I just shot a review for 1964 thunderbird will be posted later this week if everything goes good =) the interior is way nicer in the 64 more luxury.. I like the style of the 60 Square bird.. I like the design of the bullet bird.. what’s the interior of the 64 was gorgeous I love how the rear seats curve at the back The steering wheel on the 60 was in my crotch and I’m not that big of a person... The 1964 it wasn’t like that.. I had a smaller steering wheel also the rim around the steering wheel wasn’t as thick it was pencil thin which had a really elegant feel to it, not saying the 60 design isn’t good it is it’s just the position of the steering wheel instead of it being tilted up slightly it’s coming straight out of the dashboard people must’ve been smaller back then..
The knee knocker door openings are a real knee killer. Handling is good ! My personal best 1/4 mile a cool 17.65 in the year 2000. So its 40 years old when I did that pass.
My first recollection for this series of Thunderbird goes back to 1958. The Principal, Mrs Campbell of school #2 in Clifton, NJ had one. It was the ivory/cream color, with a red interior. It looked like a spaceship sitting out in front of the school in her special parking place for all to see from the street as one passed by. It was a car that definitely made a bold statement of success. Quite unique.
Definitely totally agree the only thing that I forgot to mention and it’s been almost a year since I did this episode well March so it’s been a while I got to drive it the other day customer brought it back for service and I had to move it from one building to the other steering wheel is in your crotch I wear size 34 so you’d have to be pretty small for it not to be in your crotch that car is the reason I started doing the whole crotch thing like the steering wheel space ratio
My mother had the 1960 convertible with the 430 engine and the radio was great. My mother, born in 1921 loved fast cars. While I was growing up she had many including a Nova SS and a Dodge Charger. She also collected speeding tickets like stamps but was good friends with the local JP
When I was in high school, the brother of a friend of mine had a Square Bird. Not sure if it were a ‘58, ‘59, or ‘60. But it had a three speed column mounted stick shift. It was the only one that I ever heard of.
Yes, the Square Bird (like most American cars of that era) came as a basic car. Options needed to be chosen. Even the heater was an extra-cost item. I wish we still could add individual options today.
My girlfriend was just gifted a 60 t-bird from her mother. black on black in good condition. We cant make it a half mile out of the drive way without random people giving us thumbs up. these cars just seem to turn heads.
Owning a classic cars like that you are a celebrity while driving it.. I love it when people stop me and say hey my dad had a 52 Chevy that looks just like yours it brings back a lot of good memories.. for people that had them back in the day =) it’s something that lacks in new cars just don’t have the characters of the old cars do
As a kid in the early 60s, my friends grandmother had one of these. It was Black and I was impressed. She always bought a new T-bird when the body style changed. The 61 through 63 is my favorite body style. With the 64 through 66 next. After they went 4 door I didn’t care for them as much. I did like the suicide doors in the four door models though.
I like the 1955-1957 the best but bullet bird 61-63 looks good too the steering wheel sliding to put in park is unique... definitely want to review that one... thank you so much for sharing =)
A fantastic Thunderbird. What a special color. Thanks for checking off one of the cars on the list I gave you. Certainly one of my favorite cars. I remember driving a bunch of these at a car lot I worked at when I was 16. Bullet Birds too but these always have had a special place in my heart along with the '64 - '66 Birds. Thanks again for putting in the time on this one. Hope you liked it.
I love doing this car I honestly think I’m starting to like this format.. format is always changing. This one was sold so couldn’t drive it. But soon that will be a part of the video is the drive. It’s been a busy week I’m trying to get to a point where I have three videos a week didn’t get there last week. I’m glad you liked the video =) I love thunderbirds. I love all cars so it might be hard to believe that I was a ford/mercury/Lincoln guy growing up because this channel mostly features chevys.. the only thing I forgot to show I didn’t fit in it the steering wheel was in my lap, you sit in this car not on it it’s much like sitting in a 67 mustang just way nicer. (I owned and daily drove a 67 mustang miss that car).. that was the only thing I didn’t like about it.
@@What.its.like. I was always a FoMoCo guy even though I had several Chevrolets. My best friend had a pristine '64 Impala SS so I ended up getting a couple, a '63 Impala and a '63 Impala SS 409. Wish I still had the 409. Like you I really like a wide range of vehicles, the first of which I experienced was the Hudson station wagon, so that kinda says it! I also know that you really have to take what is available at the time. There are plenty of vehicles left for me to visit on you channel. Never had a Mustang but my mom had a '68 Camaro RS that was cool, except when I had to work on it. My '63 Impala was a 283, three speed with overdrive. Consistent 23-25 miles per gallon. Almost the best car I have ever owned. The '89 Lincoln Town Car I bought when it was 4 years old is the best. I still have it.
The early 1960s was a golden age for cars. They were all so distinctive. You could easily tell the make and model from 3 blocks away. Today cars are so numbingly similar and boring looking that you have to go right up to them and read the maker's badge. It's almost dystopian.
As I recall the 1958-60 hardtops had a regular front-hinged trunk lid but the convertibles were rear-hinged so the top could disappear under the rear deck lid. The exterior door handles look like arrows too.
Dad worked for Ford AED in Chicago making B-52 engines, and ordered his '59 factory direct. A red 1959 convertible was the first car I ever drove, equipped with 3-on-the-tree and overdrive behind a 352 4-bbl. I was 11-12 and the car belonged to my sisters boyfriend. Driving top-down along the Connecticut river next to the under-construction I-95 was a boys dream. Ours was a black hardtop with CruisOmatic. When we first got it, the decklid was to tight it took multiple tries to close it, finally figuring out to push down in the middle right above the license plate. Said plate covered the fuel filler neck, so you could pull up to pumps on either side. I'm pretty sure I took my drivers test in the bird, or it may have been a Corvair Lakewood. Many many memories. tom
Great story, My 67 mustang was like that where the gas filler was at the rear so it didn’t matter which way you pulled into the gas station to get gas very convenient. Especially if you have a lot of cars that’s the problem with having a lot of cars the filler is generally on the opposite side of what you think but if it’s in the center it doesn’t matter
Open the trunk. A HUGE “fun fact” is Ford sold twice as many 1958’s as 1957’s. The T-Bird was always intended to be a personal luxury car, rather than a sport car. Look at the rear seat. The rear seat backs on all T-Birds curved. Cool 😎. The round tail lights are supposed to resemble jet exhaust. The speedometer needle is supposed to make you think of a rocket 🚀. T-Bird really was the showpiece car for Ford.
