In my research about 30 years ago, I found that while the sunroofs were made in Europe, Ford took the regular roof panel and cut/pressed the opening in cars ordered with sunroofs, and the sunroof assemblies were installed in the USA. Golde also built all the steel panel sunroofs used in most 1960s thru 1990s German cars, including VW, BMW, Mercedes, Ford of Germany, and more. These were designed and built by Golde Cie. What surprised me, when I did the research on the sunroof before trying to work on it, was it’s European basics. I find it interesting to note that of all the ’60 T-birds I’ve seen with sunroofs, all had factory A/C as well. This one was not electrically powered, and it didn’t have an automatic closing panel if it started to rain. I had one of these T-birds come in for repairs many years ago. If you’re in the market for a square-bird, this example’s restoration, and its spectacular result, makes this 1960 Thunderbird one to consider, wouldn’t you agree? Ford’s instinct around the need to add a backseat was spot on. While many bemoaned the loss of the two-seat, first-generation T-Bird, the second-generation was an unmitigated sales success with about 200K copies finding new homes, and almost half of that number in 1960 alone. A bit ambitious? Maybe on circa 1960 bias-ply tires but statistics of the time peg top-end for this big-motored four-seater at about 120 MPH. To lend a bit to this Thunderbird’s performance aura is the 140 MPH speedometer. The aluminum, stainless trim, and bright gauge surrounds are clearly from a bygone time. What sets cars from this era apart from their modern descendants are the instrument panels. The tan upholstery appears to have been expertly installed and blends perfectly with the center console and door cards. The interior mimics the exterior with its attention to clean and original detail. And yes, it still has its original radio. Along with its three-speed Cruise-O-Matic automatic transmission, this convertible is optioned with power steering, power brakes, and a power top. With only 66K miles on its clock, this ‘Bird should have many miles of authoritative motoring still to enjoy. He also states, that it “ runs and drives great“. The seller lists this car as possessing the optional 430 CI motor but it doesn’t, that’s an error. This T-Bird packs a punch under its hood in the form of the standard 300 HP, 352 CI V8 engine. The tan convertible top, which matches the interior’s shade, offers an attractive contrast to the deep Monte Carlo Red finish. No mention is made regarding the chrome and stainless trim but it has either undergone restoration or has well withstood the test of time. Obviously, this 66K mile Ford was a strong candidate for refurbishment because it has turned out exceptionally well and shows as new. It has a very original bearing about itself but it is not completely “as new” since it has been treated to new paint, interior, and a convertible top. The seller refers to this Thunderbird as “ super straight and rock-solid body“. Additional images are available here on classiccars. It is located in Quincy, Illinois and is available, here on BF Classifieds for $29,500. This Thunderbird is in stock/original condition, as opposed to possessing a hot-rod vibe, and is a beautiful example. Yesterday we took a look at a hot rod “baby-bird” 1955 Ford Thunderbird and today, we’re going to move one generation forward to what is known as the “square-bird” era (’58-’60) and check out a 1960 version.
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