1959 Ford T-Bird Convertible with 430 Engine, Survivor Car
59,800 original miles, 2nd owner for 45 years with the history of the usage by first owner.
Rare 430 engine with matching numbers
Power steering, brakes, windows, seat and top
Original Kelsey Hayes wire wheels (Not Re-Pro Version)
Original chrome bumpers
Painted once with Martin Senior Acrylic Enamel, Sanded with #1000 Grit Sand Paper and Buffed. Straight, rust free body.
Interior is all original except the dash pad and carpet
Since purchased by 2nd owner never has been driven in inclement weather and stored in a heated garage
This car has been mechanically and cosmetically pampered it's whole life.
Black rag top replaced original white vinyl. Aluminum exhaust and muffler replaced original. All repairs of normal wear used authentic new old stock or authentic RePro parts.
History of Model
This is an extremely rare 1959 Ford Thunderbird Convertible. It is a number matching 430 with the original three speed Fordomatic transmission.
In 1959 Ford Motor Company wanted to return to NASCAR. In order to qualify to return Ford neeed to sell 50+ cars that were like the ones to be raced off of the Ford showroom floors. Ford put approxiamtley fifteen hundred 430 Lincoln engines in 1959 Ford Thunderbirds and only a small number of these 430 engines were convertibles. The VIN number of the 1959 Thunderbird had a "J" for convertible and a "J" indicating the 430 - 350 door plate, the frame, and the title.
The history surrounding the 1959 Thunderbird 430 is fascinating. In the first Daytona 500 held February 22, 1959, Johnny Beauchamp driving a car of this type was declared the winner. Lee Petty, driving a 1959 Oldsmobile Hardtop protested. Three days later he was shown to be the winner in a photo finish. This Thunderbird is the exact same as the one raced by Beauchamp.
Summary
This is a very rare survivor car with less than 60,000 original miles that was extremely well maintained, never abused and was mostly driven to car shows and leisurely events. It drives beautifully and restoration was only done when needed. The engine compartment has not been restored. The radiator was replaced, carburetor rebuilt. Always with new old stock or approved Re-Pro parts.
Please call me and we can go over the car and it's details point by point. It is located 5 minutes from ABE Airport in Allentown, PA and 1 hour 10 minutes from Newark or Philadelphia International Airports. This T-Bird comes from a family that has collected Classic Thunderbirds for over 40 years and the collection included a '63 Thunderbird Roadster, '55 Bird, '56 Bird and '57 Bird.
Contact David at 610-909-0400 or message sellerwith any questions.
Price:$49,900 negotiable