Vehicle Description
1958 Ford Thunderbird Hardtop
1958 marked the beginning of the second generation Thunderbird and
it was a complete redesign for one very important reason. First
gens were two seaters and Ford wisely saw the limited potential of
such a platform thus pivoting to a four seater. As a result, the
second generation Thunderbirds sold four times that of previous
years.
For consignment, a hardtop 1958 Ford Thunderbird. Convertibles
would come later in the year, but the hardtop was the original body
style released to an enthusiastic public. Very little is left of
the baby bird styling in this unique design which survived three
years before a new design was introduced.
Exterior
Colonial White covers the car which for 1958 starts with an
aggressive front end with a gaping grill and inset quad headlights
that look slightly angry. The sculpted eyebrows feed the curved
hood that flows into raised fenders, all flanking a wide hood
scoop. The side profile is newly angular and the curved windshield
wraps around to a deeply set A-pillar. A raised spear in the body
is accented by ornamental metal trim pieces. Further back, the rear
fenders put fins in the air keeping with the period's trend, along
with the fender skirts. The four round tail lights, spread wide,
are unique on their own and then you see the mesh style fascia that
houses them. This car is equipped with a continental kit and wire
wheels. Metal work is very good in most areas but will benefit from
polishing or restoration in others. Imperfections are mostly
reserved for the lower half where we note plenty of rust, previous
body filler and bubbles. There is also some curb rash and rust
spots on the wheels.
Interior
Door panels are black over white with a curvaceous, flowing
armrest. The front bucket low back seats are black rimmed with
white tuck and roll inserts all constructed of vinyl. The driver's
seat is torn on the side and the piping shows some wear while the
passenger seat and rear seats are in good condition. A box speakers
sit on the rear seats and we only guess that this is not to
obstruct the view on the rear shelf. A white steering wheel with
horn ring shows some patina and is mounted a polished column which
is shared with the shifter. The Thunderbird dash and consoles never
disappoint, and three round gauges protrude from a ribbed metal
back plate. The same backplate houses vents and the AM radio on the
center stack followed by a round SelectAir A/C controller. A modern
AM/FM/CD radio is mounted under the dash under a metal plated glove
box. No armrest here as the center console houses a big speaker
under a grated cover. So many unique features on the interior! The
loop style carpet is in good condition and the perforated vinyl
headliner looks great.Drivetrain352ci in V8 configuration are under
the hood and is rated at a whopping 300 horsepower. It's fed by a
4-barrel carburetor and the gears row automatically through a
Cruise-O-Matic 3-speed automatic transmission. A Ford 9" rear
houses 3.10 gears and drum brakes are found all around. The chrome
valve covers highlight an otherwise driver quality engine bay that
is generally clean and accessible.
Undercarriage
Unibody construction debuts on the '58 and this is evident from
underneath. The car has its share of surface rust as expected but
also invasive rust on the right front unibody rail as well as
notable patching in the front wheel wells. Dual exhaust finds its
way to stock style mufflers and both of them are in need of
replacement due to rust. Plenty of residual oil on the underside as
well as evidence of body filler in the panels and wheel wells.
Drive-Ability
A pump of the gas and a turn of the key and we spark the thunder
under this bird. Off to the test loop we fly and find the engine
runs fine and the brakes stop well and overall, it's a smooth ride.
The big rear pillar, so common in this era, hurts visibility a bit
in the blind spot, but that amazing front window is like flying a
plane, allowing panoramic views ahead. Our notes indicate the A/C
is not working but all other functions do.
The late 50's and early 60's Thunderbirds are such great cruising
cars. Stylish and unique, this one has a striking exterior and
ultimately cool interior. She'll need a little TLC to bring her up
to show quality, but the design, rarity, and solid engine should
definitely make this a candidate for a collection or gateway into
the car hobby.
H8YH136161
H-352ci 4bbl 300hp V8
8-1958
Y-Wixom, MI Assy Plant
H-Thunderbird Hardtop
136161-Sequential Unit Number
WARRANTY PLATE
BODY 63A-Thunderbird Hardtop
COLOR E-Colonial White
TRIM XH-Black & White Vinyl
DATE 10J-September 10th
TRANS 4-Cruise O Matic
AXLE 1-Ford 9" 3.10 Conventional
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collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate
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acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic
and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the
I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit
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person.
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