This remarkable Ford Thunderbird Hardtop was purchased new on 8 October 1959 by George J. Huss, an auto shop owner, onetime regional racing driver, and lifelong resident of Rochester, New York, from local dealer F.A. Jones, as documented by a pre-delivery record on file. Other original paperwork notes it as finished in Raven Black with a leather interior, Cruise-O-Matic transmission, power brakes and steering, Magicaire heater, console radio, windshield washer, backup lights, Sun Ray wheel covers, and undercoating, at a total cost of $4,533.70, toward which Mr. Huss exchanged his 1957 Mercury.

Mr. Huss obviously prized his new Thunderbird, as he scarcely drove it, with the car spending much of its time garaged on blocks at his home. He passed away in 1988, and the following June it was sold at his estate auction, billed as the equal to his collections of Oriental rugs, Tiffany clocks, and vintage silver. The brochure noted “only 3,451 original miles…all original and as close to being new as one could get.” Ford dealer Everett M. Lewis bought it at the auction for his own collection. Mr. Lewis drove it back to its new home in Honeoye Falls, New York, and by all accounts considered it his most prized possession, giving it pride of place in his private museum. Following his passing in 2003, it was sold by his daughter to another respected collector, Glenn Boyd, from whom Michael Leith acquired it several years ago.

Remarkably well-preserved, the car exhibits every indication of being as original as its prior owners claimed, with its factory finishes still consistent throughout, and the interior exhibiting only gentle wear. Even the engine compartment and undercarriage remain in fine order. Most importantly, of course, the Thunderbird has been maintained to the same standard as the other cars in The Michael Leith Collection and is thus presented in excellent running and driving condition. It is an exceptional example of a bold Jet Age design, carefully preserved and maintained by each of its four owners.