As a five year old in love with the two seater I hated it. I get it now. Unibody is the heaviest way to build a car. A 1934 Chevy weighs the same as a retro Fiat 500. A Camry the same as a 56 Chevy. It’s my understanding that the two stainless T-Birds were made at the end of the model year and after a supply of replacement body parts were stamped out (yes I know the fenders didn’t unbolt on these). They were concerned that the stainless steel would damage the stamping dies.
Yeah I tell people all the time that my 52 1 ton Chevy weighs as much as a Kia Sorento. I’m was with you when I was a kid I didn’t like any of the big birds (except the bull it bird) but they are growing on me =)
gorgeous. great color. I have a '59 Tbird and a '59 Lincoln. If you get a chance to watch the convertible in action, it's pretty fun. Ford combined production of the '58 Tbird and Lincoln in the Wixom plant, and shared many components between them, notably the unibody construction with the same cowl as the foundation for the cars...so they were kissin' cuzzins for sure. Lesser Fords of the time were full frame cars. old photos show both cars going down the same assembly line. this remained until the downsizing in 1977. if you check out the front end of a '61 Tbird and '61 Lincoln, they are super similar.
Yeah I was gonna mention that in the 77 Lincoln mark five video that the Lincoln and the Thunderbirds shared the same platform until 1977 when all of that changed... thank you so much for watching and thank you so much for the information I really appreciate it =)
I was gonna ask what the Heaviest unibody car was... I know the bullet bird that came after the square bird weighs considerably more but wasn’t sure if that was the heaviest
@@What.its.like. I luuuv these big ol unibody cars...obvs. their construction was a cut above everything else. Lincoln went back to being a big Ford in 1970, and Tbird did the same in 1972...nice cars, but not truly unique like the unibody's
My dad had one that came with vinyl seats, which gave out along the seams after about a year. Rear quarter panels offered little or no drainage causing major rusting just in front of the rear wheels, especially in areas where roads were being salted. Because the speedometer went to 140 I figured I'd test on a newly laid straightaway. Took it up to about 114 when the front end began to become airborne. But it was a blast to drive and the radio was the best.
My first and only T-Bird was a 2005 Anniversary Edition that I bought brand new in December of 2004. It was equipped with every option available. it was Medium Steel Blue with the matching hardtop. 2005 was the last year of the new T-Birds. I kept this car for 5 years
One of the first cars I drove was a mid 1960’s Thunderbird. The dashboard was so tall that we had to find enough thick books for me to sit on to be able to see. (I was born in 1964) And then my parents had a mid 70’s Thunderbird that was their “special” car. I always liked the Thunderbird. And I certainly appreciate your enthusiasm in making these videos. You seem to like cars as much as do I. Great work. Wonderful videos. Thank you for them. 😊
My 1st car was a '60 T-Bird Convertible. It had 4 problems. 1. Quarter Panels rusted 2. Power Stearing would blow the hoses if you went to stealing wheel lock. Drove it without the power stearing most of time. Errrr 3. Hydraulics for the top also went out often. Disconnected and did it manually. Again errr but not as bad as the power stealing. 4. It was hard on starters. Seamed I was replacing the starter once or twice every year. Your correct in saying it had poor handling (even when the power steering worked) I blam the weight for that. However the ride was great. Loved it, wish I still had it.
It’s awesome that car wasn’t perfect but still would like to have it back I drove it one the other day owner brought it for service just drove it to the building next door drives nice steering wheel is in crotch
Seldom acknowledged facts: The 1958 Birds had coil spring rear suspension. Was designed to accept air suspension, but that never panned out. In 1959 (and 1960), the T Bird had leaf springs in the rear. They did handle better than the 1958s. Square Birds were unit bodied. Built alongside Lincolns in the same plant. The entire body was actually over built. Front fenders were not removable; they were part of the unit construction.
Dead on for cons. Handles like a boat. Rockers rusted quickly. Sucked premium gas almost as fast as you could pump it. You could hear the four barrel carburetor open and suck the gas and it would fly. Huge steering wheel. Dads was palm spring rose which was pink with a cream roof and cream interior. Bought it from an older woman in town in 1965. Heavy was an understatement. He had it until the mid 80s. Dad loved that car.
I was 12 years old in 1960 & I started to notice car designs. Even then I realized that the 1960 T-Bird had more styling gimmicks than the 2 previous years. The most being 6 verses 4 Tail lights. I guess more was thought to be better. More chrome in the grill. 1958 had honey comb grill insert (same as our 1958 Ford Ranch Wagon). I neighbors had 1960 convertible T-Bird. in 1966, I knew somebody who owned a 1960 "square bird" & upon entering was warned not to lower the power windows (they wouldn't go back up).
Just bought a 64 Convertable....is a little larger than this one ...have longer legs. Love Thunderbirds. Iconic American car of 50's and 60's. The glory days of the American Empire.
Good info. If I remember correctly, Elwood's proposed (and rejected) design was for the '61 T-bird, not the first 4-seater, the '58. The similarity allowed the '61 T-bird and '61 Lincoln to be built on the same production line. (BTW, I could live without the "toodle-loo" in future episodes. ;))
Beach boys was what I listened to in highschool I could hit all the notes Brian could, cant now I don’t sing anymore... at one point I could hit that high note in more than a feeling by Boston... not anymore I could still do a good duke of earl I had range but did nothing with it... I was shy in highschool kept to myself only sang with close friends.
This car is the reason for crotch test The steering wheel comes out of the weird angle it’s huge and the seat doesn’t move up or down it is in your lap Unless you were a very small individual probably with a waste of 29 or less
The 60 is a pretty car but the 55-57 is the greatest classic car of all time, a design masterpiece and by far the best T-Bird generation. Nothing that follows comes close to being that iconic.
