Ford Thunderbird (second generation)
The second generation Ford Thunderbird (also called Square Bird) 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.
| Ford Thunderbird Second Generation | |
|---|---|
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Ford Motor Company |
| Also called | Square Bird |
| Production | December 1957–1960 |
| Model years | 1958–1960 |
| Assembly | United States: Wixom Assembly Plant, Wixom, Michigan |
| Designer | Joe Oros |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Personal luxury car |
| Body style |
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| Layout | Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive |
| Chassis | unibody |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | |
| Transmission |
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| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 112 in (2,845 mm) |
| Length | 205.4 in (5,217 mm) |
| Width | 77 in (1,956 mm) |
| Curb weight | 3,957 lb (1,795 kg) |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Ford Thunderbird (first generation) |
| Successor | Ford Thunderbird (third generation) |
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 over three model years, approximately four times that of the earlier two seat model.
Along with the 1958 Lincolns, the 1958 Thunderbird was the first Ford Motor Company vehicle designed with unibody construction.