1958 saw the introduction of the Square Bird and it wasn’t popular with everyone. The change marked the departure of the 2-seater T-bird and some were sad to see it go. However, the change instigated by Robert McNamara was a turning point for the Thunderbird and going this route saw a massive increase in sales.
The Thunderbird had been around since 1955 and this was the best selling year yet with over at 92,798 cars sold during the 1960 model year. The four-passenger T-Bird was doing well.
There weren’t too many changes this year and this was the third and final year the “Square Birds” body would be used (1958-60). The grille reverted to the small squares design used in 1957 and there were now three taillights per side rather than two.
The Thunderbird enjoyed a distinctive interior that was described in the brochure as being “Comfortable as a limousine”.
Power comes from a 352 cubic inch Thunderbird V8 engine with four-barrel carburetor producing 300 horsepower. This is paired with the optional three-speed Cruise-O-Matic automatic transmission.
Built in the Wixom Assembly Plant in Michigan it has options including; power steering, power brakes, power seats, power windows, radio, leather interior and MagicAire heater / defroster
SOME THUNDERBIRD OPTIONS AVAILABLE IN 1960
| Option | Price |
| Golde Edition sliding sunroof | $212 |
| SelectAire Conditioner | $466 |
| Cruise-O-Matic automatic transmission | $242 |
| 4-way power driver’s seat | $92 |
| Power windows | $102 |
| Power steering | $75 |
| Power brakes | $43 |
| Seat belts | $23 |
Ford produced 80,938 two-door hardtop Thunderbird cars for the 1960 model year with a base price of $3,755.
This 1960 Thunderbird is currently for sale on eBay. (follow the link for more photos)
Love the car , hate the wheels .
I had a 1960 T Bird , white, we put a 410 mercury Marauder in it with 340 hp . That made it fun. Some of them did come with larger engines such as the 430 with 350 hp and also a 352 intercepter that made 360 hp 10.6:1 compression ratio
beautiful car
I drove a white 1958. It was so nice to drive. It was loaded.