3-speed Cruise-O-Matic
automatic transmission. For the rear axle we see a Ford 9-inch rear
with 3.10 gears.
Undercarriage
All metal gracefully aged in the care of a sheltered garage we see
slight surface rust, but certainly all structurally sound floor
pans and rockers. Power steering is noted as are relined power drum
brakes on all 4 corners. Providing that smooth signature
Thunderbird ride is an independent coil sprung front suspension and
for the rear we note leaf springs. Newer dual exhaust is noted with
stock replacement mufflers.
Drive-Ability
Slipping inside this is a beautifully preserved original interior.
This car fired right up and handled the test track with flying
colors, good acceleration, smooth shifting, good handling and
straight braking. All functions were working just wonderfully.
Very original, and showing very nicely, the years of the owners
care is evident and showing well. The designers got it right for
this square bird year, sexy interior and beautiful exterior lines,
ready to grace your driveway, or attract attention as you drive
down Main Street.
0Y71Y92404
0-1960
Y-Wixom, MI Assy Plant
71-Thunderbird Hardtop
Y-352ci V8 4bbl 300hp
92404-Sequential Unit Number
WARRANTY TAG
BODY 63A-Thunderbird Hardtop
COLOR A-Raven Black
TRIM 76-Black Vinyl & Light Gray Nylon Cord
DATE 12W-September 12th
TRANS 4-Ford O Matic
AXLE 3-Ford 9" 3.10 Conventional
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 850 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.
