![]() On the track it performed flawlessly, and I experienced good 300hp acceleration, and bias free braking. This car fired right up and I was off for my square bird test drive. Dual exhaust in good condition is on however the consignor states the drivers side manifold does leak. Some oil blowback is seen in front, and this car has its original drum braking, and independent coil spring and leaf spring rear suspension still on. Plenty of patina and surface rust is noted on all surfaces. A Ford 9 inch 3.10 rear axle from the factory is on. It has a 4 barrel carb on top and a 3 speed manual with pull lever overdrive on back. The trunk has its original plaid liner which is a bit rough, but a pristine spare is on the ledge underneath the rear glass in the trunk.ĭrivetrainWithin an unrestored light blue painted engine bay is the blue block and valve covered 352ci V8. Other surfaces like the headliner are covered with a vented light blue vinyl which is showing some dirt and soiling but remains tight. Note the futuristic dash center with a radio and just below is a round temp slider aptly coined Select Aire. Beautiful original dark blue carpet is covering the floors and shows nicely. Nice white faced gauges with chrome and gold trim sit within a ribbed shiny dash plate, and an original winged badged center hub blue rimmed steering wheel is in front of the dash. A sleek dark blue and chrome trimmed center console runs through the buckets up to the dash which uses dual squared off “eyebrows” to house the instruments and glovebox. A back bench uses the same colorway and pattern. Inside sleek two tone low rounded back buckets with light blue tuck and roll inserts and dark blue smooth bolsters and backs, work to create the look for the interior. A textured light blue lower panel mixes with dark blue smooth vinyl and interplay with aluminum and chrome to create a futuristic look and this is just the armrest. No sign of any lower rocker trimming or wheel trimming, however a nice stainless ribbed panel is on the B pillar just above the rear fender, as well as the iconic bird badge.Ī swing of the doors and one begins to appreciate the complexity of the design, and use of various shades of dark and light blue and various materials to nearly the point of overwhelming. These tail lights remind the writer of an almost “owl like” appearance but don't ask me why! A somewhat squared off roofline bathed in diamond blue, with a nearly vertical rear glass, and the 3 vents on the back of the rear quarter add to the look of the square bird. This fin is angled perfectly to the outside is above the triple round taillights, wrapped below by the big 59's chromed bumper which rises to meet the ovals that house the round taillights, and we will throw in 2 small dagmars that frame the center license plate holder. Mid door is a wide trim spear with a script written Thunderbird badge in its center. On the doors begins the arrow styled bump-out which will eventually grow to become the rear fin. On the hood a small faux hood scoop harkens back to the baby birds and fronts some very clear front wrap around glass swept clean by stainless wipers. ![]() A single gunsight oval adorns the tops of the front fenders which frame wide whites wrapping steel wheels and their turbine style wheel covers, all in sexy polished chrome form. For this year, dual headlights are protected by an upper “visor” which float above the big open egg crate chromed smiling grille, all neatly inserted within the bumper. A few minor chips and drips are throughout, but you'll need to have a keen vision to spot them. ![]() This beauty with straight rust free panels minding their gaps very well, is all bathed in the factory sprayed Diamond Blue. This was the best selling Thunderbird by far, and everyone was complaining about the back seat, but it did not matter. Stylish yet contemporary, it would fit into any driveway today and look nearly modern. Oh and it has a mere 41K+ miles!! A rare bird indeed. It is also completely and utterly original. ![]() This car was owned by the purchaser in 1959 until 2018, and resided in rust free California. This particular car is a rare stock shift on column, with pull lever overdrive, which represents less than 1 percent of the cars produced in 1959. Yes, it's part of the general habit we all have of delving into jargon, which acts as a conversational shorthand, (which is good), but also makes it harder for newbies to understand what the heck everyone is talking about, (which is bad).įor consignment, we give you the second gen bird formally known as the square bird. Keeping them straight, though, isn't that hard because the collective Thunderbird enthusiast community has given each one a nickname. Ford's Thunderbird spans 11 generations and several thematic and mechanical variations. ![]()
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