Front suspension was independent, with coil springs and unequal-length A-arms. The remainder of the engineering was conventional, with Ford's new 300-hp 352 cu in (5.8 L) FE-series V8 coupled to a three-speed manual transmission, with overdrive or Cruise-O-Matic three-speed automatic transmission optional. Ford incorporated the higher drivetrain tunnel that was required in a lower car into a center console dividing both front and rear seats which featured ashtrays, switches, and minor controls. The 1958 Thunderbird was only 52.5 inches tall, nearly 9 inches shorter than an average American sedan the Thunderbird had only 5.8 inches of ground clearance. The intent was to allow the maximum interior space in a relatively small exterior package. The four-seat Thunderbird was designed with unibody construction, eschewing a separate chassis. However, the losing proposal, styled by Elwood Engel, would gain its own place in Ford Motor Company history: after minor revisions, it would become the 1961 Lincoln Continental. The design was one of two proposals, styled primarily by Joe Oros, who later worked on the 1964 Ford Mustang. The design was driven entirely by the styling department and approved before the engineering was considered. The new Thunderbird had a distinct new styling theme. Mercury also saw the introduction of a flagship hardtop coupe with a similar approach to luxury called the Mercury Turnpike Cruiser with a longer wheelbase and two inches more for width dimensions, then updated to the 1958 Mercury Park Lane. The listed retail price was US$3,408 for the base price ($32,881 in 2021 dollars ). As a response, Ford executives decided to add a rear seat to the Thunderbird. The Studebaker Speedster and the Chrysler 300C shared many appearances with the Thunderbird, while offering a rear seat. Market research suggested sales of the Thunderbird were limited by its two-seat configuration, making it unsuitable for families. Īlong with the 1958 Lincolns, the 1958 Thunderbird was the first Ford Motor Company vehicle designed with unibody construction.Īlthough the 1955-1957 Ford Thunderbird had proved successful (in comparison to the Chevrolet Corvette), Ford executives-particularly Robert McNamara-still felt its overall sales volume had room to improve. Sales totalled 198,191 over three model years, approximately four times that of the earlier two seat model. In response to Ford-conducted surveys two major changes were made to attract potential buyers: two rear seats were added and the level of luxury and features of a full-sized car were incorporated into a mid-size platform.Īs a result, sales soared and the new model dramatically expanded the personal luxury car market, winning the Motor Trend Car of the Year in 1958. 59 t-bird has been sitting in a small row house garage in Baltimore for many years, NO TITLE, I can write you a bill of sale, as of now it does not run, motor DOES turn freely, and it DOES have antifreeze in it, the body is pretty straight, it does have some bondo work done around the rear lower quarters, fenders, and passenger side rocker, it's hard to tell if there was much rust because the floors and trunk are in very good shap, the only rust on the floors is a small spot where the base of the gas pedal i, drivers door glass is cracked but all other glass is good, the seal around the windshield and rear window are nice with no rust, power windows DO NOT WOR, door locks DO NOT WORK they may just need adjusting, the bucket seats and rear seats are in nice condition, there are NO interior door panels and no headliner, this car would be great to restore or build a cool hot ro, rat rod or just gut it and make an old school drag ca, PLEASE DO NOT BID IF YOUR NOT SERIOUS OR IF YOU DONT HAVE ANY MONEY, BECAUSE THE RESERVE IS LO, I reserve the right to end the auction at anytime due to the vehicle is also advertised locally, 500 due within 72 hours and balance when picked up or within 7 day, thanks and good luck !! If you have any questions, call or text Dale at 301-421-111, trades considered on old American made.The second generation Ford Thunderbird (also called Square Bird ) was produced by Ford for the 1958 to 1960 model years as a successor to the popular 1955–1957 two-seater.
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