One of the greatest concerns when purchasing a classic is whether its sparkling exterior might hide a long list of mechanical woes that would cost a small fortune to address. However, that isn’t the case with this 1958 Ford Thunderbird. The seller provides a comprehensive list of recent maintenance that should allow the buyer to slip behind the wheel, confident that this beauty won’t cause them any grief. It is an extremely tidy vehicle, and I must say a big thank you to eagle-eyed Barn Finder Mitchell G. for spotting the Thunderbird listed here on Craigslist in Lansdale, Pennsylvania. All you need to do is hand the seller $25,000, and you could drive this Ford home.
The 1958 model year marked an enormous change of direction for Ford’s Second Generation Thunderbird. The badge effectively created the Personal Luxury Car market segment, but the company’s internal research revealed that the two-seat configuration of the First Generation limited its sales appeal. Therefore, it decided to add a rear seat, and while this upset some people, plenty voted with their wallets as the T-Bird set a new sales record. This first-year example is finished in Code O Platinum, and there is much to like about it. Silver paint is renowned for becoming patchy and developing a matte appearance, but this car shines like a new penny. A close inspection will probably reveal a few imperfections, but if potential buyers consider it as a high-end driver, it is comfortably acceptable. There is no evidence of rust, and the glass is clear. The trim is excellent, highlighted by the wire wheels that are wrapped in wide whitewalls.
This Thunderbird continues its bold visual statement, courtesy of the original owner’s decision to order it with its interior trimmed in Code XG Red and White. It provides a striking contrast to the exterior and is equally impressive. The upholstered surfaces are free from rips and tears, and the White surfaces haven’t developed a yellow tinge. The carpet is spotless, and the dash looks excellent. There appears to be minor wheel wear, but that seems to be the only fault worth mentioning. It isn’t equipped with air conditioning, but it does have power windows and an AM radio.
Ford gave the 1958 Thunderbird muscle credentials, filling its engine bay with a 352ci V8 producing 300hp and 380 ft/lbs of torque. While some buyers teamed the 352 with a manual transmission, this car features a three-speed automatic, along with power-assisted steering and brakes. This is the moment where this T-Bird comes into its own, courtesy of the seller’s recent significant financial outlay on its mechanical components. The list of work is as long as your arm…and mine, as well! It encapsulated the braking system, suspension, fuel system, and the electrical components. The tires are new, as are the engine and transmission mounts, the battery and cables, the upper and lower ball joints, the wheel cylinders, and the brake shoes. That represents the tip of a rather pleasant iceberg, making the Thunderbird a turnkey proposition that runs and drives extremely well.
Ford found itself with a sales hit when it launched the new Thunderbird in 1958. It rolled off the line during a truncated production year, but managed to set a new sales record of 37,982 vehicles. To place that figure into perspective, it was actually marginally better than the combined tally of the two best years achieved by its predecessor. The situation would continue to improve in 1959 and 1960 before its replacement hit showroom floors in 1961. This Thunderbird is a beauty, but it needs to be since the seller’s price sits towards the top end of the market. That may explain why it remains on sale after two weeks, but it only takes one person for that situation to change. Do you find it tempting?
Looks to be a solid car, square bird’s have great visibility for the driver. Interesting to note this year only the rear suspension is riding on coil springs, Ford switched to leaf springs in 59 and they used them for many years after. Might be an issue down the road. Keep them on the road, all about smiles per mile.
It looks good and it would probably cost a lot more to restore. I prefer the 55-57 birds myself but i wouldn’t mind driving this one. I don’t think Thunderbirds are big money cars (with the exception of those very early ones) but if you like this and everything is good as it looks. Then its probably worth buying.
Amazing craftsmanship. It’s a work of art, just never carried over price wise. But this one looks just about pristine.
Such a nice interior but I have always thought these versions of the TBird are the about the ugliest car made. As bad as the ugly Edsels. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. But these Birds are not for me.
In 1969 or 1970 while in high school and working at a Napa store. I had one of these given to me. It was a,1959 in white and the same interior. (If I remember correctly) The oil pump drive (off the distributor) had broken off in the oil pump. (So no oil pressure) I worked on getting that shaft out for a couple of weeks during my lunch time. And finally got it out. (I don’t remember how) No body could believe I accomplished it without pulling the oil pump. I installed a,new shaft and replaced the distributor. The car started right up and had great oil pressure. I sold it for $1,500 dollars. I have always liked this body style. But always thought that the car was about 40% too large and 60% too heavy.
They made very good race cars in NASCAR. Very fast,.
This car is as old as me, I’m a ’58 model too. But this is in better shape for sure. I think Ford made the right move to add 2 extra seats to the T-Bird and like Adam said created a whole new class of car. Most like this one came with the optional automatic trans., but I have seen a few with 3-on-the-tree (very few). I always thought these would be neat if Ford had offered a 4 speed stick. I really like the color of this one, it seems most were red or white. I don’t think you will find a nicer one of these for 25,000.
IMHO, I think Joe Oros and his team hit it out of the park.
Back in that day, I saw the ’58 and beyond T-birds as a great improvement over the little original 2-seaters. I don’t know how anyone could see them as ugly – that’s just beyond me! They were gorgeous cars – real head-turners – and I didn’t even like Fords back then, but the T-bird was an exception. This one appears to be in excellent shape and worth the asking price IMO.
Got to agree with most everyone here. Beautiful car. That headliner though, it looks like acoustical tile. I don’t think I’ve ever seen one like that. If this had AC it would be worth it I think, at least to me.
Baby Birds forever!
Ugly, ugly car.
I think they also used that style headliner in the early to mid-’60s F series pick-ups.
From what I understand, this .model T-bird was Ford’s first attempt at uni-body construction. They made it very strong! I read an article about a,guy who was scrapping a,rusted out one. He started by cutting out the floor from the rear of the front door and then removed the floor at the door pillar. The car was so structurally sound. That both doors opened and closed perfectly. It was a weird picture with both doors open and nothing else there except the roof. A,short person could open one door walk to the other side of the car,open the door and exit. With their feet never leaving the pavement! THAT IS ONE STRONG BODYSHELL! Too bad that the car was so heavy. It would have made a great race car!.
It wasn’t designed or built to be a race car. It was designed and built to be a personal sports cruiser, and it delivered on that quite well, as did the T-birds that followed it into the 60’s – until it became a behemoth in the 70’s with only it’s name left as part of its legacy.
These T-birds made 1958-1966 and all Lincolns made 1958-1969 were all unibodies and came out of the Wixom MI plant.