1960 THUNDERBIRD CONVERTIBLE, NATIONAL 1ST PLACE WINNER, ONE-OF-ONE! NONE FINER!

1960 Ford Thunderbird Description

This stunning T-bird convertible has had a recent nut & bolt restoration to world classstandards and is meant for the discriminating enthusiast looking for one of the best and rarest examples available. It's fascinating history, rare combination of color and options, and meticulous concourse restoration make it a highly desirable example of a popular classic.

This is not your average T-bird! Sold new in Southern California, it fell into the hands of a loving collector and Thunderbird enthusiast by the early 1970's who pampered the carand kept the mileage low. Withonly 38,000 miles showing on the original odometer,it was handed down to his niece who put the car in storage until it was purchased for restoration in 2016.It underwent an extensive 1 1/2 year restoration to concours specs with the expressed purpose of creating a National 1st Place Winnerthat could still be driven reliably and enjoyed on the road. The total ground-up restoration was completed this spring and the car has since achieved well deserved recognition by earning 1st place honors in both AACA and ITC National competition.

Details of the fully documented ground up restoration include a list of items too lengthy to itemize, but there is well over $30,000 invested in parts alone. This does not include any labor as most of the work was done by me personally. Everything on the car has been removed, restored & detailed or replaced as needed using the original factory assembly manuals, Ford parts books,and VTCI Original Factory Specifications as a guide. Many parts are New Old Stock which the previous owner began collecting in the 1970's, and original Ford parts were employed whenever possible. This car has basically been re-manufactured and has only been driven about 30 miles since for the purpose of evaluation and fine tuning.

Aside from the super high qualityrestoration, what makes this car stand out from the crowd is the rarity of it's original color combination. This car is one of very few 1960 convertibles ordered from the factory inthe "Z" code Platinum Metallic color withblack leather interior!According to the Thunderbird Registry, as of 9/2017, it is the only documented fully restored example known to exist!

This car has been restored to the way it appeared on the showroom floor with nothing added or deleted. Original equipment includes the 352 V-8 and Cruise-o-matic automatic transmission. All driveline components are original to the car and dated correctly for its July 1960 build date.Factory options include leather seats,power windows, power steering, power brakes,tinted glass,push button radio,dual outside rear view mirrors, fender skirts, wheel cover dress-up kit, backup lights, glove box light, and the seldom seen top warning lamp.

Two optional items worthy ofspecial mention are theoriginal vacuum operated windshield washers and the dual power seats. The complicated washersystem is fully functional thanks to an ultra-rareNOS fan belt poweredgenerator mountedvacuum washer pump. It is one offew 100% operational systems known to still exist!The power passenger seat isso rare and unusual due to the fact that it never appeared in the official factory options list, and therefore very few were ordered at the dealership. Yet the components are mentioned in some original Ford parts books and manuals, and the one in this car is sure to attract attention from those in the know!

Mechanically, the engine and transmission have been professionally rebuilt and detailed right down to the original type hoses and clamps, and accurate placement of the authentic wiring retainers and decals. All colors and details are as original. In fact, the factory transmission pressure test fitting is still present at the rear of the intake manifold above the bell housing!All operational components such as starter, generator, fuel pump, and water pump are rebuilt or brand new. All new fuel, brake and transmission lines have been installed with the correct bends and mounting hardware. The front end components are new and detailed with the correct factory markings.Even the original restored drive shaft displays the correct factory stripe and stenciling!

The interior features correct colors andauthentic detailing with new leather seats and carpet. The original door panels andtrim have been restored throughout. All chrome components have been replated or replaced. Other bright trim has been meticulously restored by hand, buffed and polishing to perfection. All accessories including the power windowshave been rebuilt and are operational. The original AM radio works perfectly and appears 100% original but features a hidden and completely removable FM chip! Very slick!

All trunk compartment and original convertible top components have been restored and detailed to concours standards. The top functionsperfectly in both directions. All weatherstripping has been replaced with new. Genuine burtex trunk mats have been installed instead of the cheaper and non-original vinyl type commonly found in budgetrestorations.The original jack is present and correctly mounted.

The rust free exterior body has been stripped to bare metal and professionallyrefinished in the extremely rare and original Platinum Metallic color by noted Ford specialist Chris Robinson of Ryan, IA. All original chrome pieces including window frames have been replated or replaced with new. All bulbs and lenses are new and all electrical components work perfectly. The windshield is new and all other date codedglass is original to the car and is in excellent condition.

I welcome overseas bidders and will work with export agents as requested. I can personally deliver the vehicle in a fully enclosed trailer anywhere within the U.S.for an agreed upon price. Otherwise I will be happy to assist your driver with loading.

In summary, this beautiful one-of-a-kind vehiclehas been rebuilt to the most exacting standards with an emphasis onauthenticity. It should be seen to be fully appreciated and I welcome the opportunity to show the car to serious buyers or their representatives. The new owner may elect to continue to show it in Concours competition on a National level, or just drive and enjoy this world class vehicle. With its super rare color combinationand fascinating list of optional equipment, this beautiful Squarebird is a proven show stopper of a quality meant for the discriminating enthusiast who demands to stand head and shoulders above the crowd.

About the seller:

I am a published automotive author and historian who has worked in the old car field for40 years. I personally research and individually restore each of my cars to the highest standards before moving on to the next. I am a 100% rated seller and will gladly answer any questions honestly and to the best of my ability so feel free to ask questions and thanks for looking!