7/24/2023 0 Comments 1960 thunderbird steering wheelThe genuine leather upholstery pattern for 1960 differed from that of previous models, and did not match the upholstery patterns for the cloth and vinyl upholstery nor the all-vinyl interiors. Square ‘Bird convertibles also had leather upholstery on their options list, with this lovely ragtop carrying code 85 red leather bolsters and inserts. If you thought you’d find a discount here, guess again. The grille-like inserts behind the round taillight lenses are crisp and bright, the lenses themselves are as-new, and the deck lid-mounted antenna makes for a sporty look. It’s all in first-rate condition with nary a blemish to be found. The front bumper and grille assembly alone is reputed to have cost nearly $10,000 to restore properly, and that’s just some of it! Note the lovely little bombsight ornaments atop the front fenders, the traditional Thunderbird logo on the nose, the aforementioned script on the doors, and, of course, that gigantic rear bumper that curls around the jet-inspired taillights. Fortunately, someone seems to have written a pretty big five-figure check to get all the bright stuff on this ‘Bird into show-ready condition. Of course, in any discussion of a big American convertible from this period, chrome is a critical issue. We’ve gone over the car pretty carefully and can’t find a flaw, and while we don’t ever claim that cars are perfect, some cars get closer than others. The paint glows with a vivid brightness that the best red cars show, not too orange and not at all pink, but rather a deep, rich red that looks incredibly inviting. The doors fit beautifully and do not require a heavy slam, the hood latches closed with a gentle push, and yes, that miraculous top extricates itself with acrobatic ease from beneath a flush-fitting deck. As I mentioned, this was a bare-metal rotisserie restoration to the very highest standards, and as such there’s really no place for substandard work to hide. Together with the stunning code J Monte Carlo Red paint (which is this car’s original color, by the way), this Thunderbird is a one-car parade everywhere it goes. For many enthusiasts, the 1960 models are the pinnacle of Square Bird styling, offering unique details that set them apart from earlier models, most notably the delicate ‘Thunderbird’ script on the doors, three sets of hash marks on the quarter panels, and heavy grille bars in the front bumper opening. Yes, there are cheaper T-Birds out there, but if you only collect the best, then this car requires no excuses.ġ960 was the final year for the first of the 4-seater T-Birds, also known affectionately as the “Square ‘Birds.” Bigger and more luxurious than the previous 2-seaters, it was a runaway sales hit with more than three times more cars sold in 1958 than in 1957. The short version is that this is quite likely the finest example of its kind anywhere and the price is but a fraction of the cost required to get it there. Third, it has won every major award such a car can win, including four AACA National First Prizes and the bare-metal restoration is simply stunning in every way. Second, it has every single option you could get in 1960, including factory A/C, power seats, power windows, and leather upholstery. First and foremost, it’s a real-deal J-code car, which means a rare 430 cubic inch V8 lives under the hood. Now before you go running off to grab your price guides and gear up to send me an E-mail about the price tag on this incredible 1960 Ford Thunderbird, please take a moment and examine it carefully. Yes, there are cheaper T-Birds out there, but if you only collect the best, then this car requires no excuses.
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