The early transistor radios also had low voltage tubes in them. The sound was only better because you. O longer heard the humming of the vibrator that made high voltage for older tubes regular tubes. The transistor radios were more reliable, but made cheaply and did not have the same sensitivity. Local stations faired better than distant stations, but then again AM radio always sucked.
@@What.its.like. Also tube car radios used a lot more voltage than transistorized ones. Since cars of that era had generators (which did not charge the battery at idle or very low speeds) the radio could start to drain the battery at idle or below about 20 mph or so.
I have a 1959 Ford Thunderbird. It's funny that nobody ever mentions on the left side window sill there's a little push button table that apparently worked with the windshield wiper and washers. I know it has some vacuum hoses that run to it but I can't find anything in my Thunderbird repair manual that tells what exactly it does and how it works. I'm going to have another look in the manual
I bought the 1960 T-bird in 1968 when I was a Junior in high school....a really perfect one for, like $700. But it was embarrassing to drive as 1968 cars looked far more modern and shapely, like the 1968 Camaro our school used for driver training. My car looked like some sort of 1950s rocket ship, weighed a ton (2 tons nearly), and handled like an old man car. Notice in the video at 10:15 the poor gap fit of the trunk. Mine did exactly the same thing. I could only stand it for 6 months and sold the lead sled. Sadly, it was pink (Desert Rose) which didn't help.
I like all things Thunderbird. I have had five and loved them. My favorite is the 67/71, then 72/73, 61/63. 1983/1986 were the sweet spot for me. Never cared for the Aero Bird from 87/88. Liked the 1989 through 1993. Hated the motorized sest belts though. The 1994/97 looked bloated with the 94 restyle. In 1997 Ford really cheaped out and gave the 97 Thunderbird Ford Taurus gauges. The 1980 through 1982 is the generation that Ford probably would like to forget, I know i would. They were ugly.
What about 55/57? I think those years are my favorite... nothing sounds like a y block very distinctive sound. I like the styling of the bullet birds as well not saying the other ones aren’t cool need to check them out as well.
@@What.its.like. I'm a fan of the 55/57 for sure. They are beautiful cars. My father was a body and fender guy and he restored a 1957 for a friend at our house in the mid seventies. So this car was part of the family for two years. So out of those years my favorite is the 57.
Bought a 1960 T Bird in 1966, a very nice car I thought, for about $600 I think. The guys I car pooled with for work made fun of it, not a very cool car for an 18 year old guy, so I sold it, peer pressure, and bought a 1960 Chevy Impala coupe which fit in better at the local drive in.
That’s crazy to think this car at one point was uncool... that you for sharing that story.. I forgot to mention when I sat in the car the steering wheel was too big it was hitting my thighs with the seat al the way down
There are many things that are not correct on this 1960 thunderbird. The engine is not correct, the 1960 T-Bird came with a 352 cu. in. engine as standard, all had yellow valve covers that said Thunderbird, with a White air cleaner, the optional engine was a 430 cu. in. with Black valve covers that said nothing because this engine was also used in the Lincoln Continental and the 1958 Mercury as the top of the line Marauder engine putting out a whopping 400 hp. The 1st American car to offer 400 hp. The leather interior is also not correct. The leather interior in 1960 Thunderbirds was two tone with buttons in the seats , door panels, and rear quarter panels.
When I was a small child (aged four) one of our neighbors owned a '59 model. I loved that car! And to me, even at that age, it made my father's '54 Buick look all the more staid and downright ugly!
It’s crazy how cars can make other cars look, I saw a Bugatti veyron on a post and to me that car did not age well.. that 54 Buick on the other hand 59 t bird timeless designs
Every auto manufacturer has made a lemon at one time or another. Hence recalls (or worse). I owned a ‘59 Edsel Corsair two door hardtop. Incredibly tough vehicle - it just never seemed to ‘get tired’ . I sold it in 1979, still in great shape. There were others, Thunderbirds included, that couldn’t get out of their own way. A friend’s Dad bought a ‘39 Mercury new. Everything that could go wrong with a car, did. He finally traded it in on an Oldsmobile. There are as many car stories , good and bad, as there are car owners…
I remember discussing the 1958-1960 T-birds with my brother-in-law in about 1974. I agreed with him then that they were "the ugliest cars ever built", and that they often appeared in garish colors like pink and turquoise. Of course today I have a much higher appreciation for them since you never see any now. In 1974 there still were rusty ones driving around, in lousy condition.
Well u seem to be rushing it a bit but you did a good job overall so slow down and check your facts from more than one source, might want to add some recent cars for sale as to what they are selling for, I owned one for a short time and they can get rusty for sure like any car, pretty much dont even think about car collecting unless you have a real dry , rodent free garage. Today maybe a great choice as very classy and not too big compared to some luxo cars and of course the interior blows most of them out of the water, a great comfortable cruiser.
Awesome thank you so much for the information =) honest I shot this video in two different days and one day I got back home from something and it was late and that’s why I was talking kind of slow I couldn’t match that expression I’m trying to be passionate in it it sounded like I was being in the beginning it kind of sounded a little dry so I wanted to add some enthusiasm to my voice but I didn’t wanna go back and redo all of that other stuff that was previous...
To be honest I had a really bad day that day but need to get a video done for the channel it was later didn’t want to wake anyone.. I’m a glass is half full type of person so the next day I was fine I should have done it all in one take.. but didn’t.
I had a 60 BIRD just like this one, bought it in 71, 48k miles, had it 5 hours, a driver,crashed a stop sign, T-boned me, totalled the car, bummer,,,,, $2,800.00 down the drain,,,,,,,,,,
Thank you for bringing that up I totally forgot to talk about the transmission for some reason there was two transmissions available at three speed with overdrive and Ford‘s cruise O-Matic I’m not sure if the stick shift was a column shift or if it was in the center consul I think it was a stick shift in the center consul on the floor but I’m not 100% certain
It was a luxury car with auto transmission. Besides, this car was marketed to my parents generation, who started driving in the late 1930's when column shifters were considered "new tech". My dad's first car was a 1940 Buick Super convertible. Mine was a 1966 VW Bug (the 1966 1300 "Bonzo" model).
