I have always owned classic cars since i got my driver's license at 16 in 1972. I just bought my first Thunderbird almost 2 years ago. A 57 Torch Red E Code. I just bought a 63 Sport Roadster Palatial Green. I am enamored with all of the birds from 55 to 66. Yours is a beautiful example of a square bird.
Welcome to the club! I have been fortunate to meet several guys that know everything about those years. Let me know if your need help and I can set you up with their contacts.
The 1960 T-Bird in this video is probably as perfect as it gets, including the tires and wheels. Personally I'd prefer an exact model of it, only a '59 instead. The simpler horizontal bars, side trim and tail lights make it overall a more beautiful car than the '60. I know they went in sets of 3 back then, but if you think about it, the 1961 model fit in with the 1960 full-size cars and new Falcon much more than the '60 T-Bird did.
I grew up next door to a similar white thunderbird. Not entirely sure if it was this specific 1960's model, but the closest thing I've seen to it! My next door neighbor kept it under tarp most of the year.. I wish I would've been able to truly grasp how cool of a car that was before I grew up and moved away. This video brought a lot of nostalgia and good childhood memories playing outside near the thunderbird next to my driveway. Thank goodness a rogue snowball or skateboard never went flying into it, considering it sat outside under tarp most of the time!
Memories from my childhood. That car looks very much like the color on my 2022 Cadillac CT5 V-Series. They call it Rift Metallic. I know the T-Bird whites weren't metallic, but overall look of color is very similar.
"Then in 1958 Ford introduced the FE with 332ci and 352ci (which could also be considered a Y-Type block because of its deep side skirting)". FYI from YBlockGuy.com
I think factory HP claims were engineer air pump calcs without exhaust manifolds, water pumps etc. I had a J model that indicated 135 but probably actually 120-125. I'd have another 430 but no manual trans (mandatory) so have a 59 (favorite), GT 390, T85 OD console shift. long tube headers w/2.5 exhaust w/glass packs at the bumper (thunder also mandatory), rear sway bar, front disk brakes and dealer installed spot light (sometimes have luck). By far the best super cruiser of my collection. The fix for high speed steering is 3-4 degree castor, .05 spacer in steering control valve, tight idler arm and really good 15" tires. MUST WATCH Kristensen 59 thunderbird goodwood.@@cramersclassics
Wow!! My tata had a couple T birds and left one for my uncle in which he has had sitting and rotting away. Pains me to see it sitting and rotting I wish I could work on it. I can’t imagine being able to drive around. I cleaned it out a while back just so I could sit in it and soak the beauty in..
Well I would like to say it was just good looks, but I think the period correct (but not stock) wire wheels make up for the skirts missing. I thinks its nice to show the wire wheel as much as possible. To me the stock hubcaps were less than what the car deserved.
Yes, the stock hub caps were really dismal for such a fancy car. Never understood why Ford would use such a cheap wheel cover. The True Spokes are great but getting hard to find.
A truly beautiful looking car and I love that color, although I must admit I like the '59 model year a little bit better. The main reason? Only one, I was born that year!
That's a great reason to love the Thunderbird! I was born in 1960 along with my car. Funny, it would be 50 years later until I got to restore and drive it. Thanks for watching and subscribing!
@@cramersclassics; 352/300 was a good mill and McNamara had the engineers already detuning the big heavy 430. 1958 was the year for the 430. "Square Bird" forums (that I've looked at) indicate that they haven't found evidence of any Mercury/Lincoln tri-carb/intakes on any 1958 T-Birds.. Those tri-carb air intakes are mid-Tweentieth American Art masterpieces and were going for $2500 years ago, if you can find one.
