Vehicle Description
SUMMARY
Original 352 cubic inch V8
Original 3-speed Cruise-O-Matic automatic transmission
Mostly original condition with only re-paint and regular
maintenance
Factory power steering
Correct Corinthian White paint
Correct Red on White vinyl interior
Power-operated convertible top that is concealed under rear deck
when down
Following great success with the first generation Ford Thunderbird,
Ford executives commissioned a redesign of their personal luxury
car in a four-seat configuration for 1958. What followed was a
Motor Trend "Car of the Year" award-winner that sold four times as
much as the 2-seat predecessor. This 1960 Ford Thunderbird is a
quintessential model of the booming generation that saw huge sales
in a popular and growing market segment. Carrying its original 352
cubic inch V8 that is still mated to its original 3-speed
Cruise-O-Matic automatic transmission, this T-Bird makes a great
opportunity for the collector that wants to enjoy their Michigan
metal without the worry of having to care for a trailer queen.
BODYWORK/TRIM
Covered in its correct Code 'M' Corinthian White paint that is
believed to have been through a re-paint in 2007, this "Square
'Bird" holds its hue very well on the bold panels. Those panels
display smooth surfaces and even gaps that are accented with long
lines that share many '50s styling cues. Being a product of the
'50s, you can expect considerate use of chrome trim and
ornamentation too. Chrome bumpers cap each end of the car with the
classic Thunderbird insignia centering its mark at the front and
rear. Small Thunderbird fender ornaments flank the scooped hood and
lead the eye down the long lines of the body. Follow the lines to a
sculpted rear fender that is decorated with further trim and a
signature 'Thunderbird' script emblem that adorns the lower
portions. At the rear, bullet style tail lamps are nestled inside
stainless bezels that highlight the character of this T-Bird
perfectly, below fin-topped rear fenders. And keeping the climate
dry inside when the weather gets wet is a fresh, black vinyl top
that stows away under rear, power-operated decklid.
ENGINE
Tilt the hood forward and you'll find the Thunderbird's original
352 cubic inch V8. Being pampered with regular maintenance
throughout its lifetime, the 300 horsepower unit fires to life with
ease and doesn't create any drama when at idle. Topped with yellow
valve covers, the engine bay appears to maintain a majority of its
period-correct components sans a modern battery and spark plug
wires. White fenders and a matching firewall are devoid of the
usual signs of use that are typical with cars of this vintage. A
power steering pump makes sure the turns come with ease, and a
4-blade fan keeps engine temperatures in check. Known for being
reliable engines, this 352 is ready to serve a happy owner for many
more years to come!
DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION
Backing that humble powerplant is a column-shifted Ford
Cruise-O-Matic 3-speed automatic transmission. According to the
car's data plate, the car left the Wixom, Michigan assembly plant
with 3.10 gears out back. Underneath, most of the hardware appears
original and correct with only a few signs of service such as the
shocks and exhaust system. The floor pans remain solid and show no
signs of rust or abuse. MacPherson strut front suspension and leaf
springs in the rear control a smooth ride, while drum brakes at all
four corners brings things to a halt. And dressy wire wheels are
wrapped in P215/75R14 Coker Classics whitewall tires.
INTERIOR
The class and elegance that is portrayed on the exterior of this
personal luxury car continues to the interior with a red and white
two-tone theme. That color combination compliments the Corinthian
White finish very well and features bucket seating up front. Those
bucket seats are split by a long, center console that houses
controls for the Ford 'Magic Aire' system and a small ash tray. The
matching rear seat is centered with the familiar Thunderbird
regalia and flanked with sculpted red armrests that show a nice
contrast against white panels. Matching red and white door panels
are decorated with stainless trim and create an inviting
environment. And a stainless trimmed dual cowl dashboard displays
controls for the AM radio, a clock for the driver, and gauges that
monitor speed, fuel levels, and engine temps.
OUR SALE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTATION
• Owner's Manual
This 1960 Ford Thunderbird is a lot of car for not a lot of money.
It's makes a great opportunity for an enthusiast to get into the
collector car market while still being able to enjoy their
investment like it was originally intended. And with drop top fun,
a striking color combination, and classic looks that stand out in
the show fields and parking lots, it is guaranteed to provide many
great memories for one lucky owner!