Interesting as this was a luxury car. Adjusted for inflation that would not be in the luxury car price range....Toyota Camrys can cost that much these days
Adjusting for inflation is not a true indicator of what the current price would be. Added standard equipment, safety features, electronics and government mandates would all have to be added. That $3755 did not even include a heater, seatbelts or side view mirror. If you add the options listed that would come as standard equipment now you would be at about $5622 or $53,858.76 which would be closer. Then add the additional safety and other required equipment and improvements and you would likely be well into the $70,000 range.
@@turnne All of the federally mandated safety equipment, pollution controls and mileage requirements that were added between 1960 and today. And, the engineered changes to engines, transmissions, ignition, fuel and exhaust systems, lighting, brakes and body structure, (e.g. crumple zones), that have been necessary to meet those requirements. None of those are in the 1960 Thunderbird.
@@falcon664 Well...and there have been more efficient methods of manufacturing that are less expensive , just for inflation, as well as Chinese parts sourcing etc So I get something are cheaper and others are more expensive My question was what basis did you have for assigning a dollar value to the safety items etc?
Number one McNamara was Secretary of Defense not Secretary of State two the rear window is not called the windshield it's called the rear window three the grill is only used for the front of the car
1960 Wagner electric company which studebaker later bought out right before going under was the first company to patent dual master brake cylinder. I also saw that in 1962 Cadillac had two hydraulic single master cylinders the fronts were tied into one master cylinder where is the rears were tied into another one... One failed we’ll still have the other one in theory. Apparently a 1967 the federal government stepped in and made it a mandatory requirement to have dual master cylinders on all cars moving forward because evidently there was some 40,000 brake related accident that happened every year. Here is the link that I got the information from because it’s very interesting it shows the first set of different things we take for granted now. www.secondchancegarage.com/public/history-of-automotive-brakes-1.cfm
That’s going to be my thing what’s wrong with Toodeloo yeah I need to make that correction I knew he was Secretary of Defense I write a script and I’m dyslexic so sometimes it morphs into something else
@@johna.4334 He sounds like Aunt Bea (Google her, if the translation doesn't make sense). A simple "Toodeloo, my friends" might sounds more genuine. Just a thought.
My favorite Thunderbird, followed by the bullet bird, 61-63. Had a pristine 65 for a few years, but always wanted a 59 or 60.
I just shot a review for 1964 thunderbird will be posted later this week if everything goes good =) the interior is way nicer in the 64 more luxury.. I like the style of the 60 Square bird.. I like the design of the bullet bird.. what’s the interior of the 64 was gorgeous I love how the rear seats curve at the back The steering wheel on the 60 was in my crotch and I’m not that big of a person... The 1964 it wasn’t like that.. I had a smaller steering wheel also the rim around the steering wheel wasn’t as thick it was pencil thin which had a really elegant feel to it, not saying the 60 design isn’t good it is it’s just the position of the steering wheel instead of it being tilted up slightly it’s coming straight out of the dashboard people must’ve been smaller back then..
The knee knocker door openings are a real knee killer. Handling is good ! My personal best 1/4 mile a cool 17.65 in the year 2000. So its 40 years old when I did that pass.
Nice I’ve never had an issue with the door openings
Those knee knockers really do hurt, but you only do that once.
My first recollection for this series of Thunderbird goes back to 1958. The Principal, Mrs Campbell of school #2 in Clifton, NJ had one. It was the ivory/cream color, with a red interior. It looked like a spaceship sitting out in front of the school in her special parking place for all to see from the street as one passed by. It was a car that definitely made a bold statement of success. Quite unique.
The 60 is my fave for that body style.
That’s awesome =) you have great taste
The beauty outweighs the negatives. And you are right, the light dimmer should be on the floor.
Definitely totally agree the only thing that I forgot to mention and it’s been almost a year since I did this episode well March so it’s been a while I got to drive it the other day customer brought it back for service and I had to move it from one building to the other steering wheel is in your crotch I wear size 34 so you’d have to be pretty small for it not to be in your crotch that car is the reason I started doing the whole crotch thing like the steering wheel space ratio
Good review. Sweet ride.
An Incredibly Beauuutiful Car!💕
My mother had the 1960 convertible with the 430 engine and the radio was great. My mother, born in 1921 loved fast cars. While I was growing up she had many including a Nova SS and a Dodge Charger. She also collected speeding tickets like stamps but was good friends with the local JP
Awesome story thank you so much for sharing =)
I love this generation! My grandfather bought one new back in the day.
That’s awesome I love the way this generation of ford products hood opens. Clam shell =)
When I was in high school, the brother of a friend of mine had a Square Bird. Not sure if it were a ‘58, ‘59, or ‘60. But it had a three speed column mounted stick shift. It was the only one that I ever heard of.
Yes, the Square Bird (like most American cars of that era) came as a basic car. Options needed to be chosen. Even the heater was an extra-cost item. I wish we still could add individual options today.
I had a 1959 with the three speed manual AND electric overdrive.
My girlfriend was just gifted a 60 t-bird from her mother. black on black in good condition. We cant make it a half mile out of the drive way without random people giving us thumbs up. these cars just seem to turn heads.
Owning a classic cars like that you are a celebrity while driving it.. I love it when people stop me and say hey my dad had a 52 Chevy that looks just like yours it brings back a lot of good memories.. for people that had them back in the day =) it’s something that lacks in new cars just don’t have the characters of the old cars do
I had a all white T-Bird 1960. The most beautiful auto I have ever owned.
Awesome they are Stellar cars powerful and just glide down the road
As a kid in the early 60s, my friends grandmother had one of these. It was Black and I was impressed. She always bought a new T-bird when the body style changed. The 61 through 63 is my favorite body style. With the 64 through 66 next. After they went 4 door I didn’t care for them as much. I did like the suicide doors in the four door models though.
