The seller tells us they have listed this “square bird” for a neighbor that has owned the car for over 30 years but can no longer comfortably slide behind the wheel–what a shame! The car is located in Van Horne, Iowa and can be found for sale here on eBay. Bidding is starting at only $5,000, but there is a reserve. The wheel covers in this picture are from a 1957 Fairlane, but look pretty nice here–arguably better than the originals.
Note the different (70s Mopar, I think) wheel covers in this picture. Paint code “WA” was black over pink for 1958 Thunderbirds, so it’s quite possible this is the original color combination. I’m sure the lady turned some heads in this car cruising around Iowa! The paint looks shiny and I don’t see any major signs of rust or dings. It’s certainly a very presentable driver.
The seller tells us about one issue where there should be a radio antenna here. I wondered what the second small hole was for until I looked up the factory antenna, of which reproductions are readily available. If the radio doesn’t work, you can find a period one of those as well for those tunes you want as you cruise around Iowa–or anywhere else.
We can tell from this plate that the car was originally pink with black, has the standard 300 horsepower 352 V8, was produced May 1 of 1958, has a 3.10 differential and a Cruise-O-Matic automatic transmission. The black and white vinyl is also the trim scheme it left the factory with, although we don’t know if this is the original upholstery or not. As a side note, there were 35,758 1958 Thunderbird hardtops manufactured, and their base list price was $3,631. Isn’t the internet wonderful sometimes?
The only thing that really concerns me here is the ice pick on the center console! The seat upholstery looks very “wrinkly”, but my uncle’s 1960 Thunderbird did the same thing, and his was original, so who knows? I do wish we got some pictures under the hood as well, although we’re told it was recently serviced. If you choose to purchase this ‘Bird, you’ll be replacing the headliner as well, but the new one comes with the car. I wonder what the reserve is? I have a business trip to Iowa coming up shortly–it would be a fun drive back, don’t you think?
Wow I DO have a heart because it sure is beating fast for this beauty !! Being on a fixed income SUCKS…
My late ex GF was fond of ’59s. Not ’58’s, not ’60’s, only ’59s.
The ’59’s were the best of the 3.
the 58 bird had a 332 v8 4 barrel and a 352 v8 4 barrel 300hp did not have a 390 that yr
You are right, Marvin, I fixed the typo!
Ford only offered the 332 in it’s passenger cars in ’58 & ’59, then it was gone. Thunderbird only had a 300 hp 352 in ’58. In ’59 & 60, the, 430-350 hp became optional to the 300 hp-352.
The 390 became the engine for Thunderbird in 1961.
Van Horne, Iowa is a nice farming area. Once looked at a black 58, didn’t get it but they are good looking vehicles. Hope this one finds a good home.
In 1959 you could get it with a430 cubic inch 350 hp
I like these square birds. My neighbor had one when I was growing up and it was the coolest car in the neighborhood. Just not dusty pink, please. The neighbor’s was white—much better.
Thumbs UP cool car.
It is really nice to see an authentic ’58 T-Bird even though it has the wrong hubcaps.
The last ’58 T-bird I saw was an ex-brother in law’s who paid $10,000, 26 years ago. I dubbed it the BondoBird as it had more body filler than car.
They can be beautiful, even in pink.
My first car when I started my career was a “59”, purchased in “61”. The main problem I had was back in that day your girlfriend sat right next to you, we had a console between us. So I put a pillow on it and she sat on the pillow although her head touched the headliner. Memories, memories!!!
I to miss the old bench seats
Had a ’60……Ivory over red interior…….. Took many a long ride up and down the East Coast ……great cruisers and the interior is huge ….at least up front. Of course gas was .35 cents a gallon….but what the hey….
The icepick my be for reaching a heater control or similar lever that has broken off…..
Love it, but a non-pink paint job would be the first thing on the to-do list!
if it were another model , would probably go along with you, but, betchya not many were made in this color and decrease the value (??) sure don’t see many in ANY color!!
C’mon guys! Quit makin fun of me, it’s just a light shade of red.
I remember when my aunt brought one of these home brand new.It was white with blk & wht interior.’58 T Bird – what a car!
Greetings All,
Car looks great.
I am concerned why there is no picture of the front end that shows the grille?
Your ex GF was right. The ’59’s have some distinctive differences while being the same platform.
OK,OK…..Like the rest of us, in my younger days, I wouldn’t be caught dead cruising a pink car of any kind. Now, well things seemed to have changed a little. What happened in the last 50 years that nobody told me about ?? Crap….is this what COPD, GERD, and a whole host of other age inflicted issues causes ?
The desire to own a black over pink Bird ? This was not in the Life Manual ! I want a do over !
Greetings All,
DrinkinGasoline, don’t feel bad. I’ve noticed that the 50’s seemed to bring out a lot of pastels……..no clue why. Pink, no big deal.
For me, if it’s a car I really like, would being pink be the issue, probably not, though if I harbored thoughts of repainting, I’d feel bad if it the car wore its original colored paint and I changed it.
Thank You for your understanding Ross..it is appreciated :)
Anyone seen my teeth ?…..dangit, not again…
Greetings All,
DrinkinGasoline…….a decade ago I finally found a good example of a 1953 MKVIIM Jaguar. I bought it. If the interior leather didn’t look almost new, I’d change the color, it’s medium green. The exterior it’s pastel green. I went as far as picking up a used wheel spat in the same color rather than have to repaint the original, after the repair.
Don’t want to actually spend money on this color…..
I really despise the color, feel like Kermit the Frog.
This affliction spans other marques. I’ve a 59 220SE Mercedes pontoon that is robin’s egg blue. Several hours of buffing and amazingly not a better color, though the paint was in good shape. Luckily, I was spared the plaid upholstery that was popular on many European makes.
It was common on Gullwings……..think about that and cry.
I had a 1958 red and white T-bird back in 1966. cool car to go to the local drive theater and hang outs in. I remember back in the 50,s black and pink were hot colors in clothes, ( black slacks with pink shirt and white buck shoes, LOL ) Elvis had a pink Cadillac and also had pink and black stage clothes to wear also.
Thanks all for your comments.
I hate to let this one go but I’ve got six projects not counting the bird. As for the hub caps those are brand new tires & wheels. Other than that, she is bone stock. What are your thoughts on the price. Am I out of line?