I just use regular gas. The compression is not high so no need for high octane gas. No additives if you drive it regularly. I use Star Tron fuel stabilizer from Starbrite for the gas if necessary. Can usually be found in a blue bottle at WalMart. Shell Rotella T 30W is what I use for oil. It is for diesel engines and contains some zinc which helps protect the lifters. Or you can add some zinc additive to regular oil.
the pre 1965 engines from most manufacturers did not have hardened valve seats, the fuel we have today would ruin the engine quick, the tetraethyl lead in the fuel cooled the seats and kept them alive. you can either find leaded gas, we used to find it at marina's, they may have it at other places now. or you can have the valve seats replaced with modern hardened seats when you have a valve job done. anyone tells you different you will end up paying the price. don't just take my word for it, check with hemmings they are the experts.
One of the most beautiful cars ever made. My preference would be to leave the looks of the car as original as possible but to replace as much of the archaic technology as I could with modern tech, so as to get a premium drivability and reliability out of the car. Then, instead of putting a mere 491 miles on it in 25 years and just looking at it the rest of the time, I would actually drive the darn thing. Maybe not full time, but quite a bit.
One of the main reasons the engine only has 491 miles, in the 25 years, is that the car sat in the garage, in pieces, for about 20 years. When I moved into the Blue house, most of my money and time went into restoring the house. I was able to drive the car to the new house, but did it in the dead of night, since it really wasn't legally roadworthy. After I finally retired, I started to complete the restoration which took about 3+ years. The car was in body and paint for over a year. I do drive it, but it is limited and a special occasion. 🙂
My neighbor bought a 1960 Tbird when I was 8 years old I told her I loved her car and was going to buy it from her I tried to buy it from her in 1968 when I was 15 and got my license but she was not ready to sell so i bought a 1959 Tbird I found for sale I finally got her to sell it to me in 1988 I still have it the car has 61K original miles
Cars of today are absolutely hideous! This and other beauties from the '60's could be made again but this time they would include the required things like seat belts, air bags etc. The demand would be overwhelming. The car companies wouldn't be able to keep up with the demand.
The 1960 Thunderbird is a beautiful car!
Thank you for sharing.
That is one stunning 1960 Thunderbird. Probably the best one in the world.
The square bird is of my favorite BIRDS
15's look so right on this.
An Incredibly Beauuutiful Car!💕
Only thing I dislike on this car is the missing fender skirts! 👍👏
We remove them on purpose to show off the amazing True Spoke chrome wire wheels and the wide whites!
What a beautiful car. I like the houses on your street.
Love, love, love the T-Birds!
I have always owned classic cars since i got my driver's license at 16 in 1972. I just bought my first Thunderbird almost 2 years ago. A 57 Torch Red E Code. I just bought a 63 Sport Roadster Palatial Green. I am enamored with all of the birds from 55 to 66. Yours is a beautiful example of a square bird.
Welcome to the club! I have been fortunate to meet several guys that know everything about those years. Let me know if your need help and I can set you up with their contacts.
Absolutely beautiful!! reminds me of a '59 my Dad had color and all, I still have the owners manual to it
The 1960 T-Bird in this video is probably as perfect as it gets, including the tires and wheels. Personally I'd prefer an exact model of it, only a '59 instead. The simpler horizontal bars, side trim and tail lights make it overall a more beautiful car than the '60. I know they went in sets of 3 back then, but if you think about it, the 1961 model fit in with the 1960 full-size cars and new Falcon much more than the '60 T-Bird did.
This Thunderbird looks right at home in that neighborhood.
"... AND WE'LL HAVE FUN FUN FUN..."🥰
Until her daddy took her T-bird away.
I grew up next door to a similar white thunderbird. Not entirely sure if it was this specific 1960's model, but the closest thing I've seen to it! My next door neighbor kept it under tarp most of the year.. I wish I would've been able to truly grasp how cool of a car that was before I grew up and moved away. This video brought a lot of nostalgia and good childhood memories playing outside near the thunderbird next to my driveway. Thank goodness a rogue snowball or skateboard never went flying into it, considering it sat outside under tarp most of the time!
