1958 Ford Thunderbird Hardtop
1958 marked the beginning of the second generation Thunderbird and it was a complete redesign for one very important reason. First gens were two seaters and Ford wisely saw the limited potential of such a platform thus pivoting to a four seater. As a result, the second generation Thunderbirds sold four times that of previous years.
For consignment, a hardtop 1958 Ford Thunderbird. Convertibles would come later in the year, but the hardtop was the original body style released to an enthusiastic public. Very little is left of the baby bird styling in this unique design which survived three years before a new design was introduced.
Exterior
Colonial White covers the car which for 1958 starts with an aggressive front end with a gaping grill and inset quad headlights that look slightly angry. The sculpted eyebrows feed the curved hood that flows into raised fenders, all flanking a wide hood scoop. The side profile is newly angular and the curved windshield wraps around to a deeply set A-pillar. A raised spear in the body is accented by ornamental metal trim pieces. Further back, the rear fenders put fins in the air keeping with the period's trend, along with the fender skirts. The four round tail lights, spread wide, are unique on their own and then you see the mesh style fascia that houses them. This car is equipped with a continental kit and wire wheels. Metal work is very good in most areas but will benefit from polishing or restoration in others. Imperfections are mostly reserved for the lower half where we note plenty of rust, previous body filler and bubbles. There is also some curb rash and rust spots on the wheels.
Interior
Door panels are black over white with a curvaceous, flowing armrest. The front bucket low back seats are black rimmed with white tuck and roll inserts all constructed of vinyl. The driver's seat is torn on the side and the piping shows some wear while the passenger seat and rear seats are in good condition. A box speakers sit on the rear seats and we only guess that this is not to obstruct the view on the rear shelf. A white steering wheel with horn ring shows some patina and is mounted a polished column which is shared with the shifter. The Thunderbird dash and consoles never disappoint, and three round gauges protrude from a ribbed metal back plate. The same backplate houses vents and the AM radio on the center stack followed by a round SelectAir A/C controller. A modern AM/FM/CD radio is mounted under the dash under a metal plated glove box. No armrest here as the center console houses a big speaker under a grated cover. So many unique features on the interior! The loop style carpet is in good condition and the perforated vinyl headliner looks great. Drivetrain352ci in V8 configuration are under the hood and is rated at a whopping 300 horsepower. It's fed by a 4-barrel carburetor and the gears row automatically through a Cruise-O-Matic 3-speed automatic transmission. A Ford 9" rear houses 3.10 gears and drum brakes are found all around. The chrome valve covers highlight an otherwise driver quality engine bay that is generally clean and accessible.
Undercarriage
Unibody construction debuts on the '58 and this is evident from underneath. The car has its share of surface rust as expected but also invasive rust on the right front unibody rail as well as notable patching in the front wheel wells. Dual exhaust finds its way to stock style mufflers and both of them are in need of replacement due to rust. Plenty of residual oil on the underside as well as evidence of body filler in the panels and wheel wells.
Drive-Ability
A pump of the gas and a turn of the key and we spark the thunder under this bird. Off to the test loop we fly and find the engine runs fine and the brakes stop well and overall, it's a smooth ride. The big rear pillar, so common in this era, hurts visibility a bit in the blind spot, but that amazing front window is like flying a plane, allowing panoramic views ahead. Our notes indicate the A/C is not working but all other functions do.
The late 50's and early 60's Thunderbirds are such great cruising cars. Stylish and unique, this one has a striking exterior and ultimately cool interior. She'll need a little TLC to bring her up to show quality, but the design, rarity, and solid engine should definitely make this a candidate for a collection or gateway into the car hobby.
H8YH136161
H-352ci 4bbl 300hp V8
8-1958
Y-Wixom, MI Assy Plant
H-Thunderbird Hardtop
136161-Sequential Unit Number
WARRANTY PLATE
BODY 63A-Thunderbird Hardtop
COLOR E-Colonial White
TRIM XH-Black & White Vinyl
DATE 10J-September 10th
TRANS 4-Cruise O Matic
AXLE 1-Ford 9" 3.10 Conventional
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