I like the 1955-1957 the best but bullet bird 61-63 looks good too the steering wheel sliding to put in park is unique... definitely want to review that one... thank you so much for sharing =)
A fantastic Thunderbird. What a special color.
Thanks for checking off one of the cars on the list I gave you. Certainly one of my favorite cars. I remember driving a bunch of these at a car lot I worked at when I was 16. Bullet Birds too but these always have had a special place in my heart along with the '64 - '66 Birds. Thanks again for putting in the time on this one. Hope you liked it.
I love doing this car I honestly think I’m starting to like this format.. format is always changing. This one was sold so couldn’t drive it. But soon that will be a part of the video is the drive. It’s been a busy week I’m trying to get to a point where I have three videos a week didn’t get there last week. I’m glad you liked the video =) I love thunderbirds. I love all cars so it might be hard to believe that I was a ford/mercury/Lincoln guy growing up because this channel mostly features chevys.. the only thing I forgot to show I didn’t fit in it the steering wheel was in my lap, you sit in this car not on it it’s much like sitting in a 67 mustang just way nicer. (I owned and daily drove a 67 mustang miss that car).. that was the only thing I didn’t like about it.
@@What.its.like. I was always a FoMoCo guy even though I had several Chevrolets. My best friend had a pristine '64 Impala SS so I ended up getting a couple, a '63 Impala and a '63 Impala SS 409. Wish I still had the 409. Like you I really like a wide range of vehicles, the first of which I experienced was the Hudson station wagon, so that kinda says it! I also know that you really have to take what is available at the time. There are plenty of vehicles left for me to visit on you channel. Never had a Mustang but my mom had a '68 Camaro RS that was cool, except when I had to work on it. My '63 Impala was a 283, three speed with overdrive. Consistent 23-25 miles per gallon. Almost the best car I have ever owned. The '89 Lincoln Town Car I bought when it was 4 years old is the best. I still have it.
The early 1960s was a golden age for cars. They were all so distinctive. You could easily tell the make and model from 3 blocks away. Today cars are so numbingly similar and boring looking that you have to go right up to them and read the maker's badge. It's almost dystopian.
I had a ‘59 convertible. Loved the car. Wish I had it today.
Skyliner or sunliner? 59 was a great year.
As I recall the 1958-60 hardtops had a regular front-hinged trunk lid but the convertibles were rear-hinged so the top could disappear under the rear deck lid. The exterior door handles look like arrows too.
Totally agree
Dad worked for Ford AED in Chicago making B-52 engines, and ordered his '59 factory direct. A red 1959 convertible was the first car I ever drove, equipped with 3-on-the-tree and overdrive behind a 352 4-bbl. I was 11-12 and the car belonged to my sisters boyfriend. Driving top-down along the Connecticut river next to the under-construction I-95 was a boys dream. Ours was a black hardtop with CruisOmatic. When we first got it, the decklid was to tight it took multiple tries to close it, finally figuring out to push down in the middle right above the license plate. Said plate covered the fuel filler neck, so you could pull up to pumps on either side. I'm pretty sure I took my drivers test in the bird, or it may have been a Corvair Lakewood. Many many memories. tom
Great story, My 67 mustang was like that where the gas filler was at the rear so it didn’t matter which way you pulled into the gas station to get gas very convenient. Especially if you have a lot of cars that’s the problem with having a lot of cars the filler is generally on the opposite side of what you think but if it’s in the center it doesn’t matter
Had no idea that Ford had made jet engines.
Open the trunk. A HUGE “fun fact” is Ford sold twice as many 1958’s as 1957’s. The T-Bird was always intended to be a personal luxury car, rather than a sport car. Look at the rear seat. The rear seat backs on all T-Birds curved. Cool 😎. The round tail lights are supposed to resemble jet exhaust. The speedometer needle is supposed to make you think of a rocket 🚀. T-Bird really was the showpiece car for Ford.
I did open the trunk but edited it out there was a bunch of spares that came with this car it was a huge trunk
As a five year old in love with the two seater I hated it. I get it now.
Unibody is the heaviest way to build a car. A 1934 Chevy weighs the same as a retro Fiat 500. A Camry the same as a 56 Chevy.
It’s my understanding that the two stainless T-Birds were made at the end of the model year and after a supply of replacement body parts were stamped out (yes I know the fenders didn’t unbolt on these).
They were concerned that the stainless steel would damage the stamping dies.
Yeah I tell people all the time that my 52 1 ton Chevy weighs as much as a Kia Sorento. I’m was with you when I was a kid I didn’t like any of the big birds (except the bull it bird) but they are growing on me =)
gorgeous. great color. I have a '59 Tbird and a '59 Lincoln. If you get a chance to watch the convertible in action, it's pretty fun.
Ford combined production of the '58 Tbird and Lincoln in the Wixom plant, and shared many components between them, notably the unibody construction with the same cowl as the foundation for the cars...so they were kissin' cuzzins for sure. Lesser Fords of the time were full frame cars. old photos show both cars going down the same assembly line. this remained until the downsizing in 1977. if you check out the front end of a '61 Tbird and '61 Lincoln, they are super similar.
the squarebird unibody cars are heavy...but check out the stats for the unibody Lincoln...the biggest and heaviest unibody ever
Yeah I was gonna mention that in the 77 Lincoln mark five video that the Lincoln and the Thunderbirds shared the same platform until 1977 when all of that changed... thank you so much for watching and thank you so much for the information I really appreciate it =)
I was gonna ask what the Heaviest unibody car was... I know the bullet bird that came after the square bird weighs considerably more but wasn’t sure if that was the heaviest
@@What.its.like. I luuuv these big ol unibody cars...obvs. their construction was a cut above everything else. Lincoln went back to being a big Ford in 1970, and Tbird did the same in 1972...nice cars, but not truly unique like the unibody's
@@steves9905 I'm betting that might have actually been the 73 Imperial Crown. I know it was the longest.
