1960 Ford Thunderbird

Description

After years of living in the first-generation Thunderbird's shadow, the first of the 4-seater 'Birds are finally getting some serious respect. No longer bargain-basement specials, cars like this pretty white-on-black '60 T-Bird hardtop are seriously hot collectables that are also exceptionally nice to drive.

The classic combinations never go out of style, and the Thunderbird wears white paint better than most of its contemporaries. It's not bright refrigerator white, of course, but a creamy soft white that nails the Corinthian White Ford intended. The 1960 'Bird's many scoops and creases are subdued a bit with white, making this a handsome car that doesn't look fussy. Paint and bodywork are well done and while it's not a show piece, it does look fantastic heading down the road or at your local cruise-in. Delightful chrome details abound on the second-generation Thunderbird, including the little ornaments atop each front fender, the Thunderbird script on the rocket-shaped body side moldings, and the bright chrome "gills" on the rear quarters, again reinforcing Ford's fondness of rocket-inspired design. The chrome probably cost as much as a new Cadillac to restore, and the glass has a lovely soft green tint that's totally authentic. Experts will also note that this car features an ultra-rare factory sunroof (made by German company Golde and therefore called the "Golde Edition"), which includes the little "fence" at the top of the windshield header, a feature you've probably never seen before.

Code 56 on the door tag means black and white vinyl, and there's no doubt that the guy who originally ordered this car knew exactly what he was doing. Dolled up like a Lincoln, it has infinitely more style and just as much luxury thanks to the beautifully finished buckets, center console, and gorgeous cockpit-style dash. The white-faced instruments are fitted into a shiny aluminum panel that looks like a high-end clock face, with secondary controls just underneath. Power windows with switches on the center console are a nice feature on any luxury car. The original AM radio is still in the dash, but like so many of its contemporaries, it's sadly not working. Overhead, the sunroof makes this 'Bird feel airy and bright and adds a dimension that you rarely find in any car of the era. The trunk is also finished properly, including a new mat set, full-sized spare, and a complete jack assembly.

Under the hood you'll find a Y-code 352, which offered 300 horsepower thanks to a 4-barrel carburetor. It's plenty for the stylish 'Bird, which moves through traffic with an effortless ease that makes the driver feel like a million bucks. The engine bay is tidy, but not really detailed for show, and includes the original air cleaner painted to match the bodywork, bright yellow Ford-logo valve covers, and high-mounted expansion tank for the cooling system. Things like power steering and brakes are standard equipment and there's an astounding amount of room under the hood that makes service easy. It's backed by a 3-speed automatic and a set of 3.10 gears out back, meaning that this black hardtop will cruise all day at highway speeds without breaking a sweat. A brand-new dual exhaust system has a great, mellow sound that's appropriate for a luxury car like this and the undercarriage is shockingly clean. Simple hubcaps are fitted inside a set of G78-14 bias-ply wide whitewall tires for a proper look.

The days of cheap, high-quality Square Birds are gone, and this rare sunroof-equipped hardtop will always find an enthusiastic audience. Call today!