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1959 Ford

Thunderbird

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Body Color
Blue
Stock
4432
Engine Size
352 V8
Transmission Type
3 Speed Manual
Vin
H9YH144305
Miles
41,816
Drivetrain
RWD

1959 Ford Thunderbird

1959 Ford Thunderbird  

Ford's Thunderbird spans 11 generations and several thematic and mechanical variations. Keeping them straight, though, isn't that hard because the collective Thunderbird enthusiast community has given each one a nickname. Yes, it's part of the general habit we all have of delving into jargon, which acts as a conversational shorthand, (which is good), but also makes it harder for newbies to understand what the heck everyone is talking about, (which is bad).

For consignment, we give you the second gen bird formally known as the square bird.  This particular car is a rare stock shift on column, with pull lever overdrive, which represents less than 1 percent of the cars produced in 1959. This car was owned by the purchaser in 1959 until 2018, and resided in rust free California.  It is also completely and utterly original. Oh and it has a mere 41K+ miles!!  A rare bird indeed.

Exterior
Stylish yet contemporary, it would fit into any driveway today and look nearly modern. This was the best selling Thunderbird by far, and everyone was complaining about the back seat, but it did not matter. It only made things better. This beauty with straight rust free panels minding their gaps very well, is all bathed in the factory sprayed Diamond Blue. A few minor chips and drips are throughout, but you'll need to have a keen vision to spot them.  For this year, dual headlights are protected by an upper “visor” which float above the big open egg crate chromed smiling grille, all neatly inserted within the bumper. A single gunsight oval adorns the tops of the front fenders which frame wide whites wrapping steel wheels and their turbine style wheel covers, all in sexy polished chrome form. On the hood a small faux hood scoop harkens back to the baby birds and fronts some very clear front wrap around glass swept clean by stainless wipers. On the doors begins the arrow styled bump-out which will eventually grow to become the rear fin. Mid door is a wide trim spear with a script written Thunderbird badge in its center. This fin is angled perfectly to the outside is above the triple round taillights, wrapped below by the big 59's chromed bumper which rises to meet the ovals that house the round taillights, and we will throw in 2 small dagmars that frame the center license plate holder. These tail lights remind the writer of an almost “owl like” appearance but don't ask me why! A somewhat squared off roofline bathed in diamond blue, with a nearly vertical rear glass, and the 3 vents on the back of the rear quarter add to the look of the square bird. No sign of any lower rocker trimming or wheel trimming, however a nice stainless ribbed panel is on the B pillar just above the rear fender, as well as the iconic bird badge.

Interior
A swing of the doors and one begins to appreciate the complexity of the design, and use of various shades of dark and light blue and various materials to nearly the point of overwhelming. A textured light blue lower panel mixes with dark blue smooth vinyl and interplay with aluminum and chrome to create a futuristic look and this is just the armrest. Inside sleek two tone low rounded back buckets with light blue tuck and roll inserts and dark blue smooth bolsters and backs, work to create the look for the interior. A back bench uses the same colorway and pattern. A sleek dark blue and chrome trimmed center console runs through the buckets up to the dash which uses dual squared off “eyebrows” to house the instruments and glovebox. Nice white faced gauges with chrome and gold trim sit within a ribbed shiny dash plate, and an original winged badged center hub blue rimmed steering wheel is in front of the dash. Beautiful original dark blue carpet is covering the floors and shows nicely. Note the futuristic dash center with a radio and just below is a round temp slider aptly coined Select Aire. Other surfaces like the headliner are covered with a vented light blue vinyl which is showing some dirt and soiling but remains tight. The trunk has its original plaid liner which is a bit rough, but a pristine spare is on the ledge underneath the rear glass in the trunk.

DrivetrainWithin an unrestored light blue painted engine bay is the blue block and valve covered 352ci V8.  It has a 4 barrel carb on top and a 3 speed manual with pull lever overdrive on back.  A Ford 9 inch 3.10 rear axle from the factory is on.  The block and hoses are very nice.

Undercarriage
Plenty of patina and surface rust is noted on all surfaces.  Some oil blowback is seen in front, and this car has its original drum braking, and independent coil spring and leaf spring rear suspension still on. Dual exhaust in good condition is on however the consignor states the drivers side manifold does leak.

Drive-Ability
This car fired right up and I was off for my square bird test drive. On the track it performed flawlessly, and I experienced good 300hp acceleration, and bias free braking. I noticed the brake and reverse lights do not illuminate, the horn does not work, and the radio will not turn on.  Also the wipers move but do not cycle.

An AACA documented and awarded HPOF, (Historic Preservation and Original Features Certificate), original build sheet, and extensive records from the original California owner are included. Lastly a set of crystal collector glasses sent to '59 buyers is included with this car. An amazing rare find waiting to be snatched up by a collector or enthusiast that has had a hankering for an original.


H9YH144305

H-352ci V8 4bbl 300hp
9-1959
Y-Wixom, MI Assy Plant
H-Thunderbird Hardtop
144305-Sequential Unit Number


WARRANTY TAG
BODY 63A-Thunderbird Hardtop
COLOR L-Diamond Blue
TRIM 5X-Dark & Light Blue Vinyl
DATE 15E-May 15th Build
TRANS 2-3 Speed Manual
AXLE 3-Ford 9" 3.10 Conventional

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 650 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.