352ci V8 3-Speed Auto/Rear Tonneau Cover/Excellent Paint/Jet Age Interior

1960 Ford Thunderbird Convertible

The country was aghast when the new for '58 Thunderbird was stretched into a four-seater. Everyone, it seemed, loved the cute, cozy styling of the small T-Birds that preceded it. For the era, they were sensational-looking cars-they still are today-but not everyone who lusted after a 1955-'57 Thunderbird could justify buying one due to their limited seating capacity. And so, many didn't. Adding those two extra seats in the back changed everything. Sales skyrocketed, and the all-new, bigger, roomier and more practical Thunderbird became the must-see car in Ford showrooms that year. It was the talk of the town, and Americans everywhere wanted to be seen driving one.

For consignment a square bird from 1960, the last year for this design, and they had it all right by this year. With 64,033 original low miles, this car presents beautifully. From its deep end of the pool red paint, to the white canvas convertible top, room for 4, and all its trappings of design for this year, you are looking at one of the best of the best. A fresh engine rebuild, along with the transmission, not only does it look fabulous, but runs and drives this way as well. A Thunderbird says action everywhere it goes, just like the TV ads of the day said.

Exterior
Chiseled and smoothed steel undulates in and out and forms the exterior of this car like no other. Dual headlights snugly fitted under the red visors and floating over the big chrome bumper with lower egg crate grille smiling as it leads the way, we blend the front quarters next to the hood and gaps are near perfect. A scoop in the center of the hood, and gun sight toppers in chrome for the front tops of the fenders, along with dual chromed side view mirrors hanging off the backs of the quarters the front of this car is screaming you've arrived. A wrap around big edge chromed windshield with just a slight rake frames the white canvas top which presents as new. On the sides curved insets and spear shaped outcroppings shape the sides of this car. All of this in and out ends in a small tasteful fin, rear wheel fender skirts just below. The rear of the car with its "Owl-like" appearance blends more chrome with metal, and inset panels with a wraparound bumper, triple round taillights and egg crate backgrounds in ovals. Center a flying board badge right on the trunk lid and we have design perfection. On this car all red paint is beautiful with very few faults to be noted. Chrome is also as nice, all shiny and bright. Highly polished wire wheels with center knockoff hubs and wrapped in wide whites complete the perfection.

Interior
For the interior someone went wild with the french curve and a pencil on this drawing board, and exaggerated swooping lines to the hilt. Door panels use white vinyl with buttons which has a trim spear-esque aluminum door pull in a field of wrap around red vinyl. Futuristic would best describe this jet age inspired design, and we are just on the door panels! The dash also picks up on this curvaceous line and forms dual squared off eyebrows, all padded in red vinyl and these surround the instrument cluster on the driver's side, and a glovebox on the passenger's side. Aluminum inserts go with the line flow and house the instruments and create the glove box door. In the center a console reaches upward to meet the dash and has a tamboured slider for plenty of storage and also the power window toggles. White inserts and red bolsters all smooth for the front seats (drivers' side is power) and same for the 2 plus 2 rear bench. In our example a red convertible rare tonneau cover, converts this car to a two seater and creates headrests while perfectly surrounding the uppers of the buckets, and enclosing the rear bench with the top down. This can be removed to allow rear passengers to enjoy the sun if need be. Pristine red carpet for the floors, and in front of it all a white rimmed and center chromed steering wheel to grab on to contain yourself from all this interior excitement.

Drivetrain
Under the hood a gloriously preserved and totally rebuilt 352ci V8. With the 4-barrel carburetor atop and the Cruise-O-Matic (gotta love those 60's transmission names) this car can put out a hefty 300 horses. No corrosion, no real rust, just nicely aged surfaces yellow valve covers and a white air cleaner housing. Muuuuah!

Undercarriage
Showing some surface rust it is very sound underneath. Good solid floorpans and rockers, and a newer fuel tank. Power drum brakes are all around.

Drive-Ability
A quick starter, and after a slight warmup period she ran smoothly. Good acceleration, handling and braking. I noticed a tap coming from the top end and our in-house mechanic stated it is most likely in need of a new pushrod on one of the cylinders. The horn button has been moved to the column, and the radio is in-op. The top has a "helper button" next to the seat to aid the top up and down operation.

All over a great car, with beautiful paint, and sexy interior for 4. The convertible works with the assistance of the helper button circuit, and mechanically it is sound. "And she'll have fun, fun, fun, till her daddy takes the T Bird away!!

VIN DECODE
0Y73Y157162
0-1960
Y-Wixom, MI Assy Plant
73-2 Door Convertible
Y-352ci V8 4bbl
157162-Sequential Unit Number
WARRANTY TAG
BODY 76A-Thunderbird Convertible
COLOR A-Raven Black
TRIM 55-Red & White
DATE 11A-May 11th
TRANS 4-Cruise O Matic
AXLE 3-Ford 9" 3.10 Locking

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 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.