The second generation Ford Thunderbird was produced by Ford for the 1958 to 1960 model years as a successor to the popular 1955-1957 two-seater. 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.
As 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. Over 200,000 units were produced in its three-year model run, quadruple that of the two-seater in its three-year span.
The new Thunderbird had a distinct new styling theme. The design was driven entirely by the styling department and approved before the engineering was considered. The design was one of two proposals, styled primarily by Joe Oros, who later worked on the 1964 Ford Mustang. 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.
For the 1959 model year, Ford made changes to the front, rear, and side ornamentation; leather upholstery was available for the first time. The rear suspension was revised, discarding coil springs for Hotchkiss drive with parallel leaf springs. A new V8 engine, the 345-hp 430 cu in MEL-series, was available in small numbers. Sales almost doubled again, to 67,456 units, including 10,261 convertibles. Thunderbird advertising in 1959 targeted women in particular, showing glamorous models in country club and other exclusive settings, and the sales figures bore out Ford's marketing plans.
This GORGEOUS Thunderbird Has Been Well Preserved, With New Correct Factory Color Paint Of Glacier Green, Leaving Door Jambs, Trunk And Engine Compartment In Factory Original Paint.
Original Weatherstripping Is Holding Up Very Well.
Solid Clean Uni-body Floor Sections, With No Rust Issues Or Corrosion.
Updated Exhaust System
Excellent Running And Smooth Ford 352 cid With 4 Barrel Carburetor, Rated At 300 HP
Smooth Shifting Automatic Transmission With Column Shift
Effortless Power Steering
Stock AM Push Button Factory Radio
Day And Night Mirror
140 MPH Speedometer, Showing 94,xxx Miles
Factory Gauges With Clock
Drivers Side Rear View Mirror
Windshield Washer System
Padded Dash
Repainted In Stock Factory Color Of Glacier Green Code
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