Summary
Introduced for the 1955 model-year, the first generation of Ford Thunderbird was a definitive sales success versus its cross-town competition, the Chevrolet Corvette. Nonetheless, after two years of strong retail selling numbers, management at Ford Motor Company felt the lack of rear seats limited the mass-market appeal of the model and along with a new generation of Thunderbird came family-friendly rear seats. The 1958 model-year was the first of the second-generation Thunderbird, spanning 1958 to 1960. It was one of the initial vehicles produced alongside the Lincoln Capri at Fordâ??s brand-new Wixom Assembly Plant in Wixom, Michigan. This is the same plant that would go on to produce automobile icons such as the 1964-1969 GT40 and the later 2005-2006 GT.
This particular specimen, serial number H8YH108538, is painted in two-tone Winterset White with Everglade Green hardtop and its interior is finished in Cascade Green and Winterset White. The body condition is solid and appears to have previous paint repairs with varying quality of refinishing. The interior appears authentic or OEM replacement with according character one would expect with a largely original car of its age. Its 25,397 miles are original and are in line with service records and information provided from the previous owner.
This vehicle was first owned in Bakersfield, California. We are told that most of the vehicle is in factory condition with notable exceptions being the dash and the interior upholstery that needed replacement due to the effects of the intense central valley sun. At some point, a family member of the original owner brought it to Eureka, California. We bought it from the family member and brought it into our inventory in May of 2002.
Mechanically, it has Fordâ??s 352 cubic inch 4-valve 300 horsepower V-8 attached to the optional Cruise-O-Matic transmission. It comes equipped with factory SelectAire air conditioning, although non-functioning in its present state. Other optional equipment includes: Swift Sure Power Brakes, Master Guide Power Steering, Manually-Adjustable Front Passenger Seat, Electric Clock, I-Rest Tinted Glass, 6-Tube Pushbutton Radio with Antenna, Aquamatic Windshield Washer/Wiper, Gunsight Front Fender Ornaments, Locking Gas Cap.
This vehicle shows its age with the patina one would expect of a 64-year-old example of an American classic. Although it starts, runs, and drives, prospective buyers should not contemplate taking this vehicle home and immediately enjoying trouble-free driving. There is significant oil along the undercarriage that is intermingled with road dirt suggesting that it has leaked for some time. It is a good, solid vehicle with a known history that you can enjoy for what it is. Happy motoring!
Vehicle Details
Equipment
Swift Sure Power Brakes
Master Guide Power Steering
Manually-Adjustable Front Passenger Seat
Electric Clock
SelectAire Conditioner
I-Rest Tinted Glass
Cruise-O-Matic Transmission
6-Tube Pushbutton Radio with Antenna
Aquamatic Windshield Washer/Wiper
Gunsight Front Fender Ornament
Locking Gas Cap
Additional Information
**Vehicle Options listed are when the unit was originally built. Please confirm the accuracy of the included equipment by calling the dealer prior to purchase.