So glad you enjoyed watching. Making memories are what these cars are all about!
Memories from my childhood. That car looks very much like the color on my 2022 Cadillac CT5 V-Series. They call it Rift Metallic. I know the T-Bird whites weren't metallic, but overall look of color is very similar.
Fun Fact: Factory AC on cars in 1960 cost about $750 extra. Translating that to today's dollars equals $7,112 extra for AC!
Absolutely stunning Birds! 👍🏻
Nicest I’ve ever seen! Factory Air too! 352 engines were NOT Y Blocks.
"Then in 1958 Ford introduced the FE with 332ci and 352ci (which could also be considered a Y-Type block because of its deep side skirting)". FYI from YBlockGuy.com
@@cramersclassics I have to,disagree with whoever wrote that. By that reasoning any V8 could be called a Y Block.
Dream machine...
Awesome TBird!
I had one of these with the optional 430 V8. The speedometer registered 140 and I believe it would do it.
I have mine up to 100 once, could go faster but the steering gets a little nervous.....
I think factory HP claims were engineer air pump calcs without exhaust manifolds, water pumps etc. I had a J model that indicated 135 but probably actually 120-125. I'd have another 430 but no manual trans (mandatory) so have a 59 (favorite), GT 390, T85 OD console shift. long tube headers w/2.5 exhaust w/glass packs at the bumper (thunder also mandatory), rear sway bar, front disk brakes and dealer installed spot light (sometimes have luck). By far the best super cruiser of my collection. The fix for high speed steering is 3-4 degree castor, .05 spacer in steering control valve, tight idler arm and really good 15" tires. MUST WATCH Kristensen 59 thunderbird goodwood.@@cramersclassics
A tube set in 1960, probably one of the last.
Those have a richer tonality than the less expensive solid state radios soon to come.
I believe the radio is solid state audio. 12v tube rf stages I have a 59
Wow!! My tata had a couple T birds and left one for my uncle in which he has had sitting and rotting away. Pains me to see it sitting and rotting I wish I could work on it. I can’t imagine being able to drive around. I cleaned it out a while back just so I could sit in it and soak the beauty in..
How did he he win without the rear fender skirts?
Well I would like to say it was just good looks, but I think the period correct (but not stock) wire wheels make up for the skirts missing. I thinks its nice to show the wire wheel as much as possible. To me the stock hubcaps were less than what the car deserved.
This is a great looking squarebird. I prefer the 62 but this is done in the best taste. The wire wheels really make it pop.
Yes, the stock hub caps were really dismal for such a fancy car. Never understood why Ford would use such a cheap wheel cover. The True Spokes are great but getting hard to find.
@@cramersclassics I believe those are Kelsey Hayes. I assume those are oem old stock?
@@HiPlains1 The wheels are a Kelsey Hayes copy. They come from Truespoke.com
A truly beautiful looking car and I love that color, although I must admit I like the '59 model year a little bit better. The main reason? Only one, I was born that year!
That's a great reason to love the Thunderbird! I was born in 1960 along with my car. Funny, it would be 50 years later until I got to restore and drive it. Thanks for watching and subscribing!
What engine?
I can't see the lettering on the air cleaner.
This one has a 352, the 430 was an option. Thanks for watching, please subscribe!
@@cramersclassics; 352/300 was a good mill and McNamara had the engineers already detuning the big heavy 430.
1958 was the year for the 430.
"Square Bird" forums (that I've looked at) indicate that they haven't found evidence of any Mercury/Lincoln tri-carb/intakes on any 1958 T-Birds..
Those tri-carb air intakes are mid-Tweentieth American Art masterpieces and were going for $2500 years ago, if you can find one.
I'm in the processing buying one. What type of gas do you put in it and do you need to add an additive?
