1959 Ford Thunderbird

Description

Style with performance has always been the Thunderbird's calling card, but this 1959 hardtop delivers even better results today. Reliable and comfortable enough to be a daily driver, and stylish enough to get you front-row parking at the swankiest joint in town, where else can you spend less than $20 grand and get this much charisma?

There's no denying the dramatic shapes and curves of the second-generation 'Bird, and they sum up the '50s perfectly: lots of body lines, heavy chrome, and just a hint of tail fins, plus a hood scoop and taillights that look like jet exhaust ports. How can you not love this car? The glossy black paint definitely works well on the formal T-Bird's shape and while it's not perfect, it has a comfortable, satisfying look that says it's done trying to make friends and just wants to be itself. You won't worry about rain or bugs, either, which is quite liberating in an old car, yet everywhere you go people will stop and admire this big coupe. The heavy old steel fits together well, with doors that close with a precision feel and a massive trunk lid that sits flush with the surrounding bodywork. Those massive quarters are straight, the body lines match up from panel to panel, and, well, this car needs no apologies. Even the chrome is quite nice, with an age-appropriate look but no damage or scarring that would wreck the look. Show up in this car wearing jeans and a T-shirt and everything'll be just fine, or take it out on the town and enjoy A-list motoring.

Bucket seats were standard equipment in the personal/luxury Thunderbird, and the 1958 redesign added the much-appreciated back seat that is contoured for two but will carry three in a pinch. The twin cockpit design is another reach into the jet age, with round gauges ahead of the driver that quite contemporary with their white faces and orange pointers. The two-tone seat covers look good for being original, along with clean carpets and door panels that are nicely preserved and show years of proper care. The original AM radio remains in the dash, but it could do with an upgrade since it's not working any longer, and factory A/C in any car of this vintage is a nice find (although it needs a recharge). In back, you'll find a positively massive trunk, fully upholstered and including a full-sized spare tire under its own cover in the center.

The standard engine on the T-Bird in 1959 was a 300 horsepower 352 cubic inch V8, which was the first of the FE blocks (you know, the same as the mighty 427 that would come a few years later). Dressed in Ford Blue with chrome some chrome dress-up, it looks right for a period cruiser and moves the big 'Bird with effortless ease. It sits squarely in the center of the engine bay, so service access is excellent, and there are a lot of new components to make it reliable. And while it's not detailed for show, there are no trouble spots, either, so just get in and go and don't worry about it. It's linked to a 3-speed automatic transmission and a set of 3.10 gears out back, so cruising is effortless, both around town and on the highway. The dual exhaust sounds suitably powerful, and it wears original wheels and period hobcaps wrapped in 205/75/14 skinny whitewall radials.

An easy cruiser that has a casual look that will attract attention everywhere it goes. Just think of the fun you can have with this awesome Thunderbird. Call now!