1960 Ford Thunderbird

The 1960 Ford Thunderbird marked the final flight of the second-generation Square Bird, the four-seat personal luxury car that transformed the Thunderbird from a sporty two-seater into a full-scale American success story. Ford produced 92,843 Thunderbirds for 1960, but big-engine convertibles represented only a small slice of that total. This factory triple-black J-code convertible is reported to be one of just 250 examples built in its configuration. Under that broad black hood sits the top-dog powerplant for 1960, a 430ci Lincoln MEL V8 rated at 350 horsepower and a pavement-wrinkling 490 lb-ft of torque. A Carter-style four-barrel feeds the big-inch mill, while the Lincoln Merc-O-Matic MX automatic and highway-friendly 2.91 rear axle turn all that torque into effortless cruising power. The 430 was Thunderbird's premier performance option and was available only with an automatic transmission. Black paint, a black convertible top, and a black leather interior give this Thunderbird the kind of sinister formal presence that never goes out of fashion. Fender skirts, wide whitewall tires, and chrome wire wheels complete the long, low profile, while the triple taillights instantly identify it as the final and most refined Square Bird. The driver-quality finish encourages you to get out and enjoy it instead of treating it like garage furniture. Inside, bucket seats and the signature full-length console deliver the cockpit feel that helped define the personal luxury segment. Factory air conditioning, still using original R12 refrigerant and currently blowing cool but not cold, joins power windows, a power seat, power steering, and a column-shifted automatic. A period spotlight adds another dose of vintage character. With independent ball-joint front suspension, manual brakes, Lincoln muscle, and top-down style, this Thunderbird blends luxury and torque in equal measure. Rarely do you find a factory triple-black convertible with the J-code 430, Lincoln drivetrain, and such an extensive option list. This is big-fin Ford glamour with enough cubic inches to back up every inch of its attitude. Yes - Turn Signals Yes - Tail Lights Yes - Runs Yes - Oil Pressure Gauge Yes - Heater Yes - Fuel Gauge No - Air Conditioning Yes - Wipers Yes - Temperature Gauge Yes - Speedometer No - Radio Yes - Horn Yes - Headlights Yes - Brake Lights