I just use regular gas. The compression is not high so no need for high octane gas. No additives if you drive it regularly. I use Star Tron fuel stabilizer from Starbrite for the gas if necessary. Can usually be found in a blue bottle at WalMart. Shell Rotella T 30W is what I use for oil. It is for diesel engines and contains some zinc which helps protect the lifters. Or you can add some zinc additive to regular oil.
the pre 1965 engines from most manufacturers did not have hardened valve seats, the fuel we have today would ruin the engine quick, the tetraethyl lead in the fuel cooled the seats and kept them alive. you can either find leaded gas, we used to find it at marina's, they may have it at other places now. or you can have the valve seats replaced with modern hardened seats when you have a valve job done. anyone tells you different you will end up paying the price. don't just take my word for it, check with hemmings they are the experts.
@@jimmieroan9881 Yes, both cars had their engines rebuilt with hardened valve seats. Today's gas is really poor, especially here in CA.
My 1959 Ford had a runner for antenna also
tunner, not runner
I had the same model and cream color...did an engine rebuilt....the vacuum sys was shit
Luckily, we never use the wipers her in SoCal. Corinthian White is the color. Cheers! -Kirb
Is this the same car on the front of one of the Nickelback albums
One of the most beautiful cars ever made. My preference would be to leave the looks of the car as original as possible but to replace as much of the archaic technology as I could with modern tech, so as to get a premium drivability and reliability out of the car. Then, instead of putting a mere 491 miles on it in 25 years and just looking at it the rest of the time, I would actually drive the darn thing. Maybe not full time, but quite a bit.
One of the main reasons the engine only has 491 miles, in the 25 years, is that the car sat in the garage, in pieces, for about 20 years. When I moved into the Blue house, most of my money and time went into restoring the house. I was able to drive the car to the new house, but did it in the dead of night, since it really wasn't legally roadworthy. After I finally retired, I started to complete the restoration which took about 3+ years. The car was in body and paint for over a year. I do drive it, but it is limited and a special occasion. 🙂
My neighbor bought a 1960 Tbird when I was 8 years old I told her I loved her car and was going to buy it from her I tried to buy it from her in 1968 when I was 15 and got my license but she was not ready to sell so i bought a 1959 Tbird I found for sale I finally got her to sell it to me in 1988 I still have it the car has 61K original miles
Wonderful story John! Can you post some pictures?
Cheers!
Kirby
Me gusta el carro está muy bonito
For the 1958-1966 Thunderbirds MANY people mistakenly always drive in D2, or the white dot instead of the green dot.
134 works same as 12 just use the new oil 😊 ive subd without oil replacement w no effects on 85 chrysler had spare compressor
Kirby! I just noticed your legs almost match that t-bird. Dreamy cream. Maybe it’s the t-bird that matches the gams. Will we ever know?
Must be a little overspray :-)
I don’t see any varicose veins on the t-bird.
Duel braking became standard on all cars in 1968.
A friend of mine recently bought a 1960 square bird with 86 K on it. All original including white paint. Paid 30K for it.
A 352 was not a Y block. It was a FE block, same as 332 through 428.
Oh to have today's money back then. Vintage Price is Right retail just under $4,500.
Some people only made $4500 per year for full time work back then.
the 352 is NOT a "Y block." Wrong name, After 1957, no T-bird came equipped with a Y block
Y blocks were 272 292 and 312 . 332 352 390 and up were FE blocks ...
There was a merc with a bigger than 312 y block. 368 cu also was 383 in 57 may not be y though
58 69 and 60
I like this Thunderbird , how this Thunderbird cost
Please call
Thanks a lot dearest
👍🏻🏴🇬🇧
not a y block, 332-352-390-406-427- were fe engines
You're correct!
Cars of today are absolutely hideous! This and other beauties from the '60's could be made again but this time they would include the required things like seat belts, air bags etc. The demand would be overwhelming. The car companies wouldn't be able to keep up with the demand.
There are so many parts on these cars it would take a complete re-engineering, but it would be awesome!