While the original two-passenger Thunderbird quickly became an icon of American life, the ever-practical Ford chairman Robert McNamara saw a different future. For the Thunderbird’s second generation, it became a four-passenger car, with a body design that was impressively wide, low, and sleek, and much in character with the rest of its manufacturer’s 1958 offerings. Now a true “personal luxury” automobile, it nonetheless packed a sporty interior, with standard front bucket seats and center console, as well as plenty of power from a big V-8 under the hood. The decision to discontinue the two-passenger Thunderbird was controversial but McNamara’s aim was right on target. Buyers responded to the new design in droves and made the “Squarebird,” as it was affectionately known, a tremendous sales success.

One of 11,680 convertibles built in the final year of this design, the 1960 model shown here was delivered finished in the wonderfully subtle shade of Moroccan Ivory with black and white interior upholstery. It is equipped with the 300-horsepower, 352-cubic-inch V-8, Cruise-O-Matic transmission, power steering and brakes, power windows, Magic Aire heater/defroster, push-button radio, and chrome wire wheels shod in whitewall tires, as well as, of course, the standard power top that retracts beneath the reverse-hinged rear deck lid.

Formerly a resident of British Columbia for some years, as evidenced by charming ownership decals still on the windshield, the car is an older cosmetic restoration displaying an attractive patina throughout. In its colors and trim it fairly radiates Florida fine style, and would be a wonderful, comfortable cruiser for South Florida boulevards, adding to the 531 miles recorded on the odometer, likely since restoration.

The “Squarebird” has become more sought-after by enthusiasts in recent years, for its excellent combination of solid engineering, bold midcentury American flair, and comfortable interior appointments. This example offers a new owner a chance to experience its pleasures for themselves in the coming summer months.