My dad had one that came with vinyl seats, which gave out along the seams after about a year. Rear quarter panels offered little or no drainage causing major rusting just in front of the rear wheels, especially in areas where roads were being salted. Because the speedometer went to 140 I figured I'd test on a newly laid straightaway. Took it up to about 114 when the front end began to become airborne. But it was a blast to drive and the radio was the best.
My first and only T-Bird was a 2005 Anniversary Edition that I bought brand new in December of 2004. It was equipped with every option available. it was Medium Steel Blue with the matching hardtop. 2005 was the last year of the new T-Birds. I kept this car for 5 years
Awesome thank you so much for sharing your car with us
One of the first cars I drove was a mid 1960’s Thunderbird. The dashboard was so tall that we had to find enough thick books for me to sit on to be able to see. (I was born in 1964) And then my parents had a mid 70’s Thunderbird that was their “special” car. I always liked the Thunderbird. And I certainly appreciate your enthusiasm in making these videos. You seem to like cars as much as do I. Great work. Wonderful videos. Thank you for them. 😊
I love the classic new cars don’t come close to these beauties thank you so much for digging this channel =)
Love my 60 Bird. Such a great ride.
That’s awesome =)
My 1st car was a '60 T-Bird Convertible. It had 4 problems.
1. Quarter Panels rusted
2. Power Stearing would blow the hoses if you went to stealing wheel lock. Drove it without the power stearing most of time. Errrr
3. Hydraulics for the top also went out often. Disconnected and did it manually. Again errr but not as bad as the power stealing.
4. It was hard on starters. Seamed I was replacing the starter once or twice every year.
Your correct in saying it had poor handling (even when the power steering worked) I blam the weight for that. However the ride was great.
Loved it, wish I still had it.
It’s awesome that car wasn’t perfect but still would like to have it back I drove it one the other day owner brought it for service just drove it to the building next door drives nice steering wheel is in crotch
Well done my man.
Great review
=) glad you dig
Lots of great content on this channel
Seldom acknowledged facts: The 1958 Birds had coil spring rear suspension. Was designed to accept air suspension, but that never panned out.
In 1959 (and 1960), the T Bird had leaf springs in the rear. They did handle better than the 1958s.
Square Birds were unit bodied. Built alongside Lincolns in the same plant. The entire body was actually over built. Front fenders were not removable; they were part of the unit construction.
Awesome information thank you so much for sharing =)
Dead on for cons. Handles like a boat. Rockers rusted quickly. Sucked premium gas almost as fast as you could pump it. You could hear the four barrel carburetor open and suck the gas and it would fly. Huge steering wheel. Dads was palm spring rose which was pink with a cream roof and cream interior. Bought it from an older woman in town in 1965. Heavy was an understatement. He had it until the mid 80s. Dad loved that car.
My favorite yr Thunderbird 😏 😍
I was 12 years old in 1960 & I started to notice car designs. Even then I realized that the 1960 T-Bird had more styling gimmicks than the 2 previous years. The most being 6 verses 4 Tail lights. I guess more was thought to be better. More chrome in the grill. 1958 had honey comb grill insert (same as our 1958 Ford Ranch Wagon). I neighbors had 1960 convertible T-Bird. in 1966, I knew somebody who owned a 1960 "square bird" & upon entering was warned not to lower the power windows (they wouldn't go back up).
Awesome story and information thank you for sharing =)
I, too, was 12 in 1960. I personally liked my dad's '59 T Bird more than either the '58 or the '60.
Just bought a 64 Convertable....is a little larger than this one ...have longer legs. Love Thunderbirds. Iconic American car of 50's and 60's. The glory days of the American Empire.
Awesome =)
Dean Rusk was the Secretary of State. Robert McNamara was secretary of defense.
Thank you for that correction
@@What.its.like. 👍
Good info.
If I remember correctly, Elwood's proposed (and rejected) design was for the '61 T-bird, not the first 4-seater, the '58. The similarity allowed the '61 T-bird and '61 Lincoln to be built on the same production line.
(BTW, I could live without the "toodle-loo" in future episodes. ;))
But that’s going to be my thing it’s like beach boys falsetto Brian Wilson…
@@What.its.like.
But unlike most people (eh-hem), Brian Wilson was a talent. I'll clue ya.
@@What.its.like. No offense. It's your channel and you've got to be you. ;)
Beach boys was what I listened to in highschool I could hit all the notes Brian could, cant now I don’t sing anymore... at one point I could hit that high note in more than a feeling by Boston... not anymore I could still do a good duke of earl I had range but did nothing with it... I was shy in highschool kept to myself only sang with close friends.
Yeah but unfortunately you don't have Brian Wilson's voice. Lose the toodle loop!
As always a great video on a very cool car.
This car is the reason for crotch test The steering wheel comes out of the weird angle it’s huge and the seat doesn’t move up or down it is in your lap Unless you were a very small individual probably with a waste of 29 or less
First American car to have a center console due to the high transmission hump of the unit body.
Awesome information thank you for sharing =)
Yes, and that large transmission hump was an integral strengthening part for the unibody.
The bird's had an unbelievable unibody
Fabulous fabulous Ford. Invaluable.
Thank you glad you liked the episode =)
That is a conversion to a dual brake master cylinder. The dual cylinder became the standard in 1967 I believe.
From what I’ve read it was mandatory in all cars by 67 or 68 but I think it’s 67
Thanks!
The 60 is a pretty car but the 55-57 is the greatest classic car of all time, a design masterpiece and by far the best T-Bird generation. Nothing that follows comes close to being that iconic.
I got to drive a 56 and I didn’t fit in that car it was hard getting in and out of with the roof on
@@What.its.like. I’m 6’4” and can fit in it
Nice presentation, but Robert McNamara was secretary of defense.
Yeah that’s what I wrote but said it the other way thank you for the correction =)
¡ Hermoso este ejemplar de T-Bird ! Desde 🇦🇷 lo veo. Por aquí hay muy pocos. Ford produce Ranger aquí.
The early transistor radios also had low voltage tubes in them. The sound was only better because you. O longer heard the humming of the vibrator that made high voltage for older tubes regular tubes. The transistor radios were more reliable, but made cheaply and did not have the same sensitivity. Local stations faired better than distant stations, but then again AM radio always sucked.
