1960 Ford Thunderbird

CLEAN CAR Coupe

8 - Cyl.

Automatic

OY71Y160127

Clear

Gasoline

SQUARE BIRDS A New Role -- and Back Seat -- for the 'Bird Phil Skinner For many car folks, the Ford Thunderbird lost all of its appeal when the last two-passenger models were produced in 1957. However, for Ford Motor Company, the introduction of the 1958 Thunderbird was a profit maker from day one. When the new four-passenger "Square" T-birds hit the market in the late winter of 1958, the United States was recovering from a major recession. The new-car sales market was off for some makes by as much as 60%. However, when all the sales figures for the year were in, the new Thunderbird was one of only two models to see a marked increase over 1957 model year performance. (The other was the Rambler American). When the relatively expensive Thunderbird was released, production could not keep up with demand. In its first model year, the newly expanded T-bird nearly outsold the 1956 and 1957 model years combined! For 1959, production increased by nearly 40% over the 1958 totals, and while three-year models usually saw a dip in numbers in the last season, the 1960 model year boosted its sales by another 40% over 1959's record year. For the first time, the T-bird was offered in two distinct body styles: a hardtop and a convertible. Due to initial body build-up problems, the convertible in 1958 was delayed, which makes this model the rarest for these three years. These Square-birds were Ford’s first use of unibody construction. (body shell and chassis being built as one integral unit). Assembled at the new Wixom, Michigan, facility where new Lincolns and Continentals were also produced, these were the most expensive cars up to that time to carry the Ford name. The Wixom plant took pride in its product, focusing on quality rather than quantity. The fit and finish was superior to that of other cars.WE ARE OFFERING THIS 1960 THUNDERBIRD WELL TAKEN CARE OF STILL HAS THE ORIGINAL BLACK AND YELLOW LICENSE PLATES THE ENGINE WAS REBUILT 7 YEARS AGO HAS ONLY 39,000 MILES SINCE REBUILT IT HAS BEEN IN A GARAGE FOR YEARS THE PAINT WAS DONE 10 YEARS AGO STILL LOOKS GREAT JUST HAD IT DETAILED AND COLOR SANDED THE UPULSTRY WAS DONE 2004 THERE IS SOME MINOR SUN BURN ONLY ON THE DRIVERS SEAT ON TOP PLEASE LOOK AT THE PITCHURES AND 1 BUTTON IS MISIING ON THE REAR SEAT CARPET IS GOOD SHAPE DOOR PANELS IN GOOD SHAPE HEADLINER IS IN GOOD SHAPE THIS IS A GREAT DAILY DRIVER WE ARE SELLING THIS CAR AT A VERY LOW LOW RESERVE CALL BOB FOR MORE INFORMATION JUST REPLACED 1 NEW MUFFLER AND NEW EXHAUST MANIFOLD GASKETS RUNS AND DRIVES VERY WELL WE ARE IN NORTH HOLLYWOOD CA 91606 WE ARE NEAR BURBANK AIRPORT 5 MINUTES AWAY THIS IS A CAR YOU WILL NOT BE DISSAPOINTED A VERY NICE EYE CATCHER CALL BOB FOR ANY QUESTIONS YOU MIGHT HAVE (818)355-2620 TAKING THE BIRDS TO MARKET Often held in the shadows of the little two-passenger models, the Square T-birds in recent years have seen unparalleled interest from collectors around the world. Most popular are the convertibles, with the 1960 model being the most highly prized due to its automated top mechanism. Prices in recent years for top examples have been in the $30,000 range, which is equal and in some cases surpasses comparable 1955 to 1957 models. Sunroof models from 1960, especially those with the 430 cid V-8, are highly sought after. They have been trading in the $15,000 to $18,000 range for well-restored examples. Mechanically, these cars are very reliable, but the prospective buyer should still ask for a test drive. Probably the weakest spot on these cars is the coil spring front suspension. Fatigue and wear of the components can become apparent with a simple road test. A quick stop from under ten miles per hour with both hands firmly planted on the wheel, can detect shift and vibrations and can reveal possible loose parts in the front end related to steering or braking. While not available from the factory, one popular option seen on many of these "Square-Birds" are wire wheels. Based on a 52-spoke design on 14" rims, these do not seem to hurt the value even for those looking to strict authentic restorations 1960-Engine code fifth digit of VIN Y=352 cid/300 hp V-8, 4-barrel intake; J=430 cid/350 hp V-8, 4-barrel intake. Due to the rising popularity of these vehicles, the reproduction of interior and exterior trim items, as well as mechanical parts, have been on the increase for the past few years. Complete front-end rebuild kits, including new coil springs, padded dash boards, and even gas tanks can be found in the pages of magazines that specialize with these cars. Probably the biggest plus about the "Square-birds" is the same factor that made them a success when they were new -- they're stylish, and there is room enough for mom and dad, and a couple of kids too! - end - A 1960 model with the vertical hash marks at the rear