Interestingly, the new car was only one inch higher than the ’57 T-Bird, because unit construction permitted more efficient space utilization. To accommodate a rear seat, wheelbase grew from 102 inches to 113, and overall length went from 181 inches to 205 inches.
It was built with a unitized body in a new plant at Wixom, Mich., on the same production line as the 1958 Lincolns, which also used unitized bodies for the first time. So if you're quick enough, rare and vintage luxury can also be an affordable choice.The result was an entirely new Thunderbird design introduced in January 1958. This convertible is coming off of two decades of ownership, and the sale even comes with restoration photos. You even have power brakes with upgraded front discs. This is aided by the right features such as the three-speed automatic transmission, power steering, and the classic whitewall tires that hide the more modern tread. It floats down the boulevard like a true vintage luxury coupe should. On the road, the dual exhaust gives a hint at the power under the hood, but the T-bird never loses its composure. So this big block V8 has the right power and torque to confidently move this convertible. This V8 is far larger than anything offered in the first-generation Thunderbird, and this is topped with a four-barrel carburetor. It looks great with a dark engine bay and painted red air topper that mimic the interior/exterior color combo. Under the hood is a proper 352 cubic-inch V8, and this is believed to be original to the car. There were less than 2,200 Thunderbird convertibles produced that year, so this one has true rarity. While we all know the appeal of droptop luxury today, they were more into coupes in '58. Bucket seats, center console, and a cockpit-style dash gives you a stylish Lincoln-level of execution. After all, the bold red radiating from within the dark exterior has timeless style.
#58 thunderbird full#
This was originally ordered with a red and white interior, but we know exactly why they upgraded this to a full red package later in life. The black roof has plenty of distinction against the black car, but with the flip of a switch, it powers down to really deliver a bold package. So this is a great detail-oriented package that remains complete today! Of course, we all love wire wheels with the iconic whitewalls. It's all part of a total package that brought us into the jet age. In fact, there are bright details everywhere, including the little ornaments atop each front fender, the Thunderbird script on the rocket-shaped body side moldings, and the chrome grilles on the rear panels. These second-generation cars are affectionately called "Squarebirds" because of the sharp angels, but the intricate lines of the wraparound chrome bumpers front and rear reveal there was a lot more going on with this design than its predecessor. There was at least one respray later in life, and the value price leaves room in the budget if you want to do it again, but a factory black car is something that always gets us excited. Please ask for the full description.Ĭheck out the door tag, this is a real-deal A-code Raven Black car. These second-generation cars are affectionately called “Squarebirds” because of the sharp angels, but the intricate lines of the wraparound chrome bumpers front and rear reveal there was a lot more going on with this design than its predecessor. So when you can find a rare convertible with distinguished black paint, big block power, and acres of chrome like this 1958 Ford Thunderbird, then you know you have a classic that delivers value and style.Ĭheck out the door tag, this is a real-deal A-code Raven Black car. The second-generation Thunderbird is arguably the most distinctive of the bunch. 352 V8, 3SPD AUTO, PWR STEER/BRAKES, AWESOME COLOR COMBO, SHARP STYLING, NICE!!!