For model year 1959, there was no “sophomore slump” in regards to sales of the 1959 Ford Thunderbird. Sure, the introduction of the groundbreaking 1958 four-seater Thunderbird was delayed and didn’t go on sale until February of 1958, but they still sold nearly 38,000 units. With a full production year – and having establishing itself as the sole owner of the personal luxury car market – the ’59 Thunderbird sales would soar to 67, 456 units – 14,000 more than the three-year sales total of the ’55 – ’57 Baby ‘Bird! The vast majority of customers bought the Hardtop Coupe – 85% in fact – like the one we’re featuring here. As is more common than uncommon these days, the seller is very skimpy on details and history and photos, but on the surface, it looks like a nice driver-quality Squarebird with a nice surprise under the hood.
With such a first-year winner, the ’59’s changed very little with a new horizontal front grille and rear taillight grille treatment and some new side trim. There’s only one photo of the exterior, a three-quarter front view from the passenger side. There’s also one from the driver’s side but it is out of focus. Unfortunately there are no photos of the Thunderbird’s distinctive rear end styling which I always thought was more interesting and cooler looking than the front end. Based on what I see in the photo, it looks all there, I’m not seeing rust or accident damage and the Colonial White paint looks presentable. The trim, badging, and glass looks to be acceptable and one thing I’d change are the tires and get the period-correct whitewalls. They would make the solid white paint job pop even more.
Ford stylists really hit it out of the park with the interiors of the ’58 – ’60 Thunderbirds, and it’s no surprise that they usually make the list of the most beautiful car interiors of the 1950s. Compared to other chrome-and-glitzy interiors of the day, the Thunderbird is a great combination of elegance with a touch of sportiness. The classic black and white vinyl interior (Trim Code 8X) looks to be in very good condition on the front bucket seats and rear bench seat. The instrument panel, dash, center console, steering wheel, and door panels also look good. It’s hard to determine the condition of the carpet and there are no photos of the headliner.
There’s a nice surprise under the hood as this Squarebird was ordered with the limited-edition 430-cubic-inch Thunderbird Special V8 that was rated at 350 horsepower at 4400 rpm. Hagerty’s states that only 1,168 of ’59 Thunderbirds (less than two percent) left the factory with this J-Code setup, so it’s a rare ‘Bird. It’s mated to a Cruise-O-Matic automatic transmission and 61,328 miles are showing on the odometer. There’s no mention if they’re the original miles or not. The seller says, “It’s a numbers-matching J-model. The car is in good shape. Runs, drives and stops. Lights, blinkers and brake lights work.” This ’59 Squarebird is currently located in Montesano, Washington, and is listed for sale here on craigslist for $17,500. Bard Finds would like to thank Curvette again for sending this great tip our way. Based on its powertrain rarity and overall good condition, this appears to be a desirable ’59 Squarebird at a reasonable price. What do you think?
When I was in the Air Force, Kessler AFB a friend another Airman bought a 59 with the 430 and it had a three speed with overdrive. I know weird right? Now it did have a sparkomatic or some cheap floor shifter through the console, but it had the overdrive t- handle and that thing would cruise! Took it on a couple road trips while we all hung out, don’t know what happened to the car, I know he didn’t pay much for it if course it was 72, maybe 73 and it was just an old Bird no one collected.
This is a really cool Square Bird Ron. I honestly never knew you could get a 430 in them. They were designed to get those big heavy ( hey…… wasn’t there one on here recently with a 2 barrel??? Lol) Lincolns moving. I know these T Birds are no light weights, but a lot lighter than a Lincoln. These must have moved with some serious authority, with an automatic or Manual. The ine Cadmanls mentioned above with a stick and overdrive must have been seriously impressive on the road.
Great T Bird and write up too Ron I always say I learn something new on Barnfinds every day. I also totally agree about the interiors as well, all through the 60’s they were very nicely trimmed. Thank you I
enjoyed it.
The 352 Thunderbird is the car an executive bought for his wife, daughter(s), and mistress(es). The 430 Thunderbird is the car he bought for himself.
I tried in my youth to get a convertible same bird
with the 430 same color from an old farmer. I stopped in late 70s when it was in restorable mode. The usual gonna restore it etc. the car was less than 30 feet from a barn type shed and offered to help roll it under.
To make the story short .. my last of many stops in the 80s saw a tree growing through the floor.
Fast forward In the 90s when I was searching for a 429 Thunderjet and called the number listed in advertising then a son inlaw answered telling me the location in a little one horse town ..
I asked if an older gent had a 58 Bird vert. He said yes. I told the story and said what happened to it. He said a guy from Georgia came down with an industrial truck with a winch and cut the vins , took convert too section and took the drive line .
Anyway this looks like a nice had-top.
I loved the bigger Birds. IMO the first series of 4seaters was the best. Fun fact, In ELVIRA, *Mistress of the Dark*, she dove a customized 58 black Thunderbird. Great car! Great Lady and actress! AND a great film. Sometime ago, another 58 was here. Someone who knows ELVIRA (Cassandra Peterson) commented, noting she was still going strong and at that time, still had that BIRD.
Great T-Bird to clean up, fix any mechanical needs and just drive. Restoration would probably bury you but it is a rare one.
A real classic ain’t suppose to be beautiful, just classic is enough. Who knows what inspires pencil pusher designers when they come up with something that just makes you shake your head. But there it is classic and definitely different. I wonder if they were the same designers as the early Birds?
I had a 60 as my first car in 73. Every option minus the sun roof (430, ac, power brakes, windows, etc) but additionally had some kind of 2 speed rear end (I was told it was a Columbia). While I was in college the rear end went out. The guy that replaced it for my Dad swapped him even for a new 9″ replacement in exchange for the 2 speed. Rear was some kind of an automatic. I only hit it twice (first time by accident, 2nd time to verify the first time). Right at 94/95 mph dang thing would shift. First time it scared the crap outta me. Second time I was ready…pegged that 140mph speedo in just a few seconds…
Dang I miss that car. Would love to find another 58-60 locally (when I get rid of half a dozen other projects…)
They surely ain’t aerodynamic but them Ford big blocks keep on keepin on at any speed. I got a 62 waiting for me to get it in the shop and start it’s re-birth. All the 4 seaters are my favs, I’ve owned a few. They got the same engines as the Lincolns but Ford chopped off about a thousand pounds. I luv the way they handle, ride like a limo but fast as a two seater. My only advice to any potential owner/buyer: Rebuild that front suspension SAP. I flipped one 1969, very ugly story.
i own a 1960 and fitted neoprene plastics to the sway bar. now it corners beautifully
i own a 1960 and fitted neoprene plastics to the sway bar. now it corners beautifully. i have just put this post up
I believe they ran them in NASCAR with the 430/ 3 speed?
i own a 1960 with a 352 and auto
A lot of car for the money. I can’t help but think these are gonna be sky high before too long.