The design was one of two proposals, styled primarily by Joe Oros, who later worked on the 1964 Ford Mustang. The design was driven entirely by the styling department and approved before the engineering was considered. The new Thunderbird had a distinct new styling theme. As a result, Ford executives decided to add a rear seat to the Thunderbird. Market research suggested sales of the Thunderbird were limited by its two-seat configuration, making it unsuitable for families. As a second data point, the Collector Car Market Review Online Tool reveals the seller’s asking price falls between this guide’s #4 “Fair” estimate of $13,925 and its #3 “Good” appraisal of $22,050.Īlthough Ford’s original 1955-1957 Ford Thunderbird outsold Chevrolet’s Corvette, Ford executives, particularly Robert McNamara, still felt its overall sales volume had room to improve. Comparing that price against the Hagerty Insurance Online Valuation Tool confirms the private seller has their Square Bird priced below this guide’s #4 “Fair” (Daily Driver) estimate of $20,100. While hardtop Squarebirds always looked a little bulky for our tastes, the convertible model with its clean top-down look is a completely different bird as illustrated by this Acapulco Blue over tan leather 1960 example originally listed in November 2021 on Craigslist in Southern Vermont.Ī driver-quality car featuring a non-working top and in need of other adjustments, the current caretaker has their Square Bird offered for $16,500.

With sales totaling near 200,000 units over three model years between 19, Ford sold approximately four times as many Square Birds as the original Baby Birds. The pictures, description, and asking price all remain the same.ĭespite widespread complaints at the time in 1958, when Ford turned the second generation Thunderbird into a four-seat car the sale numbers spoke for themselves. NovemUpdate – The private seller just replaced their original expiring Craigslist ad from the end of September with an updated listing. DecemUpdate – We just confirmed the listing for this “Classifind” expired, so with no replacement found we’re assuming this ride “Sold?” While this one got away, please reach out either by email or call us directly if you’d like to be informed when we come across something similar.

60 thunderbird for sale