Awesome information, thank you so much for sharing =)
@@What.its.like. Also tube car radios used a lot more voltage than transistorized ones. Since cars of that era had generators (which did not charge the battery at idle or very low speeds) the radio could start to drain the battery at idle or below about 20 mph or so.
I have a 1959 Ford Thunderbird. It's funny that nobody ever mentions on the left side window sill there's a little push button table that apparently worked with the windshield wiper and washers. I know it has some vacuum hoses that run to it but I can't find anything in my Thunderbird repair manual that tells what exactly it does and how it works. I'm going to have another look in the manual
MY favorite Bird
This thunderbird is the reason for the crotch/lap test
You’ve come a long way!
Yes and still improving =)
Love it!
=)
Great video
Thank you, check out the channel and there is lots more to come =)
I bought the 1960 T-bird in 1968 when I was a Junior in high school....a really perfect one for, like $700. But it was embarrassing to drive as 1968 cars looked far more modern and shapely, like the 1968 Camaro our school used for driver training. My car looked like some sort of 1950s rocket ship, weighed a ton (2 tons nearly), and handled like an old man car. Notice in the video at 10:15 the poor gap fit of the trunk. Mine did exactly the same thing. I could only stand it for 6 months and sold the lead sled. Sadly, it was pink (Desert Rose) which didn't help.
Cars back then had door gaps panel gaps it was in their character
Went from coil springs to leaf springs in '59 to aid the handling.
Thank you for sharing that awesome information =)
You mean from leaf to coil?
@@wizzard5442 Coil to leaf to gain more stability.
@@bobmarker6812 Putting aside the handling/stability argument, the 58 model was actually coil, replacing the leaf of the previous model.
@@wizzard5442 True. The '58 was an entirely different car going to a unit body, coil springs and 4 seats, then in '59 went to leaf springs.
I like all things Thunderbird. I have had five and loved them. My favorite is the 67/71, then 72/73, 61/63. 1983/1986 were the sweet spot for me. Never cared for the Aero Bird from 87/88. Liked the 1989 through 1993. Hated the motorized sest belts though. The 1994/97 looked bloated with the 94 restyle. In 1997 Ford really cheaped out and gave the 97 Thunderbird Ford Taurus gauges. The 1980 through 1982 is the generation that Ford probably would like to forget, I know i would. They were ugly.
What about 55/57? I think those years are my favorite... nothing sounds like a y block very distinctive sound. I like the styling of the bullet birds as well not saying the other ones aren’t cool need to check them out as well.
@@What.its.like. I'm a fan of the 55/57 for sure. They are beautiful cars. My father was a body and fender guy and he restored a 1957 for a friend at our house in the mid seventies. So this car was part of the family for two years. So out of those years my favorite is the 57.
Stay tune there’s one coming
Bought a 1960 T Bird in 1966, a very nice car I thought, for about $600 I think. The guys I car pooled with for work made fun of it, not a very cool car for an 18 year old guy, so I sold it, peer pressure, and bought a 1960 Chevy Impala coupe which fit in better at the local drive in.
That’s crazy to think this car at one point was uncool... that you for sharing that story.. I forgot to mention when I sat in the car the steering wheel was too big it was hitting my thighs with the seat al the way down
There are many things that are not correct on this 1960 thunderbird. The engine is not correct, the 1960 T-Bird came with a 352 cu. in. engine as standard, all had yellow valve covers that said Thunderbird, with a White air cleaner, the optional engine was a 430 cu. in. with Black valve covers that said nothing because this engine was also used in the Lincoln Continental and the 1958 Mercury as the top of the line Marauder engine putting out a whopping 400 hp. The 1st American car to offer 400 hp.
The leather interior is also not correct. The leather interior in 1960 Thunderbirds was two tone with buttons in the seats , door panels, and rear quarter panels.
Thank you so much for those corrections =) and added information
I keep thinking; "two tone body paint". ;-)
When I was a small child (aged four) one of our neighbors owned a '59 model. I loved that car! And to me, even at that age, it made my father's '54 Buick look all the more staid and downright ugly!
It’s crazy how cars can make other cars look, I saw a Bugatti veyron on a post and to me that car did not age well.. that 54 Buick on the other hand 59 t bird timeless designs
the T-Bird that merged the last of the 50s styling into the 60s...after this 1 they were definitely 1960s.
Regarding the Speed Indicator - Maybe because it is a Thunderbird could it be a bird tail?
Not my favorite TB . But this one is a beautiful car.
The 352 was a FE. It was not a Y-block.
Yeah thank you for that correction =)
Tube sets gave a rich tonality missing in transistor sets.
Awesome information ☺️
WHEN did the Thunderbird removable hardtop with porthole windows in it - come out? 70? 71?
55-57
I had one in 1964, sorriest car I ever owned it rusted and the cam bearings turn on it at 65000 miles gave it away to a guy who scraped it
Every auto manufacturer has made a lemon at one time or another. Hence recalls (or worse). I owned a ‘59 Edsel Corsair two door hardtop. Incredibly tough vehicle - it just never seemed to ‘get tired’ . I sold it in 1979, still in great shape. There were others, Thunderbirds included, that couldn’t get out of their own way. A friend’s Dad bought a ‘39 Mercury new. Everything that could go wrong with a car, did. He finally traded it in on an Oldsmobile. There are as many car stories , good and bad, as there are car owners…
I remember discussing the 1958-1960 T-birds with my brother-in-law in about 1974. I agreed with him then that they were "the ugliest cars ever built", and that they often appeared in garish colors like pink and turquoise. Of course today I have a much higher appreciation for them since you never see any now. In 1974 there still were rusty ones driving around, in lousy condition.
Well u seem to be rushing it a bit but you did a good job overall so slow down and check your facts from more than one source, might want to add some recent cars for sale as to what they are selling for, I owned one for a short time and they can get rusty for sure like any car, pretty much dont even think about car collecting unless you have a real dry , rodent free garage. Today maybe a great choice as very classy and not too big compared to some luxo cars and of course the interior blows most of them out of the water, a great comfortable cruiser.
