Ford did a U-turn with the 1958 Thunderbird. After having staked out the “personal luxury” segment with the popular two-seater T-Bird, they completely redesigned the car to take an additional two passengers. The new “Birds” were considerably larger than their forebears, and they featured unitary construction and many convenience and luxury touches. There were now two distinct models, a hardtop coupe and a convertible with a power top. The latter took advantage of the mechanism developed for Ford’s Skyliner retractable hardtop, albeit with a vinyl soft-top.

While traditionalists decried the T-Bird’s move upmarket, customers validated the company’s wisdom, as sales nearly doubled. The 1959 models did better still, with some 67,500 sold. The final year of the second-generation Thunderbird was 1960. It received a new grille, triple taillights, and an optional metal sunroof. Sales continued to climb, nearing 93,000 units.

This 1960 Thunderbird is a 9,000-mile example in refreshed original condition. It has been repainted in white and mechanically renewed, when necessary. New tires have recently been fitted. The red and white interior is original and has been re-dyed to bring it to excellent condition. In addition to the original Thunderbird equipment, a modern AM/FM stereo system has been unobtrusively installed. The car has power steering and power brakes, and in the spirit of the optional metal sunroof, an aftermarket glass power sunroof has been fitted.

The 1960 Thunderbird was the most popular of its generation. Examples with this much originality, however, are very few and far between. Thus, this car presents a very uncommon opportunity.