The next year, 1959, saw a jump to more than 57,000 coupes and a whopping 10,200 convertibles. Production of the 1958 coupe vindicated the larger-car version with more than 35,700 seeing production, and the companion convertible contributed more than 2,100 additional sales. Since production stood at more than 16,000 units for 1955, slipped several hundred for 1956, but rebounded to more than 21,0, officials hoped the 1958 version would set the pace for an increase in future Thunderbird demand. For 1959, Thunderbird made a shift to rear leaf springs as the air idea dissipated. The 1958 version cushioned riders with rear coil spring suspension, which was expected to be part of an air suspension system that never came to pass. The Lincoln version - with 430 cubic inches - was in store for the 1959 Thunderbird. What was standard on that 1958 Thunderbird was a large, big-block eight of 352 cubic inches. Construction for the 1958 was unit-body form, a trendy move engulfing the thinking of American car companies at that time.ġ958 Thunderbird Morning Star show car with unique wheel covers and a pleated headliner. The Thunderbird’s wheelbase was stretched to 113 inches, nearly a foot longer than its original 102-inch span. The car was also to be offered as a convertible. In its place was a fixed, square-topped coupe that made the car look like a two-passenger car at a quick glance. Gone was the rounded and removable hardtop of the 1955-1957 design. Single headlamps became duals while the frontal appearance still echoed the first generation T-Bird. In contrast to the first-generation Thunderbird design, its features were bolder, larger and deeply sculpted in metal. Granted, the new Thunderbird also carried sporty exterior lines that set it apart from other Ford products of the era. The Thunderbird for 1958 was redesigned in concept to be a four-passenger vehicle with front bucket seats split by a console, and individual seating positions for the rear seat passengers. 1960 Thunderbird with the rare, optional sunroof and Kelsey-Hayes wire wheels.

1958 ford thunderbird