More than 53,000 copies of the original 2-seat Ford Thunderbird were built in 1955-57. But the bean counters and marketing types thought the potential would be greater with a back seat for two more passengers. So, the cars were redone in 1958 and the ploy worked as nearly 200,000 units would be scooped up during the marque’s second three-year production run. This 1959 convertible was one of about 10,000 built and has spent the past 14 years sitting in a barn. It looks to be wearing a Pepto Bismol pink paint job and the auto needs some TLC. Located in Bixby, Ohio, you could take it home for $19,000 today or make an offer here on eBay that the seller can’t refuse.
Ford didn’t mess with success in 1959, so changes to the T-Bird were minimal. They tinkered with the rear suspension which helped improve the drivability of the automobile. Leather upholstery became an option and a 430 cubic inch V8 was a limited-edition engine option (350 claimed hp). A 352 V8 was more common and likely in the seller’s machine. Attracting more female buyers was in Ford’s plan and used marketing buzz like calling it “America’s most becoming car” to pull off that magic. The T-Bird was now the car to take to the country club or to run around town shopping with friends.
The seller refers to this droptop as a barn find as the previous owner, who was an elderly gentleman, drove it into his facility in 2008 and left it there. The seats were removed and recovered but not reinstalled, but since they’re there now, the seller must have remedied that. The dash pad is said to be new, but the photos show one that’s all wrinkled. A new top and hydraulics are still in the box, costing someone $1,700 in parts alone.
We’re told the carburetor needs to be rebuilt and the brakes require attention, which implies the car might be drivable after that work is done. We can’t tell how good the pink paint has held up because there is a lot of junk piled up on top of the back half of the Thunderbird. There aren’t likely many of these convertibles left, so if you’ve been looking for a viable 1958-60 T-Bird, it might take you a while to find another.
I’m gonna say that what looks to be a pile of trash on the rear is actually goober method of holding down the detached rear trunk lid, which would lead one to believe complex system of stowing the top is inoperable or missing.
Wonderful cars and a very collectible color. Replacing that
dash is going to be a challenge. Buyer should replace the heater
core at the same time as it’s difficult to get to behind the dash.
Fantastic car! This Bird is definitely “America’s most becoming car.” I would expect the paint to buff right out. As for the hydraulics, top shops does that all of the time!
It looks like the 430. The 352 intake went under the valve cover.
I would be very cautious as the trunk lid is missing. That’s why all that junk is there, trying to hide that. The trunk lid is an integral part of the top going up and down, and right now, that top is not doing anything. It’s a very complicated process and right now half of that process is missing.
$5000 tops IMO
The deck lid is under the blue tarp!
Looks like the trunk lid is detached, but inside/ in between those cardboard pieces.