Promo model: 1960 Ford Thunderbird

Here’s a quick question and I bet only the T’bird geeks will get it. Geeks in a good way. The T’bird might not have happened at all. Henry Ford II came up with a 2-seat concept and it was called the Vega! Wonder what Chevy would have had to come up with a name for their Vega? Henry’s had meager power, European looks, and cost, so it never proceeded to production. The Thunderbird was similar in concept, but would be more American in style, more luxurious, and less sport-oriented and it became an instant hit. Although the Thunderbird had been considered a rousing success, Ford executives felt that the car’s position as a two-seater restricted its sales potential. The car was redesigned as a four-seater for 1958. Though retaining a design as a two-door hardtop coupe/convertible, the new Thunderbird was considerably larger than the previous generation, with a longer 113.0 inches (2,870 mm) wheelbase to accommodate the new back seat.

Back in the day all the auto makers gave away promotional models ether to a potential customer or one who had just bought the car. My in-laws bought a 1960 Thunderbird and received the promo model you see here. Considering this car is 46 years old, it’s not in bad shape. All the chrome looks good and there are no scratches on the body however there is some warping, typical for cars made of this era. Finding one which is mint is going to be really tough to find and if you do, be prepared to open up you wallet. I have seen 1960’s like this going on eBay for up to $125 and has low at $60. It’s going to depend on how much warping but they will all have the same in the front and back. There is also a convertible front and in the back. There was also aand those will go for slightly more again depending on the condition. On those, as with others, besides the warping look for broken window posts and if all the chrome is there.