Vehicle Description
1958 Ford Thunderbird Hardtop
"More than anything else, the all new 1958 Thunderbird is an
attention grabber! It took less than fifteen minutes and "equal
number of miles" at the beginning of our Performance and Evaluation
test to determine as much, while the ensuing time and miles spent
with this new four passenger Thunderbird served to settle the issue
for good. We found in our travels, which included a trip from Los
Angeles to historic Tombstone, Arizona that Ford's answer to a
roomier sports type luxury car has caught the fancy of both sexes,
in all age groups, insofar as looks are concerned." Hot Rod
Magazine, June 1958
For consignment, a 1958 Ford Thunderbird hardtop with a title
verified 34,982 actual miles. This is believed to be an original
California up until 2013 and will come to the new owner with 11
years of service receipts for this stylish second gen
Thunderbird.
Exterior
Striking in both design and color, this square bird sports two
stage Rangoon Red paint and every inch of the car features unique
lines and ornamentation. The grimace up front is made possible by
browed headlights, a mesh grille, flaring nostrils, and a toothed
lower bumper. Out back, the same mesh is used to house the large,
round tail lights at the end of a contoured decklid, finned
fenders, a framing bumper, and straight pipes, all right out of the
jet age. In profile, the straight shoulder line is capped by a
square roofline and wide C-pillar so large, it has trim of its own.
A rocket shaped body accent is accentuated with four ribbed
ornamental trim pieces, while 14-inch Cragar SS wheels spruce
things up even more, the rear tucked under a fender skirt. Some
bubbling on lower panels, a sizable chip, and flaking chrome on a
bumper make up the imperfections noted on the car that is otherwise
in very nice condition.
Interior
That rocket shaped highlight on the body repeats, pointed in the
opposite direction, on the door panel which is a stylistically
spectacular presentation of button tufted inserts, red vinyl
panels, polished back plates, and a red armrest, all in great
shape. White ribbed inserts are framed in red vinyl on the bucket
seats and in the rear 2+2 and all present very nicely. Red
dominates the dash area too, beginning with the plastic steering
wheel with polished horn ring and dash pad that surrounds a
striated metal faceplate housing three protruding dials and a
number of ivory capped knobs. The grooves turn vertical on the
AM/FM radio's backplate, then horizontal again for the glove box. A
wide flat center console houses the vent levers, ashtray, window
switches, and speaker, the grille of which is showing some chipped
paint. Both the red loop carpet below and the stitched white
headliner above are in immaculate condition and the trunk is
finished cleanly with a plaid vinyl mat end to end.
Drivetrain
Cobra valve covers top a clean, driver quality 352ci V8 rated at
300 horsepower and fueled by a 4-barrel carburetor. Behind it, a
rebuilt Cruise-O-Matic 3-speed automatic is sending power to the
Ford 9" in back with 3.00 gearing. Power disc brakes are supplied
to the front and power drums bring up the rear.
Undercarriage
Relatively clean underneath with minimal surface rust and some oil
observed on the rear differential and spot of some typical road
grime you'd see on a driven car. Dual exhaust hits an H-pipe before
traveling through stock style mufflers then almost immediately
exiting out back through chrome tips. Suspension consists of coil
springs up front and a 3 link with coil springs in back.
Drive-Ability
Thin ties, tapered pants, and the requisite cigarette seem to go
hand in hand with this stylish ride from the late 50's, but a
smokeless khakis and T-shirt will have to do today as we take this
Thunderbird for a short flight around the test loop. It provides
good power, a comfortable interior, and surprisingly good
visibility despite that C-pillar. We note the reverse lights,
clock, and rear power windows are inoperable. Beyond that however,
all functions operate as they should. While Classic Auto Mall
represents that these functions were working at the time of our
test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at
the time of your purchase.
Okay, bird watchers, here's an uncommon species in fine plumage
ready to nest in your garage! Following the two seat Baby Birds of
the 50's, Ford introduced this revolutionary Thunderbird, one with
four seats. As Hot Rod magazine put it, "Currently, orders are
being received faster than the cars can be produced and it appears
that the four place models will quickly outsell the 53.000 or so
two place models sold to the public since the Thunderbird
introduction in 1955." Now's your chance to own a piece of Ford
history!
H8YH105768
H-352ci 4bbl 300hp V8
8-1958
Y-Wixom, MI Assy Plant
H-Thunderbird Hardtop
105768-Sequential Unit Number
WARRANTY PLATE
BODY 63A-Thunderbird Hardtop
COLOR O-Platinum Metallic
TRIM XH-Black & White Vinyl
DATE 18C-March 18th
TRANS 4-Cruise O Matic
AXLE 1-Ford 9" 3.00 Conventional
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and
collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate
controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8
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
www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us
anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.
There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee
is not included in the advertised price.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and
we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host
Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends
in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and
automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune
in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy
listening. You can also watch on YouTube!
