Ford Thunderbird (second generation)

Second generation Ford Thunderbird
1959 Ford Thunderbird convertible
Overview
Manufacturer	Ford
Production	1958–1960
Assembly	Wixom, Michigan Pico Rivera, California Hapeville, Georgia Mahwah, New Jersey
Body and chassis
Body style	2-door hardtop coupe 2-door convertible
Layout	FR layout
Powertrain
Engine	352 cu in (5.8 L) FE V8 430 cu in (7.0 L) MEL V8
Transmission	3-speed manual 3-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	112 in (2,845 mm)
Length	205.4 in (5,217 mm)
Width	77 in (1,956 mm)
Chronology
Predecessor	Ford Thunderbird (first generation)
Successor	Ford Thunderbird (third generation)

The second generation of the Ford Thunderbird was the first personal luxury car, and won Motor Trend Car of the Year in 1958.

It was produced by Ford for the 1958 to 1960 model years. While intended as the successor for the 1955-1957 two-seater, two major changes were made to attract potential buyers. Convertible and fixed-roof pillarless hardtop bodystyles were offered, whereas the first generation models had been available with a detachable glass-fibre hard top and a folding fabric top. Most visibly, the 1958 Thunderbird was nearly two feet longer as Ford had added two rear seats to the vehicle.

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

Although the 1955-1957 Ford Thunderbird had proved successful (in comparison to the Chevrolet Corvette), Ford executives—particularly Robert McNamara—still felt its overall sales volume had room to improve. Market research suggested sales of the Thunderbird were limited by its two-seat configuration, making it unsuitable for families. As a response, Ford executives decided to add a rear seat to the Thunderbird.

The new Thunderbird had a distinct new styling theme. The design was driven entirely by the styling department and approved before the engineering was considered. The design was one of two proposals, styled primarily by Joe Oros, who later worked on the 1964 Ford Mustang. However, the losing proposal, styled by Elwood Engel, would gain its own place in Ford Motor Company history: after minor revisions, it would become the 1961 Lincoln Continental.

The four-seat Thunderbird was designed with unibody construction, eschewing a separate chassis. The intent was to allow the maximum interior space in a relatively small exterior package. The 1958 Thunderbird was only 52.5 inches tall, nearly 9 inches shorter than an average American sedan; the Thunderbird had only 5.8 inches of ground clearance. To accommodate the higher drivetrain tunnel that was required in a lower car, Ford used it as a styling feature, building in a full-length center console featuring ashtrays, switches, and minor controls; as the console divided both seats, the Thunderbird was a true four-passenger vehicle.