1959 Ford Thunderbird

Following the successful first-generation, two-seater 1955-1957 Thunderbirds, the totally redesigned 1958 through 1960 models received Jet Age styling and larger overall proportions, with seating for four occupants. The second-generation Thunderbirds immediately outsold its predecessors with fast-growing numbers throughout production. While the two-seat Corvette struggled to find its footing, the Ford product planners correctly understood the needs and interests of the majority of Americans, building a sporty-looking luxury car rather than a full-bore sports car. Not only the public agreed, but the motoring press as well, with Motor Trend magazine naming the 1958 Thunderbird its 'Car of the Year award.

The original Ford Thunderbird two-seater had defined the new 'personal luxury' car market in fine fashion. The second generation added a roomy interior and its popularity reached new heights. Before it was over, ten generations of the Ford Thunderbird were built through 1997, with a reprisal of the two-seater in 2002.

1959 was the second year for the Square Bird era, after being completely redesigned, re-conceptualized, and re-imaged in 1958 the new four-seat Thunderbird. The success of its inaugural year led to only mild massaging of the styling and specifications for 1959. Among the cosmetic changes were a new horizontal grille with small matching rear grilles behind the taillights. The prior four bars previously found on the Thunderbird's flanks were replaced by a chrome arrow, and the interior received white face dials replacing the previous black dials of the earlier Thunderbirds.

The convertible body style had a stylish power-operated top with the rear-hinged trunk area automatically opening with the push of a button to accept the folding mechanism and fabric. It then retracts to a close with the top cover now totally concealed under the rear deck panel. The result was a long, distinctively sculpted rear deck that becomes flush with the rear seats, forming one long, uninterrupted sweep of pure and elegant beauty.

The standard engine powering the 1959 Thunderbird was the 332 cubic-inch V8 with a two-barrel Holley carburetor, five main bearings, overhead valves, and delivering 225 horsepower. The 352 cubic-inch 'Thunderbird Special' V8 used a Holley four-barrel carburetor and offered 300 horsepower. A mere 1,168 Thunderbirds were fitted with the powerful 430 cubic-inch J-Code V8 engine that offered 350 horsepower, the largest engine available in any 1959 car. Of the 1,450,953 vehicles produced by Ford in 1959, just 10,261 were convertible Thunderbirds and 57,195 were Thunderbird hardtops. The total second-generation Thunderbird sales, from 1958 through 1960, was nearly 200,000 units, four times the result of the two-seat model. (37,892 in 1958, 67,456 in 1959, and 92,798 in 1960).

The original two-seater Thunderbird had a wheelbase of 102-inches and a length of 175.30-inches. The 1959 Thunderbird had a wheelbase of 113-inches and a length of 208-inches. Transmission options included a three-speed manual transmission with a semi-centrifugal-type clutch and three-speed helical gears and synchronizers for second and third gears. A Dual-Range Cruise-O-Matic transmission was a $242 option. Additional options included overdrive, power brakes, power steering, power windows, backup lights, tinted glass, outside rearview mirror, full wheel covers, rear fender shields, leather interior, four-way power driver's seat, and a push-button radio and antenna. The Select Air Conditioner was a $446 option.

In 1959 Ford promoted the Thunderbird as 'America's Most Becoming Car!' They were part of Ford's NASCAR program in 1959, and although officially treated as a separate marque in the point standings, these stylish cars would go on to set numerous records, including the convertibles.

by Daniel Vaughan | Feb 2021