By Robert Tate, Award-Winning Automotive Historian and Researcher
Images Courtesy of The Henry Ford Media Center Archives
Published 8.14.2024
1958 Ford Thunderbird advertising photo
In 1958, the Ford Motor Company introduced its second-generation Ford Thunderbird models that became a huge success. The original Thunderbirds introduced in 1955 were two-passenger vehicles and well-received by the consumer market. The 1955-1957 Thunderbirds are considered classics and are highly desired by collectors around the world.
Robert McNamara (leaning on the car) and other execs with Ford's new line for 1958 (The Henry Ford Media Center Archives)
The newly designed 1958 Thunderbird models could accommodate five passengers and were manufactured in a variety of beautiful colors. The hardtops and convertibles arrived in dealer showrooms on February 13, 1958. According to automotive historians, Robert McNamara, who was then Ford Division general manager, authorized the total redesign of the 1958 Thunderbird models, which resulted in strong sales.
1958 Ford Thunderbird convertible top operation
Lorin Sorensen author of the book “Ford’s Golden Fifties,” wrote, “Ford executives proudly introduced the all-new ‘58 Thunderbird at the Chicago Auto Show on January 6, 1958. The news that Ford had dropped its sporty two-seaters stunned T-Bird fans. But it was strictly a business decision.”
1958 Ford Thunderbird publicity photo
When the 1959 Thunderbirds were introduced, they were virtually unchanged. The hardtop models were priced at $3,700, and the convertibles sold for $3,980. The models were looked upon at the time to represent the personal luxury car market.
Another 1958 Ford Thunderbird publicity photo
Automotive historians have reported that the 1958-1960 Thunderbirds models were the first Ford cars designed with unibody construction. Dubbed the “Square Birds,” the body changed very little over the three years. In 1960, a sunroof was added to the design.
The 1959 Ford Thunderbird interior
The 1958-1960 Thunderbirds were featured at the Ford Rotunda in Deaborn, Michigan, where they were admired by thousands of visitors. Thunderbird styling features included twin headlights, a flat roof design, and a great-looking interior console that ran horizontally between the front seats separating the driver and passenger. They also offered boxy design lines, along with a wide-pillar roof which also appeared on the popular 1959 Ford Galaxie models.
A 1960 Ford Thunderbird publicity photo
In conclusion, Ford Motor Company’s fortunes had improved dramatically in the mid-1950s. The original two-seater 1955-57 Thunderbird models were a great idea, however, Ford sold even more of the 1958-1960 Ford Thunderbirds due to the great design talent of styling director Franklin Q. Hershey and designer Bill Boyer. In an era filled with classic styling, The 1958-1960 Ford Thunderbirds will always be a part of our automotive history.
1960 Ford Thunderbird (OldCarBrochures.com)
Bibliography
Dammann, George H. “Illustrated History of Ford.” Crestline Publishing, 1971.
Sorensen, Lorin. “Ford’s Golden Fifties: All the Best from Henry II.” Silverado Publishing Company, 1997.
Langworth, Richard M. & Robson, Graham. “New Complete Book of Collectible Cars 1930-80.” Beekman House, New York, 1987.
Miller, Ray. “The Nifty Fifties Fords: An Illustrated History of the 1950s Fords.” The Evergreen Press, 1974.