300 hp, 352 cu. in. OHV “Interceptor” V-8 engine, three-speed Ford-O-Matic transmission, front and rear coil-spring suspension, and four-wheel power-assisted drum brakes. Wheelbase: 113 in.
“Ford ushered in the New Year last midnight by unveiling an automobile which may well change the American concept of luxury motoring. It was the four-passenger Thunderbird which Ford chose to reveal before a group of prominent Americans during the New Year’s Eve party at the exclusive Thunderbird Golf Club in Palm Springs, California. The completely new automobile, which will be introduced in Ford dealerships later this month, is a stylist’s dream car that combines the dash of the personalized Thunderbird with the interior spaciousness of a luxury car.” – Ford New Bureau, January 1, 1958
This rare and beautifully restored example was originally purchased by the consigner’s grandparents (prior to going on vacation) at Bingaman Ford in Myerstown, Pennsylvania, on April 6, 1960. It has remained in the family since that time. The original Bill of Sale is included with the sale of the car, as are shop manuals and the original owner’s manual. It is equipped with the 300-horsepower, 352 CID “Interceptor” V-8 and an automatic transmission, along with power steering and brakes and an AM radio.
In the early 2000s, this car was refinished in its Color Code E Colonial White, but it still retained the dark turquoise/light turquoise Trim Code XK four-bucket-seat interior, as-built. The trim tag notes Color Code B Winterset White, with the owner choosing to paint the car Colonial White to match the other 1958 Thunderbird in his stable. The restoration was photo-documented, and the careful workmanship performed on the car resulted in it being an AACA National Senior First Place award winner in 2004. A copy of receipts for the work on the car, which was performed by W.W. Motor Cars & Parts, of Broadway, Virginia, is available upon request.
Any fan of the Thunderbird knows this is an uncommon opportunity to purchase the rarest of the “Squarebirds.”