1959 Ford Thunderbird

This 1959 Ford Thunderbird is a mid-year, second-generation coupe that has covered 3,000 miles since receiving a Ford 390ci FE engine in place of its original 352. Along with the engine replacement, a handful of other maintenance items were addressed, including attention given to the fuel system, brakes, suspension, and the engine itself. Aftermarket wheels are also fitted, but a number of items have yet to be addressed, including a low-speed stumble, bodywork, nonfunctional instruments, a cracked window, and a radio that doesn't work, among more. This 1959 Thunderbird is offered on a clear Washington title in the seller's name.

Finished in a color resembling factory-offered and Thunderbird-exclusive Brandywine Red, the car's exterior features chrome accents on the bumpers, hood scoop, body moldings, and slotted grille as an update to the prior model year. The seller notes that some paint chips can be found around the body, along with some minor rust bubbling near the license plate, a ding on the driver's side door and a rust bubble on the front fender. The left rear bumper is dented and a new, undamaged replacement is included.

New wire wheels have been fitted to black-wall tires as white sidewalls were an optional extra in 1959 along with power brakes and steering. The front drums were converted to discs by the prior owner while the stock drums remain in the rear with all with newly replaced shoes and lines, in addition to new shocks at all four corners. The original hubcaps are included.

The personal luxury treatment the Ford Thunderbird became known for translated to the use of individual front bucket seats which are upholstered in factory-available genuine Tan leather (2Y). The seller mentions the glovebox handle as having been replaced. Noted interior flaws include a cracked passenger window as well as a nonfunctional radio, clock, and fuel and temperature gauges.

Matching Tan leather upholstery is continued on the rear bench seat.

Motivation comes from a swapped Ford FE 390ci V8 which is an evolution of the car's original 352. The 390 was used in the subsequent third, fourth, and fifth generations of the Thunderbird and is mated to the factory Cruise-O-Matic three-speed in this second-generation example. The engine is equipped with all new lifters internally while recently replaced fuel lines and gas tank feed the 2-barrel Motorcraft carburetor. Approximately 3,000 miles have been driven since the engine swap and the only notable issue observed is a random misfire while driving at speeds below 30 mph.

This 1959 Thunderbird is offered for sale with a clean Washington title in the seller's name as well as a replacement rear bumper and original hubcaps.