Awesome thank you so much for the information =) honest I shot this video in two different days and one day I got back home from something and it was late and that’s why I was talking kind of slow I couldn’t match that expression I’m trying to be passionate in it it sounded like I was being in the beginning it kind of sounded a little dry so I wanted to add some enthusiasm to my voice but I didn’t wanna go back and redo all of that other stuff that was previous...
@@What.its.like. Enthusiasm has to be genuine. If you have to force it, it is better just to report without it.
To be honest I had a really bad day that day but need to get a video done for the channel it was later didn’t want to wake anyone.. I’m a glass is half full type of person so the next day I was fine I should have done it all in one take.. but didn’t.
352 and the 390 are both FE blocked engines
I had a 60 BIRD just like this one, bought it in 71, 48k miles, had it 5 hours, a driver,crashed a stop sign, T-boned me, totalled the car, bummer,,,,, $2,800.00 down the drain,,,,,,,,,,
Wow I’m sorry for your loss, but everyone was ok from the crash? Cars can be replaced people can’t.
Does that centre console suggest the T bird was available with a 3 or 4 on the floor transmission option?
Thank you for bringing that up I totally forgot to talk about the transmission for some reason there was two transmissions available at three speed with overdrive and Ford‘s cruise O-Matic I’m not sure if the stick shift was a column shift or if it was in the center consul I think it was a stick shift in the center consul on the floor but I’m not 100% certain
Nope. Column shift.
Awesome thank you for that Information
Three on the tree, with overdrive friend had a 59 in 1966
It was a luxury car with auto transmission. Besides, this car was marketed to my parents generation, who started driving in the late 1930's when column shifters were considered "new tech". My dad's first car was a 1940 Buick Super convertible. Mine was a 1966 VW Bug (the 1966 1300 "Bonzo" model).
Interesting as this was a luxury car. Adjusted for inflation that would not be in the luxury car price range....Toyota Camrys can cost that much these days
Very interesting =) thanks for pointing that out
Adjusting for inflation is not a true indicator of what the current price would be. Added standard equipment, safety features, electronics and government mandates would all have to be added. That $3755 did not even include a heater, seatbelts or side view mirror. If you add the options listed that would come as standard equipment now you would be at about $5622 or $53,858.76 which would be closer. Then add the additional safety and other required equipment and improvements and you would likely be well into the $70,000 range.
@@falcon664 What is your basis for the cost of the " safety and other required equipment and improvements"?
@@turnne All of the federally mandated safety equipment, pollution controls and mileage requirements that were added between 1960 and today. And, the engineered changes to engines, transmissions, ignition, fuel and exhaust systems, lighting, brakes and body structure, (e.g. crumple zones), that have been necessary to meet those requirements. None of those are in the 1960 Thunderbird.
@@falcon664 Well...and there have been more efficient methods of manufacturing that are less expensive , just for inflation, as well as Chinese parts sourcing etc
So I get something are cheaper and others are more expensive
My question was what basis did you have for assigning a dollar value to the safety items etc?
Uni body with a frame. Good thing McNamara was called away from Ford. He probably would've done to Ford what he did to Viet Nam.
I don't think all the trim and side is aluminum. I took the glove box front off from a 1960 Thunderbird and it weighs about 5 lb
Secretary of Defence.
Thank you for the correction
McNamara was Secretary of Defense under Kennedy and Johnson.
I'm confused with your math isn't it $1 in 1960 is $9 today,what costs a dollar today would have cost 10 cents back then
Here is the conversion calculator that Was used
www.in2013dollars.com/us/inflation/1949?amount=1539
Number one McNamara was Secretary of Defense not Secretary of State two the rear window is not called the windshield it's called the rear window three the grill is only used for the front of the car
The rear window is also called the backlight.
58 59 60 same unibody 61 62 63 same unibody 64 65 66 same unibody
No F ing ash trays in my car !
McNamara was Sec of Defense.
Robert Strange McNamara was the Secretary of Defense not State.
Yeah I wrote a script and still said it wrong thanks for the correction =)
He was a strange one alright. Later in life demoaned the no-win hold-off strategy in Vietnam but never took a bit of responsibility for it.
Dual chamber master brake cylinder? What the...???
I know I thought the same thing when I saw it...
@@What.its.like.
It would appear the braking system has been upgraded.
1960 Wagner electric company which studebaker later bought out right before going under was the first company to patent dual master brake cylinder. I also saw that in 1962 Cadillac had two hydraulic single master cylinders the fronts were tied into one master cylinder where is the rears were tied into another one... One failed we’ll still have the other one in theory.
Apparently a 1967 the federal government stepped in and made it a mandatory requirement to have dual master cylinders on all cars moving forward because evidently there was some 40,000 brake related accident that happened every year. Here is the link that I got the information from because it’s very interesting it shows the first set of different things we take for granted now.
www.secondchancegarage.com/public/history-of-automotive-brakes-1.cfm
@@What.its.like. Cadillac and American Motors introduced Tandem master cylinders in 1962. Studebaker in 1963. Ford changed when required in 1967.
McNamara was Sect. of Defence, not State. Lose the sign-off.
That’s going to be my thing what’s wrong with Toodeloo yeah I need to make that correction I knew he was Secretary of Defense I write a script and I’m dyslexic so sometimes it morphs into something else
@@What.its.like. Your sign off sounds s0000000000000 ***!
@@johnjuarez8005
Wimpish? Hokey? Cliche?
@@johna.4334 He sounds like Aunt Bea (Google her, if the translation doesn't make sense). A simple "Toodeloo, my friends" might sounds more genuine. Just a thought.
@@What.its.like. Then I suggest you view your video edit before posting so you can catch errors....
No a/c? Someone cheaped out...
That one had power brakes with upgraded dual master cylinder
@@What.its.like. hard to believe these still had vacuum wipers...
McNamara became Secretary of Defense.
Thank you for that correction =)
Ya ruined the video with that tootaloo at end of video mate 🤦♂️
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