Ford Thunderbird (second generation)

Ford Thunderbird
Second Generation
Overview
ManufacturerFord Motor Company
Also calledSquare Bird
ProductionDecember 1957–1960
Model years1958–1960
AssemblyUnited States: Wixom Assembly Plant, Wixom, Michigan
DesignerJoe Oros
Body and chassis
ClassPersonal luxury car
Body style
LayoutFront-engine, rear-wheel-drive
Chassisunibody
Powertrain
Engine
  • 352 cu in (5.8 L) FE V8
  • 430 cu in (7.0 L) MEL V8
Transmission
Dimensions
Wheelbase112 in (2,845 mm)
Length205.4 in (5,217 mm) [1]
Width77 in (1,956 mm)
Curb weight3,957 lb (1,795 kg)
Chronology
PredecessorFord Thunderbird (first generation)
SuccessorFord Thunderbird (third generation)

The second generation Ford Thunderbird (also called Square Bird[2][3][4][5]) was produced by Ford for the 1958 to 1960 model years as a successor to the popular 1955–1957 two-seater. In response to Ford-conducted surveys two major changes were made to attract potential buyers: two rear seats were added and the level of luxury and features of a full-sized car were incorporated into a mid-size platform.

As a result, sales soared and the new model dramatically expanded the personal luxury car market, winning the Motor Trend Car of the Year in 1958. Sales totalled 198,191 [6] over three model years, approximately four times that of the earlier two seat model. [7]

Along with the 1958 Lincolns, the 1958 Thunderbird was the first Ford Motor Company vehicle designed with unibody construction.

  1. ^ Flory, Jr., J. "Kelly" (2008). American Cars, 1946-1959 Every Model Every Year. McFarland & Company, Inc., Publishers. ISBN 978-0-7864-3229-5.
  2. ^ "The Autocar: A Journal Published in the Interests of the Mechanically Propelled Road Carriage". 1984.
  3. ^ "Cars and Parts". January 1996.
  4. ^ "Sports Car Market magazine - May 2008".
  5. ^ Mike Bumbeck (February 2011). "Four-Place Ford Thunderbird - Big Square 'Bird was th - Hemmings Motor News". Hemmings.com.
  6. ^ Dunton,Pete (27 January 2017). "1958-1960 Ford Thunderbird – the Square Bird". oldcarmemories.com. Retrieved 24 August 2020.
  7. ^ Mueller, Mike; Batio, Christopher (1999). Thunderbird Milestones. MotorBooks/MBI Publishing. p. 38. ISBN 978-0-7603-0474-7. Retrieved